It’s sniffle season and if you’re either laid up with the latest bug, recovering from the office virus, or feel something coming on, you’re well acquainted with the misery of winter illness.

Perhaps part of the whole sickness deal for you, or those around you, is a fairly productive and disruptive cough. Though we do need to cough to clear our air passages, a good cough can be hard to live with and hard to be around. Sometimes, for the sake of your rest, or the sake of your loved ones, you need a cough suppressant. Natural medicine expert Suzy Cohen, RPh is a firm believer that coughs can be handled well through 9 “amazing” natural means as opposed to a trip to the pharmacy. Here’s here a few on her list of cough suppressants found at the whole foods store:

  1. Honey with Coffee

Grandma has been using honey to soothe a cough for years. Because it works. A couple of  spoonfuls combined with black coffee has been shown to be as effective as a steroid treatment.

  1. Ginger

Ginger is an ancient remedy and superior antioxidant used to treat conditions like  asthma, migraines, bronchitis and more. Whether crushed and combined with water, lemon, made into a tea, or for steam inhalation you’ll see results.  

  1. Natural Vapor/Chest Rub

The chemicals used in store-bought menthol rubs decrease cough symptoms but contain too many chemicals that may cause other problems. Fortunately, you can make your own natural variety. Suzy offers the following recipe:

½ Cup Coconut Oil

¼ Cup Beeswax

15 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil

15 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil

15 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

10 Drops Thyme Essential Oil or Lemon

5 Drops Frankincense Oil

The linked article provides a wealth of other natural cough suppressant options too. Ms. Cohen

reminds us to invest in prevention as well as these cures. Wash your hands often, use wipes for door handles and shopping carts, and beef up your diet with more antiviral foods.

Read the full article here: 9 Amazing Natural Cough Suppressants to Shut You Up