Home remedies for coughs can ignore underlying issues – speak to a doctor instead

Temporary relief vs cures

A cough is your body’s natural response to irritation of the throat or airways. Coughs vary in type, determining how long they last and whether mucus is produced. It is a reflex, meaning it happens without conscious effort.

Coughs are most often caused by colds and flu, allergic reactions to irritants such as dust, pollen or pet hairs, and reactions to breathing in smoke.

As treatment, the National Health Service, the UK’s government-funded healthcare system, recommends drinking enough water and taking over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the cough is causing mild pain.

Some of the ingredients mentioned in the post can provide limited relief. For example, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in traditional medicine to relieve sore throats. But other experts warn that too much ginger can have side effects, including causing a sore throat, instead of relieving it.

Honey has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help fight the tiny organisms that cause illness, such as strep throat and colds. However, a 2017 review of various medical research reports found that honey had the minimum required antimicrobial properties, not enough to make a significant impact in fighting infections.

Like most citrus fruits, lemon juice contains vitamin C, which is good for the immune system. It is used in traditional medical care across different cultures for various illnesses, including relieving pain from a sore throat and treating colds. However, this does not mean that it can cure colds. 

“The idea that vitamin C can prevent colds became popular in the 1970s, but research has largely debunked this myth,” reads a 2025 article published by Harvard University’s School of Medicine. The article went on to state that it has the potential to slightly lessen the severity of cold symptoms.

Not all coughs are the same

While the post shows different types of coughs, such as those caused by throat irritation or those that occur at night, a cough may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue.

According to a 2022 medical article, coughing can be difficult to treat because some serious respiratory illnesses can present as coughing. It also says the causes of coughing can differ between people and even within different population groups, meaning treatment must be tailored to the individual experiencing it.

Underlying causes of coughing include upper respiratory tract infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease, severe acute respiratory syndrome and tuberculosis. 

Professional care is important

Africa Check has investigated several natural cures for coughs, from claims that “pineapple juice is 500% more effective for coughs” than medication to posts endorsing a tea made of onions and apple as a remedy. 

Experts have previously told us that, because coughs can sometimes be caused by underlying health conditions or allergies, the correct course of action is to visit a doctor. 

According to Harvard University’s School of Medicine: “Many chronic coughs have more than one contributor, so doctors don't just look to the airway or lungs to unearth the cause.”