Quell the Cough
Onion and Garlic
Another potent expectorant combo is onion and garlic. Put soup—especially broth-based soups like chicken noodle—on the menu every night the cough persists and load each soup with garlic and onion. In addition to helping dislodge whatever needs to work its way out of your trachea, the fluids will keep you hydrated and help thin out the mucus, says Dr. Clifford.
Lozenge Sampler
Besides soothing the throat, sucking on a lozenge before bed can give your immune system a boost as well, depending on the flavor you choose. Menthol, which is made from a refined form of peppermint oil, helps as a cough suppressant, says Dr. Clifford. Or, slippery elm is another option, which protects mucous membranes. You also can't go wrong with lozenges that contain vitamin C and zinc since both help fight infection and are anti-inflammatory, she notes.
Herbal Rub
Another way to breathe in eucalyptus (or other essential oils that can ease coughing) throughout the night is to make a simple DIY herbal rub and apply on the chest, says Dr. Clifford. Just combine 4 tablespoons ofcoconut oil with two drops of an essential oil, such as eucalyptus, sage, rosemary or peppermint.
Steam Inhalation
One of the best ways to ease a cough before bedtime is to try steam inhalation, suggests Dr. Sumit Srivastava, MD, who works with Icliniq, an online medical consultation platform. Take a steam shower or create a DIY steamer (pour boiling water into a bowl, lean over with a towel draped over your head and breathe deeply). Give these treatments a try for at least three to five minutes, he suggests, which will help break up mucus and congestion.
Honey and Ginger
For those over 1 year old, here's a quick and effective "cough syrup" to make before bed: Grate a tablespoon of fresh ginger and combine with honey, suggests Dr. Srivastava. Both ginger and honey have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties and are safer alternatives to over-the-counter medicines, particularly for children under the age of four, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Breathe Deep
It may not sound like the fanciest remedy of the bunch, but should you find yourself experiencing a coughing fit in the middle of the night, just doing some deep breathing may do the trick. The reason? "Taking slow, deep breaths helps to overcome a cough as diaphragmatic irritation or vagus stimulation [a nerve located in the neck] is reduced," Dr. Srivastava explains. Place your hands on your stomach and focus on making that area expand as you breathe into your diaphragm as opposed to doing shallow, chest breathing.
