We’ve all been there—the dry, persistent cough that just won’t let up. You’re trying to get through your day, but every few minutes, you’re hit with another fit of coughing. It can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and downright exhausting. And let’s face it, no one wants to spend hours hunched over a cup of tea or swallowing pills hoping for relief.
Luckily, my grandmother shared a simple, no-fuss remedy with me that can calm a cough in under two minutes. I’ve used it countless times, and it works every single time. Let me walk you through it—and explain why it works so well.
The Magic Remedy: Ginger and Honey
This powerful combination has been around for centuries, praised for its ability to ease throat irritation and suppress a stubborn cough. But there’s a secret to making it work even better—a little trick my nana taught me.
What You’ll Need:
– 1 tablespoon of raw honey
– 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger juice (or a small slice of fresh ginger)
How to Make It:
1. Prepare the Ginger: If you’re using fresh ginger, grate a small piece and squeeze out the juice using a spoon or your fingers. You should aim for about a teaspoon of ginger juice. If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use ginger powder, though the fresh version tends to work better.
2. Mix with Honey: Take a tablespoon of raw honey (the thicker and less processed, the better) and mix it with the ginger juice. Stir it gently to combine.
3. Sip Slowly:The key here is to sip the mixture slowly. Let the honey and ginger coat the back of your throat as you swallow. Don’t rush it; let it settle in and work its magic.
Why This Trick Works
Both honey and ginger have properties that make them incredibly effective in soothing a cough.
1. Honey: The Natural Cough Suppressant
Honey is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a powerful, natural remedy for coughs. It works by forming a thick coating on the throat, which helps calm irritation and suppress the urge to cough. Plus, honey has antibacterial properties that help fight off any bacteria causing discomfort in your throat. It’s also a humectant, meaning it draws moisture in, helping keep your throat hydrated and reducing the dry, scratchy feeling that often triggers coughing.
2. Ginger: The Anti-Inflammatory Wonder
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial powerhouse. It’s been used for centuries to treat sore throats and coughs, as it helps reduce inflammation and clear up congestion. Ginger also contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to help reduce coughing by relaxing the airways. In other words, ginger helps calm your irritated throat and reduce the intensity and frequency of coughing.
Maximizing the Benefits
While this simple remedy works wonders on its own, here are a few additional tips to get the most out of it:
Use Raw, Unprocessed Honey: The more natural the honey, the better. Look for raw, organic honey, which retains more nutrients and healing properties than the processed versions.
Ginger Tea Boost: If you have more time, try making a warm ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Add the honey after the tea has cooled slightly for added soothing effects. This can be especially helpful before bed to prevent nighttime coughing.
Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Keeping your throat moist and hydrated will help prevent irritation and ease your symptoms faster.
–Repeat as Needed: You can take this remedy up to three times a day, especially if you’re feeling that persistent tickle in your throat.
Why Nana’s Remedy is Better Than Store-Bought Cough Syrups
Sure, over-the-counter (OTC) cough syrups can provide temporary relief, but they often come with side effects like drowsiness or upset stomach. Many store-bought remedies also only mask the cough, rather than address the underlying irritation. My nana’s ginger and honey trick is completely natural, with no chemicals or artificial ingredients. It’s a gentle yet effective way to calm your throat without any unwanted side effects. Plus, it’s easy and inexpensive—you probably already have honey and ginger in your kitchen.
Next time that tickle in your throat starts to turn into a full-blown cough, try this simple, time-tested remedy. With just two ingredients and two minutes of your time, you can experience almost instant relief. It’s natural, it’s effective, and it’s a remedy that’s stood the test of time. Give it a try, and you might find yourself reaching for ginger and honey instead of that bottle of cough syrup next time a cough strikes!