Paroxysmal Cough
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Natural Remedies for a Paroxysmal Cough

| Modified on Jun 12, 2025
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Paroxysmal cough refers to sudden, uncontrollable fits of coughing that can be exhausting and disruptive. Often linked to conditions such as whooping cough (pertussis), asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or post-viral syndromes, these coughing episodes can last for minutes and may cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, or even vomiting.

While it's essential to rule out underlying causes with a healthcare provider, several natural remedies may help reduce the severity and frequency of coughing spasms.

1. Soothing Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can help calm the airways and reduce throat irritation that triggers spasms.

  • Licorice Root Tea: Acts as a demulcent and anti-inflammatory, soothing irritated mucous membranes.
  • Thyme Tea: Contains compounds that relax bronchial muscles and support respiratory health.
  • Marshmallow Root: Coats the throat with mucilage, easing dry, hacking coughs.

2. Steam Inhalation

Moist, warm air can relax the bronchial passages and thin mucus, making coughing fits less intense.

  • Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water.
  • Cover your head with a towel and inhale for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily.

3. Natural Expectorants

Help clear mucus to reduce coughing episodes caused by congestion:

  • Honey and Ginger: Combines antimicrobial properties with gentle warming action.
  • Mullein Tincture or Tea: Traditionally used for dry, irritated coughs and to ease lung spasms.
  • Lobelia: A powerful bronchodilator; use in very small amounts under professional guidance.

4. Salt Water Gargles

Gargling with warm salt water helps reduce post-nasal drip and throat inflammation:

  • Mix 1/2 tsp of sea salt into a glass of warm water.
  • Gargle for 30 seconds, repeat 2–3 times daily.

5. Avoid Triggers

Certain factors may worsen paroxysmal cough episodes:

  • Avoid cold air, perfumes, and cigarette smoke.
  • Manage reflux with smaller meals, upright posture after eating, and digestive bitters.
  • Use a HEPA air purifier to reduce allergens and dust at home.

6. Homeopathy and Traditional Remedies

Though research is limited, some people find relief from the following:

  • Drosera: Commonly used for dry, spasmodic coughs that come in bursts, especially at night.
  • Spongia Tosta: Recommended for croup-like coughs with a barking quality.
  • Ayurvedic Remedies: Herbs like vasaka and tulsi may reduce bronchial irritation.

7. Lifestyle Adjustments for Relief

  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of warm fluids helps thin mucus.
  • Humidify the air: Use a cool mist humidifier in dry environments.
  • Rest: Recovery from viral illness requires adequate sleep and low stress.

When to See a Doctor

If your coughing fits are severe, persistent, or accompanied by high fever, wheezing, or blood, seek medical evaluation immediately. Natural remedies are not a substitute for emergency care.

Conclusion

Paroxysmal cough can significantly impact quality of life, but with a combination of targeted natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments, you may find relief. Always consider working with a qualified healthcare provider or naturopath when starting herbal treatments, especially if you're dealing with chronic or complex conditions.

Keep reading below to see which natural remedies have helped our readers find relief from chronic cough, and share your own experiences!

Related Links:

COPD Natural Remedies: Improve Lung Function & Ease Symptoms
Effective Natural Remedies for Bronchitis Relief
Whooping Cough Remedies

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon Juice

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Posted by Sharon (New Zealand) on 06/12/2025
 ★★★★★

For paroxysmal cough (coughing spasms) and wheezing during a respiratory infection (bronchitis) try mixing the following into a mug, and drink every few hours:

  • 1/4 cup of luke warm water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegr
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon manuka honey

Initially, I tried this recipe with hot water, but it did literally absolutely nothing to help. I had been struggling with acute bronchitis and was unable to get a doctor appointment as we have a shortage of doctors and there is a 3-week wait. However, then I changed to use luke warm water, and the recipe worked!

Read below about why this recipe only works with cold or luke warm water:

My cough just got worse and worse. I tried all the over-the-counter things from the chemist, including an asthma puffer. Over the course of a week, I vomited several times from coughing. At times in the evenings these coughing spasms were so bad that I could barely breathe, and I was genuinely quite scared.

Eventually, I decided to search up about what happens at a cellular level in our body when we have these symptoms, and discovered that the wheezing sound occurs because our airways are resticted - but it is not from mucus! Rather, the airways are restricted from cytokines - in other words, this wheezing is being caused by inflammation. The airways are not restricted because they are full of mucus, but rathr because they are swollen up and inflamed!

I searched some more and discovered that studies in a lab have shown that ACV and lemon juice do help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, however heat kills off the ‘goodies' in the lemon juice and the ACV that enables that process to happen. So my only mistake (initially) was using hot water in this drink.

Armed with this new knowledge, I tried the recipe again but this time with tepid (25 degrees Celcius) water and viola - it worked like a charm! Within 30 minutes my cough had improved to the point that I could finally get some decent sleep for the first time in a week.

I have kept it going - having a new drink every few hours, and my cough and wheezing are both steadily improving. I have not had a coughing “spasm” since I started the drink. This is such a relief because those coughing fits were scary!

Best wishes x


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