Coughs are basically of two kinds congested and dry, and both of these have different fundamental causes. The most common reasons for cough are due to common colds, bronchitis, and congestion of the lungs due to sinus, cigarette smoking, or due to the presence of foreign matter in the throat. In some cases heartburn also leads to coughs. It is necessary to evaluate the underlying cause of a cough before resorting to any form of treatment. Most people prefer the use of natural cough remedies rather than treating it through over-the-counter prescription drugs or decongestant combinations due to the side-effects that these medications cause in people. Here are some tips that can help to bring about relief from coughs:

1. Inhale the steam from a vaporizer to obtain instant relief from coughs. The moist steam helps in soothing the nasal passages and loosens the congestion in the sinus while relieving the phlegm in the throat and lungs. The essential oil of eucalyptus is also helpful when added to the steam.

2. Consume at least seven to eight ounces of water in the event of a cold induced cough. Water helps in loosening the mucus and thinning the cough and is believed to be the best natural expectorant.

3. Hot herbal teas or herbal concoctions help in breaking up the mucus and moistening the airways. It is important to stay hydrated at all times during the event of infection, especially when there is the presence of mucus in a cough. Herbal teas made from wild cherry bark, red elm or purple clover and sweetened with honey are known to bring about instant relief from coughs. Consuming a teaspoon of honey in a glass of hot water is just as beneficial for the throat, due to the antibiotic and soothing properties of honey during a cough.

4. Onion broths are also known to offer relief if afflicted with a coughing bout. A broth made by boiling raw onions for fifteen to twenty minutes must be had several times in order to reduce congestion and soothe the irritated throat muscles from coughing.

5. The juice of raw onions can also be blended with a teaspoon of honey and had in small quantities throughout the day to bring about instant relief from dry as well as congested coughs.

6. If the cough is due to constant cigarette smoking, reducing or stopping the smoking can bring about instant relief. There are a number of irritants in the form of chemicals in a cigarette. Studies have revealed that smokers who reduce the number of cigarettes in a day received considerable relief from coughs related to smoking.