Natural remedies for cough
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Natural Remedies for Cough: An Overview
Cough is a common symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. Various natural remedies have been explored for their effectiveness in alleviating cough symptoms. This article synthesizes the findings from multiple research studies on natural remedies for cough, focusing on honey, traditional herbal medications, and other herbal treatments.
Honey for Cough Relief
Honey's Effectiveness in Children
Honey has been widely studied for its potential to relieve cough, particularly in children. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that honey can be more effective than no treatment and placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of cough in children . For instance, one study found that honey significantly reduced cough frequency compared to no treatment (mean difference (MD) -1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.48 to -0.62). Another study indicated that honey was more effective than placebo in reducing cough frequency (MD -1.85; 95% CI -3.36 to -0.33).
Comparison with Over-the-Counter Medications
When compared to over-the-counter (OTC) medications like dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, honey showed mixed results. Some studies found no significant difference between honey and dextromethorphan in reducing cough frequency . However, honey was found to be slightly better than diphenhydramine in some cases (MD -0.57; 95% CI -0.90 to -0.24) . Adverse events associated with honey were generally mild and included nervousness, insomnia, and hyperactivity .
Traditional Herbal Medications
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT)
Maekmoondong-tang (MMDT) is a traditional herbal medication used in Korea, Japan, and China for cough relief. It is composed of six herbs: Ophiopogonis Tuber, Pinelliae Tuber, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Zizyphi Fructus, Ginseng Radix, and Oryzae Semen. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine RCTs involving 2453 participants found that MMDT significantly reduced the severity of cough by 74% compared to conventional antitussive medications. However, the evidence was inconsistent for its effectiveness in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Other Herbal Remedies
Various other herbal remedies have been studied for their effectiveness in treating cough. A systematic review and meta-analysis found strong evidence for the effectiveness of Andrographis paniculata and ivy/primrose/thyme-based preparations in alleviating cough symptoms. Moderate evidence was found for Pelargonium sidoides, while limited evidence supported the use of Echinacea. These herbal treatments were generally found to be superior to placebo in reducing the frequency and severity of cough.
Conclusion
Natural remedies such as honey and traditional herbal medications like Maekmoondong-tang and Andrographis paniculata have shown promise in alleviating cough symptoms. Honey, in particular, has been found to be effective in children, often outperforming no treatment and placebo. However, its effectiveness compared to OTC medications like dextromethorphan is less clear. Traditional herbal medications also offer potential benefits, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety. Overall, natural remedies provide a viable alternative for cough relief, but further research is essential to establish their place in clinical practice.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic