If You Can't Stop Coughing, Try One of These Home Remedies

Coughs are a totally normal thing to get from time to time, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying. Like when you’re fine one moment and then hacking away at your desk, getting stares from your coworkers. Uh, gross. Whether you’re hesitant to head to the drug store because you like to go au naturale when it comes to illness, or if you feel too sick to go outside, there are home remedies you can whip up with supplies in your own home.

Note: Not every cough is one you should handle on your own. If you’ve only been coughing for about a week, and the cough isn’t severe, it's likely due to a cold and it’s perfectly acceptable to try to calm it on your own, says Keith Roach, M.D., associate professor in clinical medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

On the other hand, if you’ve been coughing for more than two weeks, or you’ve got a severe or painful cough, it’s worth talking to your doctor. Either way, here's a look at some remedies you can try to ease your symptoms.