What is the best food to cure a cough?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2021 review, honey is more effective than standard care for alleviating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, making it a leading contender when considering what is the best food to cure a cough. Combining the right foods with proper hydration and rest can significantly aid in soothing an irritated throat and shortening the duration of your illness.

Quick Summary

This article explores the most effective dietary choices for alleviating cough symptoms, including natural demulcents and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It details the benefits of honey, ginger, and chicken soup, and identifies foods to avoid that can exacerbate irritation and mucus production.

Key Points

Honey: Act as a natural cough suppressant by coating the throat and reducing irritation.
Ginger: Reduce inflammation in the airways with this powerful antioxidant and immune-booster.
Warm Fluids: Soothe your throat and thin mucus with hot fluids like broth or herbal tea.
Avoid Irritants: Stay away from dairy, sugary foods, and fried items that can worsen congestion and inflammation.
Support Your Immune System: Choose foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to help your body fight off the underlying infection.

Honey: A Proven Natural Suppressant

Honey is one of the most widely recommended natural remedies for cough relief.

Soothing Effect: Its thick, viscous texture coats the throat, providing immediate relief from irritation and reducing the urge to cough.
Antimicrobial Properties: Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight the underlying infection causing your cough.
Scientific Backing: Studies have shown that honey can be more effective than some over-the-counter cough medicines for reducing the frequency and severity of coughs, particularly in children over one year old.

Ginger: The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse

For centuries, ginger has been used to treat coughs and colds.

Relaxes Airways: Research suggests that certain compounds in ginger can relax the smooth muscles of the airways, which can ease coughing fits.
Reduces Inflammation: Its potent anti-inflammatory properties can soothe a sore throat and reduce swelling in the respiratory tract.
Immune Support: As an antioxidant, ginger boosts the immune system, helping your body fight off illness more effectively.

Chicken Soup: A Comforting Remedy

Your grandmother's advice to eat chicken soup is backed by science. A warm, nutritious broth offers multiple benefits when you're under the weather.

Thins Mucus: The warm broth helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the nasal passages and chest.
Provides Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial when sick. Soups and broths contribute to your fluid intake and replenish electrolytes.
Reduces Inflammation: Some studies suggest that the ingredients in chicken soup, such as chicken, vegetables, garlic, and ginger, can help reduce inflammation.

The Role of Turmeric and Pineapple

Other foods can also provide significant relief.

Turmeric: Containing the compound curcumin, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties that can help relieve a sore throat and cough. Combining it with black pepper significantly enhances its absorption.
Pineapple: While some viral claims exaggerate its effectiveness, pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, meaning it can help break down and expel mucus.

A Comparison of Cough-Soothing Foods


Food/Ingredient	Primary Benefit	Best For	How to Consume
Honey	Coats and soothes the throat; suppresses cough reflex	General cough, especially at night	Take a spoonful, or mix with warm water or tea.
Ginger	Anti-inflammatory; relaxes airway muscles	Inflamed throat, asthma-related cough	Add to warm tea, chew on a small piece.
Chicken Soup	Hydrates; thins mucus; provides nutrients	Chesty cough with congestion	Serve warm; add garlic and ginger for extra benefits.
Turmeric	Anti-inflammatory; antiviral	Cough with a sore throat	Mix with warm milk or brew as a tea with black pepper.
Pineapple	Mucolytic; anti-inflammatory	Productive cough with thick mucus	Eat fresh slices or drink natural juice.

What to Avoid When You Have a Cough

Just as certain foods can help, others can worsen your symptoms. To prevent further irritation and excess mucus production, consider avoiding:

Dairy Products: For some, dairy can thicken mucus and increase phlegm production, making your cough feel worse.
Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excessive sugar can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation, slowing down recovery.
Fried and Processed Foods: These can be difficult to digest and increase inflammation in the body.
Acidic Foods: Some highly acidic fruits like oranges or pineapple might irritate an already sore throat.
Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can cause dehydration, which dries out the throat and can make coughing more persistent.

Conclusion: A Hollistic Approach to Cough Relief

There is no single miracle cure, but a combination of natural foods can provide significant relief for cough symptoms. Honey, ginger, and warm soups are excellent choices for their soothing and immune-boosting properties. By incorporating these items into your diet while avoiding common irritants like sugar and fried foods, you can help your body recover faster. Remember to stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest. If your cough is severe or persistent, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. For additional information on managing respiratory infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) offers comprehensive health guidelines.

Warm Drinks: Soothe your throat and thin mucus with hot fluids like ginger tea or chicken broth.

Honey: Act as a natural cough suppressant by coating the throat and reducing irritation.

Ginger: Reduce inflammation in the airways with this powerful antioxidant and immune-booster.

Pineapple: Utilize the enzyme bromelain to help break down and expel thick mucus.

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to keep the throat moist and thin out mucus, making coughing easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, studies have shown that honey can be very effective in soothing a cough, especially at night. Its thick texture coats the throat, and it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight infections. Remember not to give honey to children under 1 year old.

While milk itself doesn't cause mucus, some people find that dairy products can make phlegm feel thicker and more difficult to clear. If you feel it worsens your symptoms, consider avoiding dairy temporarily and opt for non-dairy alternatives or warm broths.

Herbal teas (like ginger or peppermint), warm water with lemon and honey, and clear chicken or vegetable broth are excellent choices. The warmth helps soothe the throat and thin mucus, providing relief from congestion.

Claims that pineapple juice is significantly more effective than cough syrup lack strong scientific evidence. While the enzyme bromelain in pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with mucus, traditional cough syrups may be more appropriate for persistent or severe symptoms. Always consult a doctor if the cough persists.

It's best to avoid foods that can irritate the throat or increase inflammation. Common culprits include sugary foods, fried and processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and highly acidic items like citrus fruits.

For some, the capsaicin in spicy foods like chili peppers can help loosen mucus and clear congestion. However, it can also cause throat irritation in others. If you experience worsening symptoms or heartburn, it's best to avoid spicy foods.

You can add freshly grated ginger to warm tea with honey for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Another option is to chew on a small piece of raw ginger to help relax the muscles in your airways and ease your cough.