Cough cure

Spring colds and other viruses can leave a lingering cough. While doctors typically prescribe oral steroids to soothe symptoms, there’s a simple home cure that works even better: Drink a cup of coffee followed by 1 Tbs. of honey three times daily. In a study in the Primary Care Respiratory Journal, this natural remedy led to a near total reduction in cough symptoms within seven days, whereas folks on oral steroids experienced only minor relief. Coffee’s caffeine reduces inflammation and opens airways to make breathing easier, while honey contains compounds that heal scratchy throat tissues. Together, they nix the swelling and irritation that trigger a nagging cough.

OR TURN ON A FAN! To halt a coughing fit in just 1 minute, aim a fan at your face. The rush of cool air stimulates trigeminal nerves under the skin that turn off that tickling gottacough sensation, so you can breathe easy.