Most short-lived coughs are caused by viral infections and improve with time. Warm drinks, rest and regular fluids will not remove the virus, but they can make a sore throat and disturbed sleep easier to manage. Honey has some evidence for reducing night-time coughing in people over one year old, and ordinary supermarket honey is perfectly adequate.
A warm lemon drink, weak tea or broth may be comforting. Garlic, onion and herbs can make soup taste good, but they are not antibiotics. Never give honey to a baby under one because of the risk of infant botulism.
Seek help sooner if breathing is difficult, there is chest pain, you cough up blood, you are unusually drowsy or the person who is unwell is very young, frail or immunocompromised. Persistent cough, wheeze, high fever or worsening symptoms also deserve advice from a GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.
This article offers general information and does not replace advice from someone who knows your medical history. If you are pregnant, take regular medicine or live with a long-term condition, speak to your GP, nurse, pharmacist or a registered dietitian before making a major change to the way you eat.
Honey: how to use it safely
For adults and children over one year, a small spoonful of honey before bed may soothe a cough. It can be taken alone or in a warm drink; ordinary honey is sufficient.
Never give honey to a baby under one because of infant botulism. Honey is still sugar, so people managing diabetes should include it in sick-day and glucose advice.
Warm humid air may feel soothing, but bowls of boiling water cause preventable burns, particularly in children. A warm shower or safely maintained humidifier is a gentler option.
Clean humidifiers as instructed so mould and bacteria do not grow. Saline nasal spray can help congestion, while essential oils should not be added around babies or anyone with sensitive airways without professional advice.
Broth, garlic, and ginger
Broth and soup offer fluid, warmth and a little salt when appetite is low. A frozen portion of vegetable, lentil or chicken soup can be valuable on a day when cooking feels unrealistic.
Ginger may ease nausea for some people, while garlic, onion and thyme contribute flavour and comfort. They do not act as antibiotics, and enjoying them should not delay medical care.
Antibiotics do not treat an ordinary viral cough and leftover prescriptions should never be reused. Ask a pharmacist before choosing cough medicines because age, pregnancy, health conditions and other medicines affect what is safe.
Alcohol disrupts sleep and can worsen dehydration. Follow age guidance carefully for menthol products and avoid smoke exposure, which can prolong irritation.
When to call NHS 111 or your GP
Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue lips, confusion, severe chest pain or coughing blood. Babies who feed poorly, have fewer wet nappies or are difficult to wake also need prompt assessment.
Contact a GP or NHS 111 for a high or persistent fever, wheeze, worsening illness or a cough lasting more than three weeks. Follow current public-health advice when infections such as whooping cough or COVID are suspected.
Stock the freezer before sniffle season
Keep one or two easy meals available before winter illness arrives. Soup, eggs on toast and a simple freezer portion allow the household to eat without forcing an elaborate roast.
Honey, lemons and tinned tomatoes can sit in the ordinary shop, but there is no need to build a large cupboard of symptom products. Rest and appropriate medical advice matter more.