Last Updated: December 29, 2022

6 best natural cough suppressants that actually work.

WRITTEN BY Grove Collaborative • 13 min read

Colds are rough, especially if you’ve got a cough to go along with that runny nose, congestion, headache, and other pesky symptoms associated with a viral infection. The good news is there are some products you can use to help ease a cough and get rid of it quicker than if you just left it to run its course. Natural remedies for cough, including a natural cough suppressant, can be the healthiest way to go when combating a cough. If you have a cough for any other reason than a viral infection, you’ll want to consult your doctor before taking a natural cough suppressant, as even with some bacterial infections, you could need antibiotics.


For natural remedies for coughs that actually work, check out our curated list below of the best natural cough suppressants, including these Zarbee's Naturals 96% Honey Cough Soothers & Immune that pack a punch against your cough while strengthening your immunity, too.


This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.


Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1. Zarbee's Naturals Baby Cough Syrup & Mucus Reducer - Grape Flavor

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When your little one needs relief from coughing, choose Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup and Mucus Reducer - Grape Flavor. Made with a blend of natural ingredients, free from harmful dyes, this gluten-free formula soothes sore throats and coughs while thinning mucus. This baby cough syrup is alcohol-free and drug-free, meaning your baby can …

(10)
2 Oz
$10.49
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2. Little Moon Essentials Vital Vapor Balm

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Eucalyptus, tea tree, and camphor create a powerful combo in this all-purpose topical analgesic. Use Little Moon Essentials Vital Vapor Balm to open your nasal passages, soothe sore muscles, and ease headaches. This deeply penetrating formula can be rubbed onto the chest or throat to relieve congestion, on the shoulders for soreness, and under the …

(35)
2 Oz
$17
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3. Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Soothing Chest Rub

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Don’t let a cough or congestion get you or your baby down. This Babo Botanicals Eucalyptus Remedy Soothing Chest Rub is made to soothe toddlers and kids age three and up (and you) for a more restful sleep. Just apply to the chest, neck, back, or feet as needed and enjoy the natural vapors of eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary oil. This chest rub is …

(3)
2 oz
$12.99
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4. Zarbee's Naturals 99% Honey Cough Soothers

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From speaking at a work presentation to listening in a big group at a function, coughs can be so distracting during our normal day-to-day activities and keep us from having a successful day. Knock coughs out cold with these Zarbee's Naturals 99% Honey Cough Soothers. These natural cough drops are made with a wholesome blend of honey and don’t …

(75)
14 pieces
$6.99
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5. Zarbee's Naturals 96% Honey Cough Soothers & Immune

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Keep coughs, hoarseness, and dry throats at bay with these Zarbee's Naturals 96% Honey Cough Soothers & Immune Support. These honey cough drops are made with vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea to help sooth coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and other irritants. Perfect cold-weather cough busters, they also contain no processed sugar, …

(54)
14 pieces
$9.99
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6. Beekeeper's Naturals B.Immune Propolis Throat Spray

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Give yourself a tasty immunity boost with Beekeeper's Naturals B.Immune Propolis Throat Spray. Made of just a handful of potent, natural ingredients, this spray will give your immune system an added lift. Take a few spritzes a day to keep the ickiness away.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product …

(3)
1 count
$15.99
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FAQs

What is a cough suppressant?

We’ve all been there, during a work meeting Zoom call or watching a live performance and we feel just fine after beating most of our cold symptoms, but we still have the lingering sound of a cough that won’t stop. A cough suppressant or natural cough suppressant can help you get through that last symptom of your cold without missing out on activities or things you’d still like to participate in. It will actually help you by cutting out the number of times you cough. Ingredients that help suppress coughs often include dextromethorphan (DM), but more natural cough supressants use eucalyptus, camphor, honey, and menthol instead.


Keep in mind, cough suppressants aren’t usually for younger ones, and if you’re looking for natural cough remedies for toddlers, keep reading on for some great, and natural, ideas below.


This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.

How do you suppress a cough naturally?

If you’re not into using over-the-counter cough suppressants because they aren’t always natural, we don’t blame you. Plus, there are so many other natural remedies for cough that can really help soothe your symptoms effectively, too. You can check out our list above of the best natural cough suppressants that actually work, or browse below for a few things we recommend:


  • Drink honey with water: Two tablespoons of honey mixed up with hot water can help with your cough, but try to drink this concoction twice a day for the best results and never give honey to any child under two years of age
  • Drink both warm and cold drinks: From bone broth to water and tea, make sure you get enough fluids (that aren't caffeinated) in your body when you’re sick to help get rid of symptoms — including that cough — quicker
  • Get steamy: Seriously, this one may sound silly, but taking a warm shower that creates steam or using a humidifier may help alleviate a wet cough — one that produces mucus

Guess what else? Two of these ideas above also work great for natural cough remedies for toddlers. You can use a humidifier in your child’s room at bedtime and make sure they get plenty of liquids, including hot water with lemon, broth, and other drinks.


What is the fastest way to cure a cough?

Keeping ourselves healthy keeps our immunity working at its best; however, if you do find yourself with a cough, here are some natural remedies for cough to get rid of it fast:

  • Use one of the best natural cough suppressants to help cut the number of times you will cough.
  • Sip on hot tea — especially green tea with honey
  • Keep your body hydrated — along with hot tea, drink water to stay hydrated and warm up some chicken noodle soup while you’re at it
  • Use natural lozenges or natural cough drops like these Zarbee's Naturals 99% Honey Cough Soothers to soothe your cough and help calm it sooner

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If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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