Different treatments are needed for different coughs. You don't want to suppress the deep, wet bronchial cough that brings up mucus from your lungs and bronchial tubes. But you do want to banish the dry tickle that keeps you (and your partner) awake all night.

Over-the-counter cough syrups are one way to deal with coughs, and they're fine to take. Those that contain the expectorant guaifenesin will help bring up the mucus. For that nagging feather-tickle cough, you need cough suppressants. Look for the "DM" on commercial syrups. The initials stand for dextromethorphan, one of the oldest and best suppressants. For dry coughs, doctors frequently prescribe codeine in a cough syrup or tablet; codeine acts like "DM" but it's stronger. All of the supplements in our list can be taken with any of these cough syrups.

How to Take the Supplements

Teas made from some beneficial roots and bark can also help shake coughs. Licorice and horehound teas are natural expectorants that loosen the phlegm and clear it out.

To soothe your throat, slippery elm and marshmallow teas can be taken as often as desired. They don't work too well as suppressants, but adding a shot of bourbon and a teaspoonful of honey to the tea improves their suppressant quality considerably.

Additional tips

Don't forget to push fluids into your system and to inhale steamboth measures will thin the mucus and make it easier to bring up.