To stop a cough, you can try several effective home remedies and techniques:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, warm teas, or honey and lemon water. This helps thin mucus and soothe the throat, making coughing less frequent

• Use honey , which can soothe throat irritation and reduce cough severity. Taking a spoonful before bed or mixing it into warm drinks is beneficial (not for children under 1 year)

• Inhale steam by taking a hot shower or bath to loosen mucus and ease coughing, or use a humidifier to keep air moist and calm airways

• Gargle with salt water to relieve throat irritation and loosen mucus. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water, gargle, and spit it out several times daily

• Try cough drops or lozenges , especially those containing menthol, to temporarily soothe the throat and reduce coughing, but avoid overuse as menthol can sometimes worsen cough

• Use the stop-cough technique : At the first sign of a cough, cover your mouth, swallow once, hold your breath briefly, then breathe slowly and smoothly to reduce the cough reflex

• Avoid irritants like smoke, perfumes, and allergens that can trigger coughing

• Rest and avoid strenuous activity to help your body recover and reduce coughing triggers

If your cough persists for more than a few weeks or is severe, consult a healthcare provider to address any underlying causes

. These methods can help calm and reduce coughing effectively at home.