The Natural Cough Remedy You Have Never Heard Of

A bad cough can last months!

When I was living in France, I had the privilege of working with scientists from all over the world. One of my collaborators, a brilliant researcher from China, would visit our lab about once a year. On one of her visits, I happened to be battling a persistent cough—you know the kind: I had already been to the doctor several times but it was still lingering long after it should’ve gone away.

Seeing me struggle, she offered a remedy she had learned from a Swiss friend. It was simple, natural, and surprisingly effective: lotus root.

Here’s how it works. Take about five or six whole pieces of dried lotus root and place them in a small pot. Add just enough room temperature water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then let it continue boiling for five minutes. Allow it to cool a bit, then drink the liquid and eat the lotus root slices.

Here’s the honest truth—it doesn’t taste good. The flavor is earthy and a bit strange if you’re not used to it. After the first go with this remedy, my cough began to ease. After three rounds, it cleared up completely.

According to her, and based on my own experience, repeating this remedy a few times helped calm the kind of deep, lingering cough that can last for weeks or even months. Of course, I’m not a medical doctor, and these statements haven’t been evaluated by the FDA—but I can say this remedy worked wonders for me when nothing else did.

It’s a beautiful example of how natural knowledge travels—across continents, cultures, and kitchens—and how sometimes, the simplest things can bring the greatest relief. If you ever find yourself stuck with a stubborn cough, maybe give lotus root a try. You just might be surprised.