Slippery elm

An age-old treatment for a cough and sore throat is slippery elm. Slippery elm contains mucilage, a sticky mixture of sugars that can’t be broken down by the human digestive tract. The mucilage coats the throat, so it should come as no surprise that slippery elm is used commercially in numerous types of throat lozenges.

Given that slippery elm is said to have antitussive properties, it is excellent for treating coughs as well as the signs of other upper respiratory conditions like bronchitis or asthma. And there are no studies to support or refute these claims. However, there are no known harmful side effects of slippery elm. You can get slippery elm in the form of lozenges, capsules, tablets, and tea. Tea and lozenges are great for soothing sore throats.