Below are several traditional remedies that are commonly used during seasonal changes to relieve coughs and sore throats using natural ingredients.

1. Steamed Kumquat with Honey

Wash whole kumquats thoroughly, let them drain, then cut them in half. Remove the seeds and slice thinly. Place the slices in a bowl and pour in enough honey to fully cover them. Mix well so the kumquats absorb the honey evenly.

Steam the mixture or cook it using a double boiler for about 10–15 minutes, until the kumquats become soft and blend into a thick, syrup-like consistency.

Allow it to cool. Take 1–2 teaspoons, 2–3 times a day. When using, you may add a few grains of salt and let the syrup rest in your mouth for about 5 seconds before swallowing slowly. This helps soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, relieve itchiness, and ease hoarseness caused by coughing.

Kumquats contain essential oils, pectin, natural sugars, and vitamins that help reduce inflammation, loosen phlegm, boost immunity, and relieve coughs. They can also be preserved with salt for direct use or diluted with water as a drink. Steaming kumquats with rock sugar is another popular folk remedy.

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2. Lemon-Based Remedies

Like kumquats, lemons are effective in relieving coughs. Common methods include steaming lemons with honey and rock sugar, mixing lemon juice with warm water and sugar, or slicing lemons thinly and soaking them in salt for sucking. Lemon and kumquat seeds are also traditionally believed to help soothe coughs.

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3. Tamarind Leaves, Ginger, and Lemon Syrup

Wash about three handfuls of fresh tamarind leaves and place them in a pot. Thinly slice one piece of ginger and spread it evenly over the leaves. Add two cups of water and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the liquid reduces to around one cup. Strain the liquid through a clean cloth.

Add about half a small cup of sugar to the strained liquid and continue heating until it thickens into a syrup. Squeeze the juice from five seedless lemons into the syrup and stir well.

For adults, take one tablespoon four times a day. Children can take one teaspoon four times a day. Store the syrup in the refrigerator.

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4. Garlic Remedy for Cough

Peel 2–3 cloves of garlic and place them in a small bowl. Add one tablespoon of sugar and half a bowl of water. Simmer over very low heat for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat. Consume while still warm.

Use this remedy 2–3 times a day. Coughing symptoms often improve noticeably, and with consistent use for about a week, the cough may subside completely. Garlic has warming properties and is beneficial for the stomach and lungs. Adults can use a stronger version with 7–8 cloves of garlic and two tablespoons of sugar.

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5. Baked Orange with Salt

Wash an orange and use a spoon to make a small hole in the center. Add a pinch of salt into the hole, then bake the orange for about 15 minutes. Eat it while it is still hot.

You can also dry the orange peel and steep it in hot water to make tea.

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6. Honey and Garlic Combination

Honey and garlic have long been valued as natural remedies. Both contain natural antibacterial properties that help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the body.

Garlic contains allicin, which enhances immune function and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and blood pressure–reducing effects. Honey is also widely used for its antibacterial and soothing properties.

When combined, honey and garlic form a potent natural mixture that helps fight bacteria responsible for persistent coughs and throat inflammation.

Honey-Soaked Garlic

Peel and thinly slice one shallot and two bulbs of garlic. Place them in a clean jar and pour in enough honey to fully cover. Let the mixture soak overnight or for about 12 hours.

Remove the garlic and shallots, then use the syrup. Children can take 1 teaspoon, 2–3 times a day. Store at room temperature.

This mixture can be used to treat coughs and sore throats, or taken preventively when early symptoms appear.

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7. Using Kumquats

Kumquats are rich in essential oils, pectin, sugars, and vitamins that help reduce inflammation, loosen mucus, strengthen immunity, and relieve coughs. They can be soaked in salt for direct use, mixed with water as a drink, or steamed with rock sugar as a traditional cough remedy.