Cough, Chronic
Natural Remedies

Top Natural Remedies for Chronic Cough Relief

| Modified on Mar 26, 2025
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Chronic Cough Remedies

A chronic cough, characterized by persistent coughing lasting eight weeks or longer, can significantly impact your quality of life. While medical attention is essential for persistent symptoms, many people find effective relief through safe, natural remedies. Discover the most effective natural treatments for a chronic cough, including honey, ginger, licorice root, and more.

Understanding Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is typically triggered by underlying issues such as allergies, asthma, acid reflux (GERD), postnasal drip, or respiratory infections. Natural remedies often address these root causes, providing lasting relief without harsh side effects.

Effective Natural Remedies for Chronic Cough

1. Honey

Honey is renowned for its cough-suppressing and soothing properties. Its antibacterial qualities help combat throat irritation and inflammation.

  • Dosage: Take one tablespoon of raw honey 2–3 times daily, or mix it with warm tea or lemon water.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a powerful natural remedy known for reducing inflammation and soothing throat irritation associated with chronic coughing.

  • Dosage: Drink ginger tea (steep 1-inch fresh ginger root in hot water) twice daily, or chew a small piece of raw ginger root.

3. Licorice Root

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties beneficial for cough relief.

  • Dosage: Consume licorice tea 1–2 times daily or take licorice supplements as directed.

4. Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root has mucilage, a substance that coats and soothes inflamed throat tissues, reducing chronic cough symptoms.

  • Dosage: Drink marshmallow root tea 2–3 times per day.

5. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark forms a protective layer on irritated mucous membranes, providing effective relief from coughing.

  • Dosage: Take slippery elm lozenges as needed, or drink slippery elm tea up to three times daily.

6. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, helping ease chronic cough.

  • Dosage: Mix ½ teaspoon turmeric powder with warm milk or water, and drink daily.

7. Thyme

Thyme is rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties, effective for managing respiratory conditions and persistent coughs.

  • Dosage: Drink thyme tea twice daily by steeping dried thyme in boiling water for 10 minutes.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar helps balance pH levels and reduce inflammation associated with chronic coughing.

  • Dosage: Mix one tablespoon of organic ACV with a glass of warm water; drink twice daily.

9. Steam Inhalation with Essential Oils

Steam inhalation helps moisturize dry airways and reduces cough by loosening mucus.

  • How to Use: Inhale steam from hot water mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil for 5–10 minutes daily.

10. Saltwater Gargle

Gargling saltwater effectively reduces throat inflammation, clears mucus, and eases chronic coughing.

  • Dosage: Mix ½ teaspoon sea salt in a cup of warm water, and gargle several times daily.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes to Reduce Chronic Cough

In addition to natural remedies, these lifestyle changes can significantly help manage and prevent chronic coughing:

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids daily to thin mucus and ease cough.
  • Air Quality: Use an air purifier or humidifier to improve indoor air and prevent dryness.
  • Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid allergens and irritants such as smoke, dust, and strong fragrances.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Reduce or eliminate inflammatory foods, such as dairy and processed sugars.

When to See a Doctor

If your chronic cough persists despite natural remedies or if accompanied by symptoms like weight loss, chest pain, high fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly to rule out underlying conditions.

Conclusion

Natural remedies like honey, ginger, licorice root, and lifestyle changes offer effective, gentle relief from chronic coughing. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.

Keep reading below to see which natural remedies have helped our readers find relief from chronic cough, and share your own experiences!


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Apple Cider Vinegar

23 User Reviews
5 star (21) 
  91%
3 star (2) 
  9%

Posted by Kelly (Minneapolis, Mn) on 06/30/2018
★★★☆☆

The apple cider vinegar treatment was ineffective for me. I've had a chronic cough off and on for seven years that no doctor has been able to treat. I found this site recently and started taking 2 tablespoons of ACV mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of honey and about 1/4 cup of warm water, three times a day. It's been over a week now and there's been no improvement in my cough, unfortunately. I'm giving ACV three stars only because I don't mind the taste and it seemed to help reduce some phlegm, at least for a few days.

My new doctor thinks this is a neuropathic cough and wants me to take a bunch of supplements (probiotics, magnesium, multivitamin, digestive enzymes) and possibly Gabapentin, which has shown some promise for helping chronic coughs.

Replied by Teena
(Melbourne Australia)
07/03/2018
233 posts

Hi Kelly,

NAC is great for thinning mucus, you might consider a mallow herb extract for it's mucilaginous and protective lining, and you could try adding baking soda to your Apple Cider Vinegar per Ted's protocol to see if that gives the health benefits you require. You can still add the (raw) honey for taste. Final thought, iodine resides in mucus areas, and many others, sexual organs eg. Antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial etc, and most people are deficient. You may research the benefits of the Iodine protocol, or much gentler to the body add some kelp extract. Best to you.

Replied by Earth Clinic
(Los Angeles)
07/04/2018

In case you were wondering where everyone went, they are on Facebook! 16 great responses on Earth Clinic's Facebook page when we posted this question! Since not everyone frequents Earth Clinic's Facebook page, we've posted responses here for Kelly.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/earthclinicllc/posts/

--------------

Janet Hull: Kelly, things that come to mind.

The very first is mold. It can be a tiny amount hidden. Unseen and a problem.
You can buy inexpensive Petrie dish mold tests. Amazon or Lowes. You set one in each room. You can compare to pics on Google or pay for analysis.
Or you can experiment. Best decision I ever made.
Teds remedy on E.C. for mold.
1 gallon bucket. Add 1/3 cup of 20 Mule Team Borax. Let stand 1 hour. You now have a saturated solution of borax. Pour into a spray bottle. Leave some room. Add 5 to 10% white ammonia. To 90 to 95% borax solution.
Shake, stand in shower. Spray above your head. Inhaling some of the fine spray. You will find the cough is gone. I usually spray and breath 5x. This will answer the cause question immediately. If this is not it, there are some others. If it is, I recommend going to Teds remedies on earth clinic. Read his chapter on mold. The one I am posting is my go to. But there is much more throughout the chapter.

If it is not mold. Bill Munro's hydrogen peroxide spray, a wonderful effective treatment for so many issues. The lung especially. It is listed on the EC index page.

NAC n acetyl cysteine. The amazing cure. This 1 amino acid does so much. But for coughs it is quick and effective a real solution.
Take 1 dose each time you cough. By the third cough, usually gone.

You might look into whooping cough. The people that get vaccinated spread it, I think.
If it is that, you need Teds l lysine remedy. To kill the virus.
There are 2. I is 4 to 8 oz of water. 1 capful of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Add 1/4 tsp baking soda. Sip for 15 minutes until gone. 2 to 3x a day.
I like to have, in the morning, 1/4 tsp sea salt in water. This just raises minerals in the body. Usually depleted in the unwell

Lysine remedy
3 ..8 to 10 oz water bottles
in a measuring cup pour 1/3 the content of each water bottle. Pour off 1 inch of water down the drain from each bottle.
in measuring cup
buy powdered from amazon
l lysine 12,000 mg
l threonine 4000mg
2 plain aspirin to kill bacteria
2000 mg sodium ascorbate
methylene blue, from aquarium supplier on amazon
This comes as a powder in a bottle.
Fill with distilled water to first rim. It stains, work on a glass plate, vitamin c or ascorbate removes stain.
Cap and shake gently.
Buy a 2 oz dropper bottle
take 2 droppers of solution. Add to dropper bottle. Fill remaining with distilled water. Careful to leave room to put dropper back in. About to seven tenths of the bottle. Cap shake. Add 2 droppers of m.b. to your measuring cup.
Whisk. Pour back into water bottles. Cap.
4 equal marks on each bottle for doses.
Store in frig.
For 3 days. 4 hourly doses in the am. You should start getting results right away.
Vitamin e 400iu 1x a week supports the lung.
We use dry emulsified E.
Some other causes come to mind, to pursue Teds info. Gut health. Read Gerd remedies. Often a cause of coughing.

Mushy sphincters. Wreak havoc. Magnesium can be needed in all above remedies, especially Gerd.
250 mg 2x a day mag citrate for constipated types, mag malate for runny stool types.

Teeth, your mouth can get a lift, Milk of Magnesia mouth wash. 1/2 spring water, 1/2 m.o.m. add a drop or 2 of essential oil for taste 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp xylitol to kill infection. In a 1 liter bottle. Rinse and spit a few times leaving solution there after last spit.
A few x a day.

E.C.s video on colloidal silver, inhalation method. Excellent.

https://ted.earthclinic.com/cures/mold6.htmlManage

-------------------

Laura Noreña: With the exception of the multivitamin, the supplements he advices are great. I take those plus, Vit D, Vit K-2, Zinc, Fish oil and the desiccated liver and others. Talk about a bunch of supplements! But I feel great 👍🏻. Anything that keeps me away from statins

I also ditched all wheat and grains, which are very inflammatory.

-------------------

Sharon Parker: Hubby had man flu then sharp loud coughs for 7-8wks. After checking on here we decided to try echinacea tincture 3 times a day, took 2 weeks to calm and another to almost go. Also he stopped drinking red wine for 2wks as it appeared to aggrevate the cough.

-------------------

Debbie Smith: I had a cough forever from acid reflux.. Lemon water is what has helped me. I drink it with a straw to help protect my teeth.

-------------------

Stephie McCarthy: I modified an idea I found on EarthClinic. I began putting H2O2, 1/4 cup per gallon of water in an ordinary humidifier I ran at night. I was able to cure a cough I'd had, plus chest pressure, wheezing, post-nasal drip, and asthma, that I'd suffered for six months. Being able to breath at night IS a wonderful sensation!

-------------------

Cindy Kittrell Wilson: I make a cough syrup: 2 T. Hot water, 1/4 tsp. Cayenne, 1/4 tsp. Ground ginger, shake in capped bottle. Add T. Honey and 1 T. Fresh lemon juice. Shake. Take a sip when needed. I usually double this recipe.

-------------------

Linda Luke: My personal experience with a chronic cough:
6 years - Any and every natural remedy without success.
I had acute anemia which affected my circulation and caused fluid build up in my lungs. Treated with careful doctor's management over two years, given multiple other side effects and addressing the root of the anemia, I now have almost no symptoms and a very healthy cardiovascular system.
While this may not be your scenario, the root cause may not have yet been addressed.

I suffered for all those years because I lacked insurance, and when I finally submitted to a series of tests - blood, MRI, ultrasound, we found the problem and worked from there.
Not sure where you lie in trusting doctors, but that was also something I struggled with. There is a good balance, and modern medicine could possibly show you more answers than treating a symptom only.
All the best to you.

-------------------

Kathy B Mast: If taking any medications, check to see if coughing is a side effect... It was for my mother, and after quitting the med, her persistent cough stopped.

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Kathe Krcmar Mayhugh: Mullein--can be tea, syrup, or smoked. Great for lung health. http://www.cshs.com/herbsOfMonth/mullein.html

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Barb Noonan: My husband used to get this cough, for years. I started putting young living essential oils along his spine several times a day, particularly thieves and rc. Within a day he improved until it quit and never came back.

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Tana Archer :7 yr cough? has this been investigated? like thyroid ? you mention phlegm - have you had chest/lung scans?

-------------------

Sue Bryant: fresh ginger root tea with a touch of raw or manuka honey. you mentioned phlegm? also, if it is a 7 year cough, it is going to take time.. I'd stick with the apple cider vinegar- it may take a few weeks or month to really take effect.

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Lois Hoffma: I went to 6 doctors and specialists for my cough of 4 years, tried every home remedy possible. Acupuncture fixed me right up, to me it was a miracle.

-------------------

Dawn Anglea West: You might want to try Bovine Colostrum.

-------------------

Patricia Owens: 7 yr cough? I'd go to a dr

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Thurata Skudrinja: Try oil pulling

Replied by J
(FL)
01/29/2025

Do Not take Gabapentin without research. The mfgr fought and lost a lawsuit then sold it to AKC for pain in dogs. No proof it works


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Aikoward (Hawaii, US) on 02/17/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My husband had a chronic cough that was ongoing for more than two months. He wasn't sleeping and coughed so hard we went to the ER because he thought he had pulled a muscle. They gave him prednisone antibiotics and robitussen with codeine. Nothing worked. I saw the posts here for Apple Cider Vinegar and honey and gave him a dose. 2 tbl organic Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tbl spoon honey in a 1/4 c warm water. His cough calmed enough that he napped for 3 hours. When the cough returned he felt it didn't work and stopped; after another horrible nite I asked him to try it again. But continue with it every 3 to 4 hours. In one day his cough was 90% improved. By day 2 it was completely gone! So my advice is, keep taking until all symptoms are gone. Depending on the cause and duration it may take a little longer. It's been a month now and his cough has not returned.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deedra (Springfield, Or) on 01/15/2015
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I seem to manufacture mucus-- a lot. The drainage never stops. It has been this way for a couple of years. I do get relief with ACV, but if I stop taking it, the cough returns. ANY ideas, help, advice-- PLEASE.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
01/15/2015

Deedra, for chronic cough, try eliminating dairy and wheat for a bit and see if it makes a difference.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
01/15/2015

Dear Deedra,

Years ago one of my children had a throat clearing problem. I took him off dairy and it disappeared. I kept him off for maybe 6 months. When he went back on it, he no longer had trouble. Dairy can be mucous forming. It would be worth a try to give it up for a time.

Another child had allergies and asthma. I put him on nettles for a year or two and it seemed to cure both. Nettle leaf is a blood purifier and good for allergies. If your mucous is from allergies, this might work. You may have to take it a while for healing to happen, as with the case of my son.

You might also look in to Bill Munroe's hydrogen peroxide inhalation therapy on this site. It has helped lots of people!

Let us know what you try and how it works!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Myway
(Delaware, Usa)
02/19/2015

To manage mucous and sinus drainage, try the black seed oil (nigella sativa), 1 tsp in the evening, 1 tsp in the morning. It takes icky but just chase it down with some water or juice. I use this remedy to manage my asthma plus allergies and my mucous is virtually non-existent. If it is too strong, try 1/2 tsp in am and again, pm. Wonderful! Get this oil off of Amazon. Pretty healthy stuff! Good Luck!

Replied by Liz
(Scottadale. AZ)
02/23/2023

Chronic Cough and Excessive Mucus

Have you tried Stinging Nettle Leaf? It is considered a natural antihistamine. I take capsule form which really helps with post nasal drip or runny nose. A good brand is one by Wild Harvest. I always carry some in person because it's great for cold/allergy symptoms! I hope this helps you.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeanette (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 06/04/2013
★★★★★

I've been coughing for almost a year. Tried every cough syrup on the market and even gone to see four different doctors and still no cure.

Well, I left for Maryland on May 28, 2013 and found a cure. A young lady there told me to try Organic ACV with the Mother. You can find it at any Whole Foods Market or Sprouts Market. I mixed 1-Tablespoon with 1-16.9 oz of water at room temperature and slowly sipped until all gone, and guess what.... Coughing has completely stopped. I guess the right type of ACV makes a world of difference.

Give it one more try before giving up.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Latrese (Calera, Alabama) on 09/22/2012
★★★★★

ok, let me start from the begining. I have had a chronic cough and excessive mucus problem for about 5 years. Its like I woke up one day with a little cold and it turned into a long dreaded, hacking cough followed by mucus. I am up all night from coughing and can feel the mucus in the throat at night when trying to sleep and I wake up coughing which ends in throwing up from coughing so hard. I have coughed so hard within this year that I started coughing up a little blood and I assumed it was from irritated lungs. I tried every cough syrup otc and nothing helped. I tried cough drops and went to the doctor for meds that did not help.

I started looking up remedies today out of pure desperation as I felt like I could die at anytime from coughing ( literally ). I would ask god to please help me and felt helpless. I dont have a lot of faith in doctors as they usually take my money and have no idea what the hell they are doing. I think sometimes we are just a big experiment for some doctors and it sucks to just be prescried some meds and sent off as if your illness is all in your head.

I googled remedies for coughs and mucus today and earthclinic popped up first on the list. I clicked on the link and thank god I did. I read about ACV and honey and decided that I had nothing to lose and decided to try as these things are already in my cabinet. I was heading out with the kids for a day out and took the ACV and honey at 11:30. I usually cough every couple of minutes but 10 minutes had went by and no cough so Im timing things and getting excited at this point. 30 minutes go by and no cough or the thick, sticky mucus. So now 2 hours go by and still no cough so I say OMG this can't be real. The kids decide that they want to go to the movies and I never go with them because of the coughing and throwing up. I decide to go and no coughing or mucus for the entire movie. we leave the movie at 2:45 and still no mucus but I feel a cough coming on but its a different feeling. I cough and its a small cough and last a couple of seconds. it is not 10:39 pm and still no cough. I am going to take some before bed and pray that I sleep well as I am always up all night coughing. I advise anyone who is having a coughing problem to give this a try. What do you have to lose? I will let everyone know the results of my night. If I sleep well it will be for the first time in 5 years. GOOOOO ACV AND HONEY!!!!!!

Replied by Gloria
(California)
04/07/2018

I am going to try this today, for I have been coughing for seven years. Thank you. I look forward to hear about your results so far, and I'll let you know how it goes for me, wish me luck, God please make it work..


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbiek (Sundance, Wy, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★

I have had a cough for almost a year. Been to doctor after doctor. I had surgery to fix my deviated septum to help with drainage and calm the cough, NOPE! Didn't work! I'm on HBP medicine and was at my wits end!! Tried ACV in various drinks. Not a big fan of apple juice or cider so it didn't taste good, tea was just as bad. And it ony worked for a couple hours. So, I decided to just take a shot! Couldn't be any worse than Whiskey, right? Definitely HORRIBLE! However, worked for over 15 hours!!! Slept through the night, worked all day without coughing! Will do this every day if needed!!

Replied by Merriam
(Alabama)
02/05/2015

Some hbp meds cause chronic cough. Needs to be changed. Also, check out oil pulling therapy for lots of things, including cronic cough. Extra virgin coconut oil is best for oil pulling. I was doing this and was better after reading Dr. Bruce Fife's book, "Oil Pulling Therapy, " I got lax & let up on my regime & the allergies & coughing, runny nose spells all came back. I started back w the coconut oil & could immediately feel myself getting better. Also luv the ACV/honey/Echinacea, Golden seal tinture/warm water regimen. I know dairy is bad. & whatever but I luv the stuff. However, whenever I do all of these things it is livable. I luv this site. I hav received more helpful info from sites such as this, plus that oil pulling therapy book of Dr Fife's than from any doctor.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jd (Houston, Texas) on 02/22/2012

I recently had Strep, and had to receive antibiotics. After the antibiotics, I was left with a dry cough; a tickling in the brochial tubes that led to unproductive coughing. I tried ACV, which seemed to quiet my need to cough without actually removing the source of irritation.

MY main problem, though, was that whenever I took the ACV, it was followed by a powerful and overwhelming lethargia and a need to just sleep.I felt like I'd been drugged. Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone (Tim?) know why this is happening? I obviously can't take ACV unless the reason for this is determined.

Replied by Michelle C.
(White Rock, Bc)
12/31/2017

Maybe, after all that you went through, you needed the sleep and it allowed you to be comfortable enough to rest finally?


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vince (Salt Lake City, Utah) on 02/19/2012
★★★★★

My 5 yrs old son cough like crazy. I use your remedie, its work like a champ! He sleep through the night and feel better the next morning. Thanks a million!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sabra (Vanc, Washington) on 01/11/2012
★★★★★

I got a cold about a month ago it went away in about a week but I was left with a persistent cough. A lot of non productive coughing, wheezing and rattling. At times leaving me short of breath. I was looking for natural treatments for persistant cough and came accross this site. I immediately made a tall glass of AVC and honey with warm water. It tastes good to me so no problem. I didn't really think it was going to work on such a bad cough I was even beginning to wonder if I had developed some bad lung disease but within a few minutes after drinking the mixture the coughing subsided. It's been about two hours and still there's no coughing, no wheezing, no rattle. I'll do it again in the morning and through the day tomorrow. Thank you so much for all the great posts.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Beacon (Corte Madera, Ca, Usa) on 11/20/2010
★★★★★

My mother is in her 80's, she had a dry cough for weeks. It was just wearing her out. Very difficult for her to sleep at night. I found the ACV and honey remedy on your amazing web site. I gave her the information, and she tried it. The cough was completely gone in less than two days! Thanks from both of us!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dawneva (Holly Ridge, Nc ) on 09/05/2010

I have had a chronic cough for over 2 years and after going to all kinds of doctors, having a chest xray for lung cancer, allergy tests etc I was told I had acid reflux and to go on Prilosec. After reading about it I declined and have put up with the cough. I look forward to trying Apple Cider Vinegar on a regular basis. I don't mind the taste and will post my results in the future.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Veronica (London, UK) on 06/12/2009
★★★★★

My mother is 85 and has been suffering from a terrible cough for at least 2 years. The doctors had given her so many antiobotics she had given up. The cough was a proudctive one has well. As i was on the site fro my own problems... i happended to look up coughs and decided I would make my mpther some ACV and honey! My fod - we still cant beleive it - it is GONE... Gone! the first day - nothing hapened - she said lets just continne for another 5 days! well by the end of the 5th days all coughing has ceased. No monrning could - throughout the day and no night cough.

I used just a quarter of ACV and 3 tablespoons honey - with a litle water.

So glad I found this site .. it has made mu mother very happy. To think a simple household remedy could bring this amount of joy is unbeleiveable. my family are amazed!

Thanks Earth clinic.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Samantha (Surrey, British Columbia) on 03/17/2008
★★★★★

I've had a horrible cough for the past four nights. It keeps me up well into the night, extremely painful and sometimes I feel like I'm going to throw up. So I looked online for a remedy and came across the recipe for AVC and honey on this website. I tried two tablespoons of AVC and 1 tablespoon of honey and it soothed my cough greatly. Now, I must admit, it tastes horrible, but it works! And it's worth it.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by dave (tadoussac, canada) on 03/03/2008
★★★★★

my wife has had a cough for seven years .doctors could not find the cause or the cure.we oveheard a nurse talking about a stomach cough .so we asked her what it was.she said its caused by acid reflux.my search led me here .apple cider vingear baking soda before bed cough has gone .thank you . we can finally sleep again.thank you again


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by ramzi (dubai, UAE) on 02/28/2008
★★★★★

had this nasty chronic cough and cold and i was sick of taking drugs so i hit the google and found this website . found the ACV comments . went out and bought it . 3 big spoons of ACV honey and hot water . it really works . done with flu drugs forever



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