Pineapple is a nutrient-rich fruit that provides many health benefits. While there’s little scientific evidence to support its use for calming a cough, some people claim that it works as a simple home remedy.

Pineapples are rich in many essential nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain the daily recommended amount of manganese, a mineral that’s essential for bone health. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

While there’s no one scientific answer to whether pineapple juice can help your cough, there’s some anecdotal evidence that suggests it may be effective for some people.

Pineapple juice contains a mixture of enzymes called bromelain. It’s thought that bromelain can help with respiratory problems that are tied to allergies and asthma. It’s also thought to have mucolytic properties that help break up and expel mucus.

While pineapple juice can be effective as a cough treatment, other medicines and traditional treatments may be more effective depending on the cause of the cough. If you have asthma, for example, pineapple juice can be used as a supplemental treatment, but you should keep using your doctor-prescribed inhaler.

If your cough lasts for more than a week or disrupts your sleep, contact a doctor and ask what treatments you should consider. People who have a pineapple allergy or an allergy to other tropical fruits should not drink pineapple juice.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, pineapple juice may help soothe a sore throat. Pineapple juice is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and deal with infection.

The bromelain in pineapple juice can help break down mucus and reduce congestion and inflammation. This may provide relief from the pain and discomfort of a sore throat.

Bromelain also has antiviral properties, which may help fight off infections that cause a sore throat.

Below are three pineapple juice cough remedies you can try at home:

Pineapple juice, honey, ginger, cayenne, and salt

One traditional cough remedy is to blend pineapple juice with honey, ginger, salt, and a little cayenne pepper. The cayenne helps expel mucus while the honey and ginger soothe the throat and offer anti-inflammatory properties.

For this remedy, blend together:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon (tsp) minced or chopped ginger
  • 1 tablespoon (tbsp) honey
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Drink 1/4 cup up to three times per day. It’s important not to give raw honey to children under 1 year of age, as it can cause botulism.

Pineapple juice, honey, salt, pepper

Another common pineapple juice cough remedy also uses honey but omits ginger and cayenne pepper.

For this remedy, mix together:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • 1 1/2 tbsp honey

Drink 1/4 cup up to three times per day.

Strawberry pineapple popsicles

Popsicles can help soothe the throat, they’re easy to make, and strawberries are packed with immune-boosting vitamin C.

To make these popsicles, mix together:

  • 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cups chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and let sit in the freezer for at least three hours or until solid.

While pineapple juice is beneficial as a cough remedy, there are other foods and drinks that can help soothe symptoms and speed up the healing process. Some of the best foods you can eat to help treat your cough include:

  • Foods rich in vitamin C: These can boost the body’s immune system. Vitamin C can be found in kiwis, bell peppers, and broccoli.
  • Warm soup: Warm soup can help soothe the throat. It may also have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help healing.
  • Warm ginger root tea: This tea can soothe the throat and has anti-inflammatory properties.

There are certain foods that you should avoid when you have a cough. Foods that are known to aggravate coughs include:

  • Dairy: Dairy, especially milk and cheese, can stimulate extra mucus production.
  • Processed foods: These have limited nutrition and are high in salt.
  • Fried foods: Fried foods can make coughs worse since the process of frying food can release irritants in the air. This can trigger or worsen coughing.

Below are some frequently asked questions about pineapple juice and cough.

Can pineapple juice help with a cough?

Pineapple juice may help with a cough due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The bromelain in pineapple juice can help break down mucus, making it easier to expel.

What are the benefits of pineapple juice?

Pineapple juice has many potential health benefits. These benefits are due to the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in pineapple juice. These nutrients include vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

What are the side effects of drinking pineapple juice?

Pineapple juice is generally safe to drink. However, some people may experience side effects after drinking it. These side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Pineapple juice can also cause your blood sugar to spike. If you have diabetes, you should be especially careful when consuming pineapple juice. It’s best to speak with a doctor and consume pineapple juice in moderation.

There is little scientific evidence to support pineapple juice as an effective cough remedy. However, the juice does have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe a sore throat. It is also a good source of vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system. Given its nutrient-rich composition, drinking pineapple juice may be helpful in treating other symptoms associated with a cold or the flu.

Be sure to check with a doctor before trying any new home remedies, especially if you have an underlying health condition. If a cough persists for more than a week, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes.