How to What Can You Do when 18

Bring out the streamers, the balloons, the cake—you’re an adult now, baby! You’ve been on the planet for just shy of 2 decades and there’s so much to celebrate. In most states, turning 18 comes with a lot of perks, so if you’re wondering what to add to your to-do list now that you’re a legal adult, look no further than here: we’ve made a nice fat list of all the glorious (and mundane) freedoms that come with being 18 so you can make the most of your first year as an adult.

Things You Should Know

• When you turn 18, you can vote, join the military, donate organs, move out of your parents’ home, and do lots of other very adult-sounding things.
• You can make your 18th birthday one to remember by playing the lottery, getting your first legal tattoo or piercing, or skydiving.
• If you’re in love, you can now get married in any state without parental consent. (Adult stores are also now an option.)

Steps

Vote

1. Participate in democracy by casting your vote in the next election. You can pre-register to vote at 17 so that you’re good to go once you hit the legal voting age, or you can register at 18. Your reward for doing your civic duty? A sweet, sweet "I Voted" sticker.^[1]
   
   • Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and a few other states will allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 by the general election.^[2]

Gamble

1. Celebrate 18 by (maybe) winning big in the lottery. While you can’t enter a casino until age 21, in most states, being 18 means you can buy a lotto card, bet on dogs and horses, and play bingo.
   • Before you make plans to bet on the ponies or wipe the floor with Grandma at bingo for your 18th, check to make sure it’s legal in your state.
   • A few states allow gambling before 18 (for example, Ohio permits 16-year-olds to gamble online). But some don’t permit it until 21, like Iowa, and a couple, like Utah, don’t allow it at all.

Get a Tattoo

1. Tattoos: the ultimate act of rebellion, now fully legal.{endbold} As an 18-year-old, you’re officially free to get a tattoo without parental approval. Start curating your collection of beautiful body art now, and pretty soon, you’ll be a walking gallery.^[3]
   
   • Remember, just because you can legally get Pee-wee Herman’s face tattooed overtop your own face, it doesn’t mean you should. Don't get a tattoo if you think you might regret it down the road.

Get a Piercing

1. At 18, you no longer need anyone’s consent to pierce your belly button. Maybe you already got your ears pierced at Claire's with permission from your parents. But no matter the state, at 18, you can legally deck yourself out in piercings without anyone's permission.^[4]

Move Out of Your Parents’ Home

1. At 18, you’re old enough to fly the coop. As a legal adult, you can leave the nest whenever you want. Whether you’re buying your own home, moving into a college dorm, or settling into your first apartment, you’re no longer legally tethered to your parents once you turn 18.^[5]
   • If you plan on moving out once you’re 18, start preparing ahead of time. Go grocery shopping on your own and do your own laundry while you're still living in your parents’ home to get used to the independence.^[6]

Skydive

1. Do something truly exciting for your 18th: jump out of a plane.{endbold} At 18, you are now allowed to skydive—but you will have to pass an exam and sign a few liability waivers first.^[7]

Book a Hotel Room

1. Celebrate 18 in a hotel. Because minors cannot enter into contracts, most hotels do not allow anyone under 18 to reserve a room. But once you hit legal adulthood, you can travel freely. Room service, anyone?
   

Adopt a Dog or Cat

1. Adults may apply to take home a furry friend. Taking care of a pet is a great responsibility—and that responsibility can be all yours once you’ve reached adulthood! You may have had a pet goldfish as a child, but adopting a cat or dog requires a bit more maturity, which is why many shelters require you to be 18 to adopt.^[8]

Use a Rideshare Scooter or Bike

1. Once you’re 18, you’re no longer excluded from ridesharing. No more trudging to the store and wistfully sighing when a 40-year-old whizzes by on a scooter. While 16-year-olds can ride an electric scooter or bike with a parents’ permission, once you’re 18, it’s all you.^[9]

Work in a Bar

1. You can’t get drunk, but you can get paid to help other people get drunk. At 18, you can become a bartender. And depending on the state and the institution, 18-year-olds may be allowed to taste-test while studying the ins and outs of booze-making.^[10]

Drink Outside the United States

1. Celebrate 18 with a glass of champagne—just not in the United States. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. But for many countries around the world, including France, Albania, Botswana, and Bulgaria, you can drink at 18. Imbibe responsibly, and never drink and drive!^[11]

Get a Passport

1. At 18, you can register for a passport. While minors can get passports with parental consent, as an adult, you no longer need permission. So before you plan that trip to France, make sure you get your passport!
   
   ^[12]

Consent to Sex with Someone 18 or Older

1. When you’re an adult, you may have sex with other adults. In some states, the legal age of consent is 16 or 17, but by 18, no matter the state, you can legally consent to sleep with another adult.^[13]
   • Statutory rape laws vary by age and state. For instance, in Alabama, sex between a 12-year-old and a person under 16 may not be considered rape, while sex between a 12-year-old and anyone over 16 automatically is.^[14]
   • Refer to your specific state’s laws for more specific information.^[15]

Buy Porn

1. At 18, you can buy pornography. There’s a reason they’re called “adult” videos. It is illegal to buy adult videos as a minor, but in most places, at 18, you are free to enjoy porn, from videos to vintage mags.^[16]

Enter an Adults Only Store

1. If you’re not ready to commit to a purchase, you can still browse an adult store. In most states, you cannot enter an adult store before you’ve reached adulthood. But at 18, you're finally free to see what the fuss is about.^[17]
   

Buy Spray Paint

1. In most states, you can’t buy spray paint as a minor. But once you hit that milestone age, the world is your oyster. People use spray paint for practical purposes, such as painting old furniture or marking construction zones, but you may make wonderful art with spray paint.^[18]

Buy Fireworks

1. At 18, you’re deemed responsible enough to buy fireworks. Just don’t set them off in the house. Or all at once. Or near alcohol. And be respectful of pets and folks with PTSD, who might not appreciate the loud noises.... Maybe just use party poppers instead?^[19]

Buy a Car

1. Once you’re legal, you can buy a car. Technically, you can buy a car as a minor, but you can’t register it or purchase insurance until you come of age. Now that you’re 18, you can put what you earn at your new full-time job towards a shiny, new-to-you set of wheels.^[20]
   

Rent an Apartment

1. You can take the plunge into homeownership—or you can just rent. Now that you’re an adult, you can legally sign a contract, and that includes a lease. Get the housewarming invitations ready, baby.

Change your Birth Name

1. Once you’re an adult, you can legally go by a different name. If you’ve always hated the name your parents gave you, now’s your chance to change it to something more “you.” Always wanted to go by your middle name? You can. Think the name “Sunflower” represents you better than your given name? You can take that name too.^[21]
   • Depending on your state, there may be rules about what you can change your name to. For instance, in New York, it is unlikely a petition to change your name to a well known person's name (like “Beyoncé Knowles”) would be approved.^[22]

Create an AirBNB or Vrbo Account

1. Not only can you book a room, you can host your own. Both AirBNB and Vrbo require hosts and vacationers to be 18. Take a trip for your milestone birthday, or, if you've got your own place, you can rent it out to vacationers. Have fun decorating!

Join the Military

1. At 18, you are free to serve your country without Mom and Dad’s OK. You can enlist at 17 with a parent’s consent. But once you’re a legal adult, you can join without their permission. ^[23]
   • While enlisting in the military is optional, most men ages 18 to 25 must register with the Selective Service.^[24]

Drop Out of High School

1. Most states require you to attend school until you are 18. (In some states, it’s 16, and for Texas, it’s 19.) While you may graduate as a minor in some states, if you are in school as a legal adult, you may drop out or sign yourself in and out.^[25]

Drive Late at Night

1. Turning 18 means night-driving privileges. Depending on your state, before you turn 18, you may not be allowed to drive at night. Once you come of age, those restrictions are lifted.
   • All states have some form of a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system in place, with some offering full driving privileges to people at 16 or 17. Be sure to check your specific state’s laws. ^[26]
   • For instance, Arkansas and Connecticut restrict driving at night for people under 18, while Idaho gives full driving privileges at 16, and Louisiana at 17.^[27]

Get Married

1. If you’ve found the one, shout it from the rooftops—and a courthouse. At 18, you can get hitched without parental permission in any U.S. state. Most minors can tie the knot at 16 with parental consent—or even younger, in some states.^[28]
   

Work a 40-Hour Week

1. Work full-time and get that paycheck! Once you turn 18, there are no longer rules forbidding you from working full-time. (You'll need some way to fund your tattoos.)^[29]
   • The above rule applies to non-agricultural work. Minors working in agriculture may be able to work full-time, depending on where you live.^[30]
   • For instance, in Arkansas, 16- and 17-year-olds working in agriculture may work 48 and 54 hours a week, respectively.

Apply for Loans

1. At 18, you can legally take out a loan. For many teens, this means car loans or college loans. Just like getting a credit card, taking out loans may help boost your credit score as long as you stay on top of payments.^[31]
   • You must have a job that pays you a salary that allows you to obtain a loan and have the capacity to incur debt. Otherwise, you’ll need to have a guarantor or some asset in your name (either movable or immovable) that you can use as collateral.

Open a Checking and Savings Account

1. Legal adults may open a bank account. After all, you’ve got to have somewhere to put your lotto winnings. Your parents can open a checking and savings account in your name while you’re a minor, but once you’re 18, establishing your own bank account is a lot less of a hassle.^[32]
   • Once you’ve got your checking and savings accounts rolling, you can work on building your credit.

Apply for a Credit Card

1. Beef up your credit score with a shiny new credit card. Your parents can list you as an authorized user on a shared credit card while you’re a minor, but you must wait until your 18th birthday to apply for your own credit card. Just make sure you stay on top of your payments!^[33]
   • You’ll have to provide proof of independent income until you’re 21. (Maybe now’s the time to apply for that full-time job….)

Obtain a Commercial Driving License

1. You’re now old enough to get become a truck driver. Turning 18 not only means night-driving privileges. It also means you’re able to get a CDL, or Commercial Driving License.^[34]
   • While you can get your CDL at 18, until you turn 21, you are only allowed to drive commercially in your home state.

Purchase a House

1. You can become a homeowner. Being able to take out loans makes this a lot easier. Of course, most 18-year-olds are unlikely to be approved for a home loan, but you never know! If you’ve got the capital, you can make it work. (Isn’t that how it always goes?)^[35]
   

Open a Brokerage Account and Purchase Stock

1. The ability to sign a contract comes with the ability to invest in stock. At 18, you’re a legal adult, and can therefore open your own brokerage account and invest in stock. Just be careful betting everything on one horse.^[36]

File a Lawsuit

1. Sue the pants off someone. Because you can’t enter into contracts as a minor, you couldn’t sue anyone before you turned 18 without parental consent. Now there’s nothing standing in the way of getting back at anyone who’s wronged you—except for how wildly expensive it would probably be.^[37]

Adopt a Child

1. At 18, you can become a parent. Depending on where you live, once you have reached the age of legal majority, you can legally adopt a child. Many states still require that you be at least 21 or even 25 to adopt, but a few will allow an 18-year-old to adopt a child.^[38]
   • Some places will allow a minor to adopt a child, as long as the minor is the spouse of the child’s parent.

Apply to Locate Your Birth Parents (If You are Adopted)

1. Adopted individuals gain access to their adoption information at 18. Adoption records are sealed until you reach adulthood. If you want to know more about your birth parents or even try to find them, you can apply for information once you turn 18.^[39]

Go to the Hospital Alone

1. Now that you’re an adult, you make your own medical decisions. An unaccompanied minor may receive care if the doctor feels it is an emergency situation. In order to receive non-urgent treatment without the consent of a parent, in most cases, you must be a legal adult.
   • In some territories, such as Alabama, children are free to make their own medical decisions by 14.^[40]

Become an Organ Donor

1. Give back for your birthday by becoming an organ donor. While you can donate blood at 17 without a parent’s permission, organ donation is another story.^[41] You must have the consent of a parental guardian to donate an organ before you have turned 18, but once you become a legal adult, you don’t need permission.^[42]
   • You can register as an organ donor on your license, or make an immediate impact by becoming a live organ donor. Organs such as kidneys, lungs, and part of your pancreas may be donated while you are alive.^[43]

Consent to Vaccines

1. At 18, you’re in charge of your health, including vaccinations. Most places require parental consent to vaccinate minors. However, once you’re an adult, you become responsible for your own medical choices.^[44]
   • Nebraska requires parental consent until 19, while some cities, including Philadelphia and San Francisco, made special accommodations for Covid-19, allowing minors aged 12 and up to consent to their own Covid vaccines.^[45]

Buy Cough Medicine

1. Now that you're an adult, you can buy your own cough suppressants. Minors can take cough medicine with the consent of parents. By legal adulthood, you are capable of purchasing your meds yourself without your parents' permission.^[46]

Pawn Your Goods

1. Legal adults may pawn their belongings off. It doesn’t matter if you have a bank account, good credit, or income. As long as your item has some collateral value, a pawn shop will consider it.^[47]
   • Lots of people pawn jewelry or electronics, but feel free to think beyond that—people have pawned dinosaur eggs, buoys autographed by David Hasselhoff, and giant Mario figurines.^[48]

Create Your Will

1. It’s never too early to make your will. Not to be too morbid, but it’s always good to be prepared (especially if you're skydiving for your 18th). Once you reach adulthood, you can make your will to ensure your affairs are carried out just how you want after you’ve passed on.^[49]

Get Called for Jury Duty

1. Play a role in our country’s justice system by participating in a jury. Once you’re 18, you can be called to jury duty and do your civic duty. However, if you are a member of the armed forces on active duty, a firefighter or police officer, or a public officer in any federal, state, or local governments, you are excluded from jury duty, even if you want to participate.^[50]

Get a Wholesale Club Card

1. Shop wholesale with a Costco membership! You must be at least 18 to sign up for most wholesale club memberships, including Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. Stock your new apartment with an entire palette of Cap'n Crunch—or just go to the store for the free samples. ^[51]

Operate a Meat Slicer

1. You must be 18 to use a power-driven meat processing machine. Many stores and restaurants employ minors, but you must be a legal adult to use a meat slicer or meat grinder. (That includes handling the individual pieces and parts of the machine!)^[52]

Become a Real Estate Agent

1. If truck-driving isn’t for you, you can always become a realtor. Even if you're still living at home, you can make money helping strangers find their dream house. The majority of U.S. states allow you to obtain your real estate agent license at 18.
   
   • In a couple of states, 18 is still too young. You must be 19 in Alaska and Nebraska, for instance. ^[53][54]

Become a Notary Public

1. You can now begin a career as a notary public. As a notary public, you'll be in demand in multiple industries, including finance, medical, legal, tech, and more. Legal adulthood is one requirement for getting this position, but you must also pass an exam and background check.^[55]
   

Video

Tips

• Keep in mind that while there are many privileges that come with turning 18, there are also many responsibilities. Once you hit the age of legal majority, you can now be tried as an adult—so be smart!
• If you were hoping to celebrate your 18th by buying your first legal pack of cigarettes, sorry to burst your bubble: in December 2019, the federal minimum age for sale of tobacco products in the United States was raised from 18 to 21.^[56]

Warnings

• Don’t hide behind your age as an excuse to consume alcohol excessively.
• Turning 18 doesn’t give you any guarantees. In some countries, the legal age is 21.
• They might still treat you like a child or minor if you don’t have enough maturity.
• Know that if a war breaks out, you could be drafted to serve as a soldier in the Armed Forces.

References

1. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/who-can-vote
2. ↑ https://ballotpedia.org/Voting_in_primaries_at_17_years_old
3. ↑ https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0231.htm
4. ↑ https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0231.htm
5. ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/table_emancipation
6. ↑ [v161669_b01]. 18 December 2020.
7. ↑ https://uspa.org/Make-A-Skydive/Your-First-Jump
8. ↑ https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/requirements-adopt-pet
9. ↑ https://www.li.me/vehicles/scooter
10. ↑ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/bartenders.htm
11. ↑ https://iard.org/science-resources/detail/Minimum-Legal-Age-Limits
12. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/passport
13. ↑ https://www.bhwlawfirm.com/legal-age-consent-united-states-map/
14. ↑ https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/state-laws
15. ↑ https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/state-laws
16. ↑ https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-obscenity
17. ↑ https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-obscenity
18. ↑ https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-33534
19. ↑ https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2022/06/30/10-tips-firework-safety
20. ↑ https://www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services
21. ↑ https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/advice/how-to-change-your-childs-name_3641846
22. ↑ https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/namechange/basics.shtml
23. ↑ https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility/eligibility-requirements
24. ↑ https://ift.tt/ixw0FIy
25. ↑ https://nces.ed.gov/programs/statereform/tab5_1.asp
26. ↑ https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/teen%20and%20novice%20drivers
27. ↑ https://www.iihs.org/topics/teenagers/graduated-licensing-laws-table
28. ↑ https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/marriage-age-by-state
29. ↑ https://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/elg/childlbr.htm
30. ↑ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state/child-labor/agriculture
31. ↑ https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/legal_age
32. ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/bank-accounts-for-people-under-18-315365
33. ↑ https://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6500-200.html#fdic65001002.4/
34. ↑ https://www.smart-trucking.com/cdl-age-requirements/
35. ↑ https://resources.ownup.com/how-old-to-buy-a-house
36. ↑ https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-old-do-you-have-to-be-to-invest-in-stocks-2021-01-31
37. ↑ https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/personal-injury/why-cant-minors-file-lawsuits/
38. ↑ https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/parties.pdf
39. ↑ https://adoptionnetwork.com/adoptee-resources/adoptee-search-and-reunion/
40. ↑ https://schoolhouseconnection.org/state-laws-on-minor-consent-for-routine-medical-care/
41. ↑ https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2018/who-can-give-blood
42. ↑ https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/who-can-donate/children
43. ↑ https://www.organdonor.gov/learn/process/living-donation
44. ↑ https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/covid-19-vaccination-and-parental-consent/
45. ↑ https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/covid-19-vaccination-and-parental-consent/
46. ↑ https://schoolhouseconnection.org/state-laws-on-minor-consent-for-routine-medical-care/
47. ↑ https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/pawnshops-and-civil-liability.html
48. ↑ https://www.thethings.com/pawn-stars-weird-items/
49. ↑ https://www.redcross.org/donations/ways-to-donate/planned-giving/make-a-will.html
50. ↑ https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/juror-qualifications
51. ↑ https://www.samsclub.com/content/terms-and-conditions
52. ↑ https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/whdfs2a.pdf
53. ↑ https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/RealEstateCommission/ApplicantsLicensees/SalesPersonLicensingRequirements.aspx
54. ↑ https://nrec.nebraska.gov/licensing-forms/licenseinformation.html
55. ↑ https://www.dos.pa.gov/OtherServices/Notaries/NotaryServices/Pages/default.aspx
56. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/tobacco-21

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/czY9V0s

How to Get Rid of a Cough Fast

A comprehensive list of proven solutions for an intense cough

A lingering cough can make you feel absolutely miserable, and you probably want to get rid of it as fast as you can. That’s totally reasonable—it’s never fun to be stuck with an obnoxious cough. Luckily, we’ve got a bunch of healthy options for you. From natural remedies based in centuries of folk medicine to cutting-edge medications, we’ll show you how to put an end to that nasty cough in no time.

Things You Should Know

• Eat honey, drink tea, or gargle with salt water to immediately relieve your symptoms with a natural option.
• Take a decongestant or expectorant if you want to get mucus-free, or take a cough suppressant if you want to stop coughing temporarily.
• Use a hot shower or humidifier to open up your airways, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Steps

Natural Remedies

1. Consume 1-2 spoonfuls of honey to suppress a cough. Honey is an effective way to suppress a cough and soothe a sore throat. You can put the honey in tea or warm water if you’d like, but honey on its own works as a natural decongestant and cough suppressant. This is a great immediate solution if you’re going to bed and the cough is making it hard to sleep.^[1]
   
   • It's good for adults and children, but do not give honey to children under the age of 1 since it could increase the risk of infant botulism.
   • Some studies suggest that honey is as effective as a cough suppressant as dextromethorphan, an ingredient commonly used in many over-the-counter cough suppressants.
2. Gargle salt water to soothe your sore throat. Salt water will get rid of that scratchy feeling in your throat, which helps minimize the amount of coughing you’re dealing with. It also dislodges phlegm if you’ve got a wet cough. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 to 1 g) of salt in a cup of warm water and mix it with a spoon to help the salt dissolve. Gargle for 15 seconds and spit it out. Repeat this process as needed.^[2]
   
   • This will also get rid of any gnarly taste you have in your mouth from hacking up phlegm.
3. Rub some menthol or aloe vera on your chest. If your lungs are hurting from all the coughing or you’re dealing with a respiratory infection, this will help open up your airways and soothe your throat and chest. Scoop up a dollop of mentholated petroleum jelly or aloe vera and work it into your upper chest. Reapply as needed to minimize your coughing.^[3]
   
4. Drink licorice root tea to soothe your sore throat and cough. Licorice root tea soothes your airways, helps ease inflammation, and loosens mucus up so you can stop coughing. Either purchase licorice root tea bags, or place some dried licorice root in a mug and pour boiling water on top.^[4]
   
   • Don't drink licorice root tea if you are on steroids or have kidney problems.
   • Thyme tea may also be good for your cough, although there’s less medical research on thyme specifically.
5. Suck on a piece of hard candy to inhibit the urge to cough. If you do not have any cough drops on hand or would prefer to stay away from medicated lozenges, you can usually soothe and stop a cough by sucking on a piece of hard candy. Any candy that’s sweet, minty, or spicy will help to prevent the urge to cough.^[5]
   
   • A dry cough that produces no phlegm can be halted by nearly any piece of hard candy. Hard candy causes you to produce more saliva and to swallow more, thereby suppressing your cough.
   • If you want to get rid of a wet cough where you have a ton of phlegm, try citrus candies, like lemon drops.
   • Hard candy is an effective cough remedy for children ages 6 and older.^[6] Don't give hard candy or lozenges to children under 3, as they might choke.
6. Add some ground turmeric to tea or warm water. Turmeric is a traditional cough remedy that many people have found effective for coughs. Try mixing a dash of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk or tea.^[7] You can also try turmeric powder and a teaspoon of honey for dry cough. To make turmeric tea, add a spoonful of turmeric powder to boiling water. Let it steep, then strain. Mix with some lemon and honey for additional cough-relieving properties.^[8]
   
   • Learn what home remedies work for other readers at the wikiHow forum post, "Home remedies to get rid of a cough."
7. Try inhaling essential oils and steam to soothe your lungs. Boil some water and add 2-5 drops of your favorite essential oil to the water. Inhale the steam to soothe any chest irritation and minimize the odds you cough. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus, anise, fennel, peppermint, and any citrus oil can all help to treat your cough fast.^[9]
   
   • Do not take essential oils internally.
   • You can also take a sniff directly from the undiluted bottle for a quick boost of comfort.
8. Try a traditional Korean folk remedy with pear and jujubes. If you have a cough caused by the cold or flu, you could try making a batch of this traditional Korean cold remedy. It combines dried jujubes with spices, honey, and several other beneficial ingredients.^[10]
   
   • Combine 25 dried jujubes (sliced), 1 large Asian pear (quartered and seeded), a 3-inch (7.6-cm) piece of ginger (sliced), 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, and 3 quart (2.8 L) of water in a large saucepan. Cover and heat on medium-high until it begins to boil.
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 1 hour.
   • Strain the juice and discard the other ingredients.
   • Add 1 to 2 tablespoon (15 to 30 ml) of honey to sweeten the tea if you find it too bitter.

Medications

1. Take a decongestant to open your airways. Decongestants help relieve coughing by reducing nasal congestion and drying up mucus in the lungs and expanding airways. You can take decongestants in a variety of ways, including as pills, liquids, and nasal sprays.^[11]
   
   • Look for pills and liquids with phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine as the active ingredients.
   • Always follow the dosage instructions on the label.
   • Mucinex and Sudafed are probably the two most popular decongestants on the market.
2. Suck on a medicated throat lozenge for fast relief. Try menthol cough drops since they tend to be the most effective for most people. These lozenges numb and soothe the back of your throat, restricting the cough reflex and putting an end to your coughing fit sooner.^[12]
   
   • For moist coughs, horehound lozenges often prove helpful. Horehound is a bittersweet herb with expectorant properties, so it brings up more phlegm faster, allowing your cough to be over with sooner. Pregnant people cannot safely take horehound.^[13]
3. Swallow a cough suppressant to treat a chronic cough. An over-the-counter cough suppressant is best used for moist coughs and coughs that won’t go away. These medications will minimize the urge to cough for a period of time so you can sleep or get some reprieve.^[14]
   
   • Just keep in mind, it isn’t ideal to take cough suppressants for an extended period of time. Coughing is your body’s way of getting rid of irritants, so it’s not good to suppress a cough for too long.
   • Look for a cough suppressant containing dextromethorphan, pholcodine, or antihistamines.
   • Do not give cough medicine to children under 4 years of age.
   • Robitussin, Delsym, and Theraflu are the most popular cough suppressants on the market.
4. Use an expectorant to soothe a hacking, wet cough. Expectorants thin out the mucus so you can cough it out without hurting your throat or chest. While expectorants won’t technically get rid of a cough, they will help you get the coughing out of the way faster so that you can finally get some relief.^[15]
   
   • Do not give cough medicine to children under 4 years of age since they can cause serious side effects.^[16]
   • The most popular expectorants out there include Mucinex, Air-Power, and Mucus Relief.

Behavioral Changes

1. Stay hydrated to get healthy fast and soothe your throat. Hydration is important for wet and dry coughs alike, since coughing irritates the throat. Drinking plenty of water, juice, clear broth, or warm lemon water will also ensure you get the fluids you need to bounce back from whatever is causing your cough in the first place.^[17]
   
   • Aim for the equivalent of at least eight 8 oz (250 ml) glasses of water per day while you suffer from your cough.
   • To treat a cough in children 3 months-1 year old: give the child 1 to 3 tsp (5 to 15 ml) of warm, clear liquid such as apple juice up to four times per day to soothe a cough.^[18]
2. Take a hot shower or run a humidifier and inhale the steam. Warm water vapor helps loosen congestion, which can drip down into your chest and cause you to cough. It also helps moisturize dry air, which can also cause coughing. At night, run a humidifier and breathe in the warm vapor.^[19]
   
   • This method is helpful for coughs caused by colds, allergies, and asthma.
   • Humidifiers need to be cleaned out regularly. Otherwise, they may cause more harm than good. Mold, other fungi, and bacteria can build up inside the machine and get transferred into the air alongside the steam.
3. Stop smoking and use an air purifier to remove airborne irritants. Chronic coughs are often caused or worsened by airborne irritants. If you smoke, the coughing might be a sign it’s time to quit. Minimize your use of incense or candles, and use an air purifier to remove dander and other irritants from the air.^[20]
   
   • Perfumes and scented bathroom sprays are also known to trigger chronic coughs, Avoid these until your cough goes away.
4. Try swapping out big coughs for a series of shorter coughs. You may instinctively start with large, hearty coughs as soon as a coughing fit comes on, but building up to these large coughs slowly can actually help you get rid of a coughing fit faster. This is especially helpful if you have a moist cough. When a coughing fit begins, start by taking a series of small, light coughs. These coughs will not produce much mucus. At the end of your series of small coughs, do one big cough. The small coughs move the mucus toward the top of your air passage and the large cough has enough force to bring the mucus out.
   
   • Coughing in this method will prevent your throat from becoming more irritated. Since an irritated throat is more likely to cause continued coughing, making your throat less irritated helps get rid of your cough faster.

Reader Videos

Warnings

• If your cough persists past two to four weeks, though, you should call the doctor. You should also call if you cough up blood, thick phlegm that makes it hard to breathe.^[21]
• See a doctor ASAP if your cough is accompanied by sharp chest pains, severe fatigue, dramatic weight loss, chills, or a fever.^[22]

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about coughing, check out our in-depth with [v161975_b01].

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/honey-for-sore-throat-and-cough
2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sore-throat/
3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3022046/
4. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8066091/
5. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4638412/
6. ↑ http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx
7. ↑ [v161975_b01]. 5 October 2021.
8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
9. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163989/
10. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/05/09/609440146/korean-culinary-cures-from-tummy-aches-to-hangovers-heres-how-moms-cook-up-relie
11. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35060618/
12. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6461189/
13. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2109003
14. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3205006/
15. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5724298/
16. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-give-kids-medicine-coughs-and-colds
17. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/sore-throat
18. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx
19. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Coughs-and-Colds-Medicines-or-Home-Remedies.aspx
20. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19813055/
21. ↑ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/warning-signs-of-lung-disease/cough/learn-about-cough
22. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough

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How to Clean Fruit with Baking Soda

A guide to removing pesticides & dirt from produce

Before you eat fresh berries, grapes, or apples from the store, it’s important to rinse off your fruit to get rid of any harmful bacteria, fungi, and dirt. Adding baking soda to your rinse helps ensure your produce is free from pesticides and debris, which in turn keeps you even healthier! In this article, we’ll tell you how to clean your fruit and vegetables with baking soda, why baking soda is a great cleaner, and how to use both baking soda and vinegar in your rinse. Read on to learn more!

Things You Should Know

• Fill a bowl ⅔ full with cool water and mix in 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda per 2 cups (473 ml) of water.
• Then, add in your fruits or veggies and let them sit for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir them around every few minutes to ensure they’re evenly soaked in the solution.
• Pour the baking soda mixture through a strainer and rinse the produce under cool water to remove any remaining dirt or baking soda.

Steps

Washing Produce with Baking Soda

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. To prevent bacteria from spreading onto your fruits or vegetables, wash your hands well before touching or cleaning your produce. Just spend at least 20 seconds scrubbing your hands with soap under warm water.^[1]
   
2. Fill a mixing bowl ⅔ full of cool water. Get out a large mixing bowl that your fruits and vegetables easily fit inside.^[2] Then, fill about ⅔ of the bowl full with cool tap water. Using cool tap water instead of cold, warm, or hot water prevents bacteria from getting into your produce or bruising it.^[3]
   
   • If you’re washing larger produce in your sink, clean your sink first to prevent germs and bacteria from infecting your fruits or veggies.
3. Mix in 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda per 2 cups (473 ml) of water. Pour 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda into the bowl for every 2 cups (473 ml) of cool water inside. Simply use a spoon to stir the baking soda in the water so it completely dissolves.^[4]
   
4. Soak your produce in the solution for 12-15 minutes, stirring it often. Add your fruits or vegetables into the baking soda solution and give them a mix to ensure all of the produce is covered by the mixture. Then, leave the fruits or vegetables to sit for 12 to 15 minutes. After every 2 to 3 minutes, stir the produce so every piece is cleaned evenly.^[5]
   
   • Produce with soft exteriors, like berries, can get mushy when they’re soaked. To prevent mushiness, leave soft produce in the water for 1 to 2 minutes. Or, sprinkle them with baking soda as you rinse them under water.
   • Remove fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and grapes from the vine before soaking them in the baking soda.
   • Take off the outer leaves on vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and cabbage before cleaning them.
   • Do not cut into your fruit or vegetables before you clean them. Cutting off bruises or spots before the skin is clean can let bacteria get inside.^[6]
5. Scrub the fruit with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. After your produce has finished soaking, take a few seconds to manually remove dirt on the surface of your fruit or vegetables. If you’re washing soft fruits or vegetables like berries, grapes, and leafy greens, just use your fingers to rub the produce. If you’re cleaning tougher produce like apples, carrots, or potatoes, scrub them with a soft-bristled brush.^[7]
   
6. Pour the fruit into a strainer and rinse it under cool water. Dump the baking soda solution through a mesh strainer or colander to separate the produce from the mixture. Then, hold the fruit or vegetables under running, cool water to rinse off any remaining dirt or baking soda. This ensures your produce is clean and doesn’t contain a hint of baking soda.^[8]
   
   • If there is any baking soda left on your produce, they might taste slightly like baking soda, which has a bitter flavor. Just rinse your fruit or veggies off again to get rid of any residue.
7. Dry the produce on a towel before preparing or eating it. Lay down a clean, dry towel or paper towel on your counter and pour your fruits or veggies on top. Then, lay a second clean, dry towel on top to let your produce air dry before you cook with them or snack on them. Or, use your second towel to dry each individual piece off.^[9]
   
   • In general, only wash produce right before you’re going to eat it or cook it into a meal. Washing and then storing produce can encourage bacteria or mold growth that causes your fruits or vegetables to spoil faster.
   • If you need to wash and then store vegetables or fruits, make sure they’re completely dry. Place them in airtight storage containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Then, set them in your fridge away from meat and seafood.

Why use baking soda to clean fruits and vegetables?

1. Baking soda removes pesticide residue and stuck-on dirt and debris. Fruits and veggies from the grocery store are often treated with pesticides that keep away damaging insects, but that you might not want to eat. Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that decomposes and lifts off leftover pesticide residue on produce.^[10] It also has abrasive qualities that scrub off dirt and other debris on the surface of fruits and vegetables.^[11]
   
   • Vinegar is another common solution that’s used to clean produce. Unlike vinegar, baking soda is less smelly and doesn’t leave behind an aftertaste.
   • Pesticide use is strictly controlled in the United States. If there is any pesticide residue on produce, it is below the regulated amount which makes it safe to eat. Still, it’s important to at least rinse off your produce to remove dirt and bugs.^[12]

Cleaning Fruit and Vegetables with Baking Soda and Vinegar

1. Fill a mixing bowl about ⅔ full of cool water. Washing your fruit or veggies with baking soda and vinegar follows a similar process as just washing them with baking soda. Simply get out a bowl large enough for your produce and fill it with cool tap water.^[13]
   
   • This washing solution combines the powers of baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that kills many types of bacteria.^[14]
2. Pour in 1 cup (237 ml) of vinegar per 2 cups (473 ml) of water. Use either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to clean your fruits or veggies; both are effective at getting rid of bacteria. Then, pour 1 cup of vinegar (237 ml) into the bowl for every 2 cups (473 ml) of cool water inside.^[15]
   
3. Add 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda for every 2 cups (473 ml) of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda per 2 cups (473 ml) of cool water in your bowl and add it to the vinegar solution. Then, use a spoon to stir the baking soda so it dissolves in the water and vinegar.^[16]
   
4. Place your produce in the bowl and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Add your fruits or veggies into the vinegar and baking soda solution; the solution might bubble or fizz, which is completely normal. Then, simply let the produce sit for 10 to 15 minutes to let the vinegar and baking soda work their cleaning magic.^[17]
   
5. Dump out the solution and rinse the produce under cool water. Pour out the vinegar and baking solution through a strainer or colander. Then, hold the fruits or vegetables under cool, running water to wash off any residual dirt, vinegar, or baking soda. ^[18]
   
6. Dry the fruits or veggies on towels before cooking them. Pour your produce onto a clean, dry cloth or paper towel and layer a second cloth or sheet on top. Pat the fruits and vegetables dry, or leave them to air dry, before cutting them up for a meal or eating them.^[19]
   

Video

Warnings

• Do not use soap or bleach to clean produce. Both soap and bleach can seep into the pores of fruits and vegetables and make you sick when you eat them.^[20]

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/wash-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables
2. ↑ https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/healthy-home/3274/cfs-healthy-home/tips-for-a-healthy-home/3474/the-truth-about-produce-wash#
3. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/wash-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables
4. ↑ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/apples/
5. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320660620_Effectiveness_of_Commercial_and_Homemade_Washing_Agents_in_Removing_Pesticide_Residues_on_and_in_Apples
6. ↑ https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4336e/#:~:text=Use%20clean%20potable%20cool%20to,minutes%20in%20cool%2C%20potable%20water
7. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/preserving-and-preparing/wash-fresh-fruits-and-vegetables
8. ↑ https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/05/06/why-you-should-wash-your-fruits-and-vegetables
9. ↑ https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/Guide%20to%20Washing%20Fresh%20Produce508.pdf
10. ↑ https://www.atchison.k-state.edu/docs/food_safety_health_nutrition/Washing%20Food.pdf
11. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-safety/smarter-should-you-wash-produce-with-baking-soda-a6385579987/
12. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/safe-ways-handle-and-clean-produce
13. ↑ https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/how-clean-fruits-and-vegetables
14. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/washing-fruits-vegetables
15. ↑ https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/guide-to-washing-fresh-produce-9-380/
16. ↑ https://smith.agrilife.org/files/2019/06/Washing-Fresh-Fruits-and-Vegetables.pdf
17. ↑ https://www.utmb.edu/food/Resources/nutrition_list/%5CMQAS_21%20-%20Fruit%20and%20Vegetable%20Washing.pdf
18. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/michigan-farm-to-ece-network/Uploads/How%20to%20Wash%20Produce%20-%20consumer%20(002).pdf
19. ↑ https://foodrevolution.org/blog/how-to-wash-vegetables-fruits/
20. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely#prep

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