Here are five natural ways to help alleviate a bad cough:

1. Honey and Lemon: A mixture of honey and lemon can soothe the throat and help reduce coughing. Honey has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off infections, while lemon provides vitamin C and antioxidants. Mix one to two teaspoons of honey with fresh lemon juice in warm water or herbal tea and drink it several times a day.

2. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate cough symptoms. Prepare ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water for about 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon for added flavor and throat-soothing benefits. Drink ginger tea several times a day to help reduce coughing and inflammation.

3. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion, which can alleviate coughing. Boil water and pour it into a bowl, then lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes. For added benefits, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to the water.

4. Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing by loosening mucus and reducing inflammation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water until it dissolves, then gargle with the solution for 15-30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat several times a day as needed.

5. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs and herbal remedies have natural cough-suppressant and expectorant properties that can help alleviate cough symptoms. Some herbs commonly used for cough relief include thyme, licorice root, marshmallow root, and slippery elm. You can make herbal teas or herbal infusions using these herbs to help soothe your cough.While these natural remedies can be helpful for alleviating cough symptoms, it's essential to remember that they may not be suitable for everyone, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause and severity of the cough. 

Always remember to kick-start these remedies, when its an early stage of cold or cough.

If your cough persists or worsens despite trying these remedies, or if you experience other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, it's important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional immediately.