A persistent cough can be quite irritating and leave you feeling miserable as it can sometimes keep you awake all night. Despite it leaving you irritated, cough is a good thing as it is the body’s natural response to an irritant. It is a way to clear the airways and remove the irritant. More often than not, a cough gets resolved on its own without any treatment. However, if you are struggling with it, many natural remedies can help eliminate it. The best part of it is that these are straight out of your kitchen cabinet. Below are a few home remedies for cough.
Ginger is an ancient herbal remedy for various ailments as it has many medicinal properties that reduce inflammation and soothe a cold or sore throat. It is often known to treat an upset stomach or treat nausea, but it can also suppress a cough. As per research, ginger relaxes the airway muscles and is beneficial in cough and asthma symptoms. Additionally, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it protects against bacteria and viruses and reduces swelling and inflammation of the throat. Take ginger as a juice, tea, or lozenge, or add it to meals. Ginger with honey soothes your sore throat.
It is one of the most popular and commonly used home remedies for a sore throat and gives great relief to cough. It is more effective than any over-the-counter medications that contain cough suppressants. Take a teaspoon of honey directly or mix it with warm water and lemon to make this home remedy. The lemon aids in decongestion, and the honey soothes the throat. It can also be spread on bread, toast and as a snack. While shopping for honey ensure that it is pure and not sugar syrup.
Another popular condiment in Indian homes that have been used to treat many ailments, including cough, is turmeric. It contains a compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that make turmeric potent. Turmeric is usually mixed with other ingredients to help in absorption. Black pepper is usually mixed with turmeric as it increases curcumin absorption. Sip warm milk with turmeric and black pepper with a dash of honey to get instant relief from cough.
Steam is another useful home remedy that is useful in a productive cough. It reduces congestion and helps to get rid of the phlegm or mucus. You can use a steam bowl or a large bowl and fill it with hot water. Add some essential oils like rosemary or eucalyptus to reduce congestion. Place a towel over your head, lean over and inhale the vapours for a few minutes. If you have less time, take a hot shower to close all the doors and windows to fill with steam. Stay for a few minutes and drink a glass of water to prevent dehydration. You can also use a steam vaporiser or a humidifier for chest congestion and wet cough.
Thyme is an easily available herb. It relaxes the throat muscles due to the presence of flavonoids, a compound that reduces inflammation and coughing. Thyme leaves can also be used to relieve respiratory illnesses like acute bronchitis when mixed with ivy. Thyme tea can be made at home by crushing the leaves and mixing with boiling water. Steep this for about 10 minutes, cover with lid and strain. Mix with honey and consume this tea hot.
These contain a lactobacillus bacterial that prevents the common cold and other infections. Though it cannot directly bring relief to cough, it balances the gut bacteria and boosts immunity. With better immunity, you can fight off infections that cause coughing. Yoghurt is an item that contains probiotics and is commonly found in all Indian households. You can also think of taking probiotic supplements as the quantity available in fresh foods may not be sufficient.
It is a herb historically used as a medicine for sore throats and coughs. It eases the irritation caused due to high mucus accumulation. A study showed that herbal cough syrup with marshmallow root, ivy, and thyme could relieve coughs due to respiratory ailments and common colds. The marshmallow root is available as tea or a dried herb and can be purchased online or in health stores. Add hot water to a bagged tea or the herb and drink it cool or hot.
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