Home Remedies For Cough

 

 

1. Honey

When it comes to home remedies for cough, honey is effective, especially in children. Honey is made up of carbohydrates, free amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants. It has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, the antimicrobial effect of honey has been proved in laboratory studies where it has been sown to be effective against various kinds of common bacteria. It has ability to fight bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis found in the upper respiratory tract makes it so effective in the fight against cough. Besides this, the sweetness of honey encourages us to salivate more and that soothes the pharynx and larynx and

reduces cough.

 

2. Ginger

breathing and soothing a dry or asthmatic cough. The anti-inflammatory properties work on the inflamed airways and help breathing. Studies have shown that these anti-inflammatory compounds relax membranes in the airways and reduce the urge to cough.

Make a ginger cough potion by boiling a few slices or a chunk of crushed fresh ginger in water. You need to let it stay in water for some time before it is ready for drinking. To make this more

effective and palatable, add some honey and lemon juice.

 

3. Hydration

 Drink up and stay hydrated to get relief from your throat irritation and cough. Particularly

helpful for a dry cough, warm water and nourishing liquids like herbal teas, broths, black tea and warm fruit juices will all make you feel better. Even research suggests that drinking warm

liquids is especially helpful for symptoms like a cough, runny nose, and sore throat and sneezing. You will get instant relief and the effect will last for a while. The best part is that you can

drink plenty of these liquids without fear of side effects. Steam Taking steam for blocked or inflamed airways is a remedy that doctors always prescribe to patients with respiratory ailments.

While it may seem a little tedious, it does work wonders. This treatment is especially helpful for a wet cough and may help expel some of the mucous and phlegm that is bogging you

down. You could inhale steam either by filling a bucket with hot water in a shower cubicle so that it fills up with steam. Stay in this steamy atmosphere for a few minutes till you feel your

symptoms receding. Alternatively, you could fill a bowl with steaming water, cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for five minutes. This is also easily done with an electric steamer

that will keep supplying you with a steady stream of steam. Add a few drops of menthol, or eucalyptus oil for more relief. Do take breaks if you feel the steam is too hot and feels

uncomfortable. Those with chest congestion could also use a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer in their room for constant relief.

 

4. Salt-water gargle

A cough is often accompanied by a sore throat especially in the case of a wet cough and, in such cases, salt water gargling really works wonders. Salt water acts as an antibacterial agent, soothes

throat irritation, and reduces the phlegm at the back of the throat that causes an urge to cough. Do note that swallowing salt water could make you vomit, so be careful.

Add half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Ensure that it is not too hot or it will burn your throat. Gargle and then allow the water to sit at the back of your throat for a few minutes

before you spit it out. Repeat this number of time throughout the day for best results.

 

5. Pineapples

Yes, you read right! Pineapples have an enzyme called bromelain that acts as an expectorant and helps expel mucus and phlegm. This is helpful if you are suffering from a wet cough.

The core of the fruit has the most bromelain. Drink pineapple juice a number of times a day for relief. Bromelain supplements are also available, however, do consult your doc before taking

them. Also note that some people can be allergic to bromelain and this enzyme is contraindicated for those who are on blood thinning medication and certain kinds of antibiotics.

Drink this pineapple juice concoction when you are laid low.

Take a cup of pineapple juice, mix it with some honey, salt and pepper and drink it thrice a day.

 

6. Thyme

Thyme is useful not just to add flavor to your dishes but acts as a great remedy for coughs, bronchitis and sore throat among its many uses. Studies have found that thyme is more effective in

relieving coughs in people with bronchitis than a placebo syrup.

Thyme is rich in antioxidants and in compounds called flavonoids that relax and soothe inflamed airways and membranes leading to less coughing.

Make a thyme tea by boiling 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves in a cup of water. Allow to steep for a bit before drinking.

 

7. Lemon

Lemon is useful for coughs in two ways. For one, it acts as a cough suppressant and two, the vitamin C ups your immunity and protects you from coughs in the first place. Lemons are also great expectorants and will help you expel phlegm.

To suppress a cough sprinkle a little black pepper and salt in a slice of lemon and suck it! You could also add some lemon juice to hot water and honey and drink it as a tea.

 

8. Oregano oil

Oregano extract and essential oils have been used in many cultures to treat a cough, colds, sore throats and bronchitis. Studies have shown that the thymol and caracole in Oregano oil

have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Add three to four drop of oregano oil to a tablespoon of water and drink it. Take this three to four times a day.

You could also use it as a chest rub to clear your lungs and bronchial passages. Mix a few drops in carrier oil like olive oil and rub on your chest and back. You could also add a few drops

in your vaporizer or steamer and inhale for best results.

 

9. Black pepper

Black pepper has long been used in Ayurveda, Chinese and New England folk medicine. Pepper works by stimulating circulation and gets the mucus flowing, so this is best for a wet cough. This

chest decongesting remedy is most effective when taken with honey.

Mix a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper with two tablespoons of honey and top with boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes before you strain and drink it. Sip slowly if you find the heat too much to take. Ayurveda says that you should mix 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper with desi ghee and have it on a full stomach. The heat of the pepper will ease congestion. Have this a few times a day.

 

10. Turmeric milk

This favorite Indian kitchen remedy is an Ayurveda staple and has been administered to  a number of people suffering from  cough, often with much protestation! However, as unpalatable as it may be, it

is super effective. The curcumin in turmeric is an anti-viral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory that works on the respiratory infection while milk helps expectorate the phlegm and soothes

the airways.

Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk or blend together some fresh turmeric root, a few garlic pods or a piece of ginger with warm milk and drink it up. Ginger and garlic relieve

chest congestion. Mix in some honey to the drink to make it easier to drink and add to its potency.

Thank you for reading our health tips, always consult a Doctor for proper medication.