The cough is by many people considered to be harmless due to the fact that it is not chronic. However, the common cough can be alarming because many serious diseases start by persistent cough. It can be one of the symptoms for many severe ailments.
This is the reason why the cough is recommended to be treated immediately, when it becomes evident. There are various natural remedies that can be even more helpful than the conservative medications.
These natural remedies could ease the discomfort and eliminate the virus associated with the persistent cough. It is very important to identify the type of cough you are suffering from before you begin taking some of these home/natural remedies. So, you need to learn something in regard to this so that you can choose the best home remedy which will effectively treat your cough.
There are two types of coughs, the dry and productive:
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Dry
The dry cough is a type which is mainly caused by allergies, dry air and random tickle at the back of the throat that won`t go away. This type of cough seems unstoppable. It requires ingredients that could soothe the irritated mucous membranes and eliminate the irritants or demulcents.
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Productive
The productive cough is also known as whooping cough. This type is associated with coughs that are followed by mucous or phlegm. Since the body is trying to eliminate the gunk from the lungs or the chest, this type of cough shouldn’t be suppressed. There are several remedies that can help you with this type of cough, including the expectorant. Apart from this cough medicine you can use any other similar one which can loosen the mucus and help the body get rid of the phlegm.
What these two types have in common is the fact that they can be treated with home remedies instead of some chemical solutions. Besides being better for you, the natural remedies have much better taste than the traditional cough syrups.
List of 10 Effective Natural Remedies for Cough
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Gargle Salt Water
The gargling salt water is one of the most popular natural remedies for cough and sore throat. It eases the discomfort caused by the cough and relieves the sore throat thanks to osmosis. Moreover, when the concentration of salt is higher than the cells in the mucous membranes, the water flows out of the cells and balances everything out.
The water actually leaves the cells and the swelling reduces which results in decrease of discomfort. If the cough you are suffering from is caused by an inflamed tissue it is highly recommended to try this home remedy. In addition, it may help in depressing the phlegm so that it can be expelled easily out of your body.
Ingredients:
- Warm water
- A teaspoon of salt
Directions:
Take a glass of warm water, add the salt and stir well until it dissolves. Gargle with this solution for about 15 seconds and then spit the water. Repeat this procedure with the water that remains. Finally, rinse with plain water.
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Carrot Juice
Due to the amount of vitamins and minerals it contains, the carrot is a very effective remedy when it comes to treating cough. Instead of buying a carrot juice from the supermarket, you can make your own fresh carrot juice. You just need to dilute the concentrated carrot juice with water. A teaspoon of honey can be added as well so that it makes the juice tastier. However, if you are allergic to honey, the plain carrot juice is not that bad.
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A Spoonful of Honey
According to many studies the honey could be even more effective than the traditional cough medications. The honey is a rich demulcent that has a high stickiness and viscosity. That is why it is so efficient in calming down the cough and coating and soothing the irritated mucous membranes.
In addition, it has anti-bacterial properties thanks to the enzymes added by bees when they harvest honey. These properties make the honey efficient in shortening the duration of cough, especially if it is caused by bacteria.
You can take a tablespoon of honey three times a day or before you go to bed to eliminate the coughing while you sleep. The children are recommended a dosage of 1 tablespoon to 1 teaspoon.
Note: Even though the honey is very effective natural remedy for cough for both adults and kids, it is not recommended to give it to a child under the age of 2. This is due to the risk of botulism.
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Ginger Peppermint Syrup
This ginger peppermint cough syrup is very efficient and easy to swallow. It loosens and expels the mucus out of the lungs due to the fact that spicy ginger could act as an expectorant. In addition, the peppermint and the spicy ginger can eliminate the painful tickle at the back of the throat which usually happens when you are suffering from a dry cough.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- A cup of honey
- 3 tablespoon of chopped ginger
- A table spoon of dried peppermint
Directions:
First, chop the ginger and then combine it with 4 cups of water and peppermint. Bring them boil and strain when the liquid has been reduced to half. Let the mixture cool and then add the cup of honey. Mix well until the honey dissolves. But the mixture in a bottle and take one tablespoon on every few hours. Keep the syrup in refrigerator up to 3 weeks in order to avoid spoilage.
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Turmeric
The turmeric is highly beneficial plant and many people are fond of using it. It has therapeutic effect and it can help you get rid of the cough. The best and simplest way of using turmeric as a remedy is by mixing it with carom seeds.
Ingredients:
- A tablespoon of carom seeds
- A tablespoon of turmeric
Directions:
Put the carom seeds and the turmeric in water and put the combination to boil. Boil until the mixture reduces to half. Then, add several teaspoons of honey to make it taste better. Take two times a day.
There is yet another way of making your own cough syrup. Roast the turmeric root and grind it after. Then combine the turmeric powder with water and honey. Take twice a day as well.
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Steam
Another very effective way of relieving cough, congestion and cold is the steaming. It loosens the phlegm and the mucous right away. By adding different essential oils you get a variety of other health benefits. It could act as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral agent etc.
You can add a combination of eucalyptus and tea tree oil in the steam. This will open your airways and fight off the bacteria and virus responsible for the cough itself.
Ingredients:
- Towel
- A bowl of boiling water
- 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
Directions:
Take a medium-sized bowl, fill it water and bring it to boil. Let it cool for 30-50 seconds and then add the oils. Lean over the bowl, the closest you can. However, be careful when you do this because the steam could seriously burn your face. Cover your head with a towel while you do the steaming. Breathe deeply. It is recommended to do this procedure 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes.
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Pepper and Honey
The pepper is one of the world`s most traded spices and it plays a huge role in the culinary world. However, apart from this it is a great natural remedy for cough, especially if it is accompanied with nasal congestion and mucus. You have probably experienced this many times when you have accidentally inhaled some black pepper. You know that you immediately feel the urge to cough or sneeze.
This is especially useful in cases when you need to eliminate all the nasty things that are inside your lungs. Moreover, when combined with honey it becomes even more effective. This is due to the anti-bacterial properties of the honey which makes the pepper less irritant. You can combine honey and pepper and make your own homemade cough syrup or turn it into a tea. It is recommended to use freshly ground black pepper instead of pre-ground because the first one has stronger properties.
Ingredients:
- A tablespoon of honey
- A teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Take a mug and add the honey, the pepper and boiling water. Mix well until the black pepper and the honey dissolve. Then steep for 10 more minutes and stir again. Consume this mixture once or twice a day.
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Licorice Root Tea
This plant acts as both expectorant and demulcent. It soothes the airways while thinning and loosening the mucus. In addition, it may relieve any type of inflammation that could be the cause of the cough and to ease congestion.
The licorice contains glycyrrhizin which inhibits an enzyme called 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. This enzyme controls the access of glucocorticoid. This could result in a slower conversion of cortisol to cortisone, which could increase the effects of cortisol while reducing the inflammation. It is recommended to avoid licorice root in case you have some problems with the kidneys or you are taking steroids.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root
- Boiling water
Directions:
Put the licorice root in a mug and then add the boiling water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes by previously covering the mug. Drink twice a day.
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Onions
The onions are considered to be one of the most effective natural remedies for cough thanks to the very strong vapor onions have. Make your own homemade cough syrup and add a bit of honey (to make it tastier). Consume this syrup regularly so that you achieve its effects.
Ingredients:
- Grated onion
- Honey
- Lemon juice
Directions:
Combine lemon juice, honey and grated onions. Put them in a pot and add boiling water. Put it to boil and let it simmer for 2 hours. Then strain the juice. Consume one tablespoon of your own homemade cough syrup on every two hours.
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Tea Thyme
The thyme has anti-microbial properties which make it able to lessen your coughing and relieve the discomfort. It opens up the airways and relaxes the muscles of the bronchi and trachea.
Ingredients:
- Honey or lemon
- A handful of fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- A cup of boiling water
Directions:
If you decide to use fresh thyme before placing it in a mug you need to lightly bruise it by using mortar and pestle first. Then pour the boiling water, cover the mug and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Add lemon or honey in order to improve the taste. Drink 2-3 times a day or before going to bed so that you have a good sleep without the disruption of coughing.
Additional Tip
The majority of homemade/natural remedies for cough are in a form of tea. It is highly recommended to cover the tea mug while it steeps so that it experiences a dual purpose. First of all, in this way you will keep the tea hot and it will trap the steam along with some volatile oils in the steam itself. You could also inhale while uncovering in order to benefit more and experience the soothing effect.
Sourced: healthierdaily
