Although it may not seem like it, coughing is a good thing. It’s the body’s way of clearing the respiratory tract in response to an irritant and seeking effective cough remedies is essential for relief.
Coughing can make you feel generally unwell, and keep you awake all night, and the feeling you have at those times is that it seems like it will never go away.
Most coughs go away on their own without treatment.
In the meantime, there are different natural remedies for coughing that you can try to cope with those moments of coughing attacks or a constant feeling of irritation.
Surely there are several that you recognize or have tried because they are widely used home remedies, however, you might also discover some new ones.
6 Natural and Homemade Cough Remedies
Take some Honey
If there is a natural home remedy among all, it is honey. Its thick consistency coats the throat, calming it immediately.
This is the main reason why it is so beneficial for those who suffer from coughs. According to a study, it can relieve nighttime cough more effectively than a placebo.
Try adding two teaspoons of honey and a squirt of lemon to hot water or infusion. You can also take a spoonful of honey alone.
Important: Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age because in rare cases it may cause infant botulism.
Drink Liquids to Hydrate
Drinking all kinds of fluids, especially hot ones like soups, tea or hot water is another home remedy for coughs.
In addition to hydration, fluids also help the immune system fight the source of the infection that may be causing the cough and soothe the throat pain it causes.
Use a Humidifier or Take a Steam Shower
Humidity plays a very important role in relieving cold symptoms such as coughing or congestion.
For temporary relief, try breathing in the steam from a pot of boiling water. Once the water starts to produce steam, remove it from the heat and place your face over it.
Place a towel over your head to help trap the steam, but be careful not to get too close or you could burn yourself.
You can also achieve a similar effect by taking a hot shower.
If you live in a dry climate, having a humidifier can be a good option, as it will add moisture to the air by emitting water vapor. This will help keep your nose clearer, especially during the winter.
Try Ginger
Just like honey, ginger has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger also has a spicy flavor, which stimulates saliva production and can help improve dry mouth or throat.
If you want to prepare a ginger infusion, you can add 20 – 40 grams of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water.
Wait a couple of minutes before drinking it. To relieve coughing more, try adding honey to your infusion.
Thyme
Indeed, thyme besides being used in cooking is a natural remedy for coughs, sore throats, and also for digestive problems.
It is a plant that, like ginger, is very rich in antioxidants, which makes it very beneficial.
You can prepare a thyme infusion by adding 2 teaspoons of dried thyme to a cup of hot water.
Let it rest for 8 – 10 minutes, then strain it using a strainer and it will be ready to drink.
Probiotics
While it is true that probiotics do not directly relieve coughing, they are essential for prevention because they help to boost the immune system.
If it is stronger, it can better fight infections and allergens that can cause coughing.
You have different foods that are naturally rich in probiotics such as: natural yogurt, miso soup, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, or olives.
Many foods can help you boost your immune health.
You also have the option of taking supplements that contain lactobacillus and other probiotics that you can find in pharmacies or herbalists.
You can supplement a diet rich in probiotics with a supplement.
Final Words
Although these natural remedies can provide you with immediate and temporary relief, the only way to truly treat a cough is to solve the underlying cause.
Since coughing is a symptom of many diseases and conditions, contact your doctor if you are concerned.
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