Home Remedies for Cough – Simple to do Tips at home
People think coughing a disease, but in reality, it is a voluntary or involuntary act to clear our throat and airways from foreign particles, microbes, mucus, fluids, or any other irritants. Our body creates a reflex action when anything irritates our throat and airways, also sometimes we can choose to do it to get the same results.
But coughing every time is not so common it might be a sign of illness & infections, and sometimes when the coughing is chronic, i.e., if it is on for a long time it might be the case of Tuberculosis. More often the symptoms can resolve on its own in just a week due to our immunity system acting up to fight the infections also there are home remedies for cough which are easy to doable at home from the simple ingredients available or can be bought for a low price at any store.
Home remedies for coughCAUSES OF COUGH
There are lots of reasons which can cause cough, but mostly flu, common cold, laryngitis (inflammation of larynx/voice box) is responsible for the cough.
Hay fever
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
CAUSES OF CHRONIC COUGH
Asthma
Smoking
Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Tuberculosis
Lung infection
HOME REMEDIES FOR COUGH
There are so many natural home remedies for treating a cough at home, but always keep in mind to seek expert help while using any home remedy for cough as they might react with any medication you are regularly taking and can cause many side effects resulting in making the condition even worse.
10 SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR COUGH
There are lots of home remedies people regularly use to treat a cough at home, here are some natural res we can use: –
1. HONEY
There is lots of research on honey stating that it can relieve cough, the researchers have found that using honey brings most significant relief from cough followed by any other cough suppressant medication. Although the results of honey over any cough suppressant are small parents mostly preferred using honey over any other medication.
Usage – One tablespoon with lukewarm water or any other herbal tea.
Dosage – Use this remedy two times a day to see the results faster.
Warning -Make sure you have the pure honey instead of adulterated one also it is advisable not to give honey to kids under one year of age instead seek help from a physician.
2. SALTWATER GARGLE
Each time we visit any doctor for cough consultation, along with medication, he prescribes to gargle with salt water to soothe the throat. Saltwater helps in reduction of phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat, resulting in relief in cough. In a study published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, it was found that the group which was asked to gargle with salt water three times a day had 40% decrease in upper respiratory tract infection compared with the control group.
Usage – Mix 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of lukewarm water.
Dosage – Gargle several times a day properly to get out the most benefits.
Warning – Be careful not to turn your water into the Dead Sea, a pinch or ½ teaspoon would do the trick for you. Also, ingesting saltwater can be harmful to small kids so beware.
3. GINGER
Due to anti-inflammatory properties using ginger can relieve dry, asthmatic cough along with relief in nausea and pain. A study done on the topic suggests that anti-inflammatory properties in ginger can relax membranes in airways, which helps in reducing cough.
Usage – Boil 1 and a half inch ginger slices in approx 200-300 ml water for 4-5 minutes, you may add honey and lemon juice for taste.
Dosage – Drink at least two times a day for better results.
Warning – Only use organic ginger also stomach upset, and Heartburn cases can be seen in some patients, so choose wisely.
4. HOT SHOWER
Anybody who has suffered cold & flu along with cough knows and have had hot shower can remember what it did for him/her. Hot showers and steam can loosen the phlegm and mucus which can quickly get out of the body via cough and nose relieving our throat and chest. Also, it puts some moisture in the air you inhale, which helps get rid of cough. Hot showers can wash away any allergen or pollutant which might be causing cough and it also relaxes your muscles, giving you soothing warmness and sleep you need for better recovery.
Usage – Stand under a hot shower for about 10-15 minutes or inhale the steam for about 4-5 minutes.
Dosage – You must take a hot shower at least two times and inhale steam 2-3 times a day for 4-5 minutes.
Warning – Keep a note on water temperature as hot water can cause severe skin burning. High blood pressure patients must seek advice before using a hot shower. Eczema patients can get worst results with hot shower as it can dry out the skin.
5. CHICKEN SOUP
Filled with cysteine, a natural amino acid providing powerful antioxidant a chicken soup at the time of cold & flu along with cough can bring better results. Regular use of chicken soup in the winter and rainy season can prevent us from getting any infection and cough as it boosts the immunity system. But remember not only chicken would help; the preparation must be done with garlic, hot peppers, hot curry or tobacco sauce as all these ingredients add heat and pungency which helps in loosening up of mucus.
Usage – Drink hot chicken soup spiked with garlic, hot peppers &hot curry.
Dosage – Drink at least two times a day before having meals.
Warning –Always use fresh meat; otherwise, it may bring harm rather than helping in cough relief.
6. FLUIDS
Always keep yourself well hydrated at the time of cough. There are studies which state that drinking cold or room temperature fluids can alleviate cold & cough systems, so it is advised to stay hydrated through warm liquids. Hydration helps loosen the mucus; well-hydrated secretions are easy to wash out of the body. The lesser effort is required to expel phlegm and this subject to reduced friction during coughing. So it is best advised to stay well hydrated while suffering from cold & flu.
Usage – Drink herbal tea, black tea, warm water, chicken soup.
Dosage – Stay hydrated throughout the day and night.
Warning – Do not consume contaminated liquid as it will worsen the condition.
7. vitamin c
Vitamin C enriched foods are full of vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps in boosting the immunity system. Vitamin C is essential for the proper functioning of the immunity system, and it is depleted during infections, so a vitamin C deficiency can harm. Citrus fruits and juices are full of vitamin C, papaya, pineapple, kale, sweet and white potato, and other leafy vegetables are also full of vitamin C.
Usage – Include vitamin C supplement or consume fruits and vegetables full of vitamin C
Dosage – Approx 60-70 mg/day or consume vitamin C enriched fruits and veggies
Warning – Overconsumption of vitamin C (more than 2000 mg/day) can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.
8. THYME
In most herbal cough syrups and cough drops, you can find thyme extracts. Thyme is an herb; its flowers, leaves, and oil are used in medicines. An old age remedy, thyme can soothe irritated bronchial tubes, kill microbes that cause bronchitis, help loosen up mucus, thus resulting in cough relief. Some researchers have found that thyme alone or in combination with other herbs improves symptoms of bronchitis such as coughing and fever. Thyme is antibacterial, antifungal, and spasmolytic, so it fights agents that cause bronchitis.
Usage – Boil thyme and peppermint for 4-5 minute and drink lukewarm, honey can be added.
Dosage – Drink 2-3 cups a day for fast results.
Warning –People allergic to thyme must not try it also thyme can slow blood clotting, thyme might act like estrogen in the body so be careful while using it.
9. EUCALYPTUS OIL
Just like hot showers, inhaling steam vapors filled with herbal oils can help a lot in cough relief. It helps fight bacteria and fungi again. Eucalyptus oil can help break down nasal congestion; while the steam will moisten the throat, also you can put some oil drops in the humidifier.
Usage – Boil some water and add few drops of eucalyptus oil place a towel over your head, try to deeply inhale the vapors.
Dosage – 2-3 times a day and before going to bed.
Warning – Should not be consumed or applied on the skin with diluting it. I can interact with certain medicines, so I always seek professional advice.
10. PINEAPPLE
Pineapple juice is filled with an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain have anti-inflammatory properties also it helps loosen up mucus and wash it out of the body. Although not every study agrees still some studies state that bromelain may help reduce cough and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis. It can also relieve the pain and inflammation due to hay fever.
Usage – Drink pineapple juice 2-3 times a day, or you can use bromelain supplement.
Dosage – Bromelain supplement 100-300 mg 3 times a day.
Warning- People who are allergic to pineapples, latex, wheat, celery, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Mild diarrhea can occur in some cases.
TIPS TO PREVENT COLD & FLU
You can get help from home remedies for cough, but precaution is better than cure always, so here is care you must make a note of –
Avoid contact with a cold & flu patient –try to maintain a safe distance or have proper precautions while meeting a patient suffering g=from cold & flu.
Have proper meals to boost the immune system –always have a blend of seasonal fruits and vegetables to get most vitamins and antioxidants.
A daily dose of a multivitamin is a must – sometimes we cannot get enough vitamins and antioxidants from our food so we must include supplementing it.
Stay hydrated always – always fill up your liquid needs to stay hydrated.
Follow proper hygiene habits – maintain proper hygiene like hand wash, using sanitizers, and not eating from the floor.
Start using disinfectant – start using disinfectant for proper cleaning and hygiene in the kitchen and bathrooms regularly.
Do not touch your mouth after being in a public place before washing hands – touching your hands after being in federal transfers all the bacteria on to your mouth resulting in infection.
Get enough sleep for an active and healthy life.
Know your allergies and take precautions – keep a note of your allergies and allergens to avoid getting sick.
Always track your flu seasons to avoid getting into the sick and to take precautions in advance.
Reduce stress & live a healthy life – stress can hurt your immunity system so always keep your stress levels down.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP
Often cough systems disappear in a week typically, but if it is not going back even after 7-10 days, you must seek medical help.
Foul-smelling yellow and green phlegm.
Dehydration.
Chills.
Fever over 102 degrees.
Weakness.
Breathing problems.
Severe headache.
Severe blocked nasal cavity.
Bleeding cough.
Pain at lungs area.
Following the above home remedies will surely give you relief from cough. Don’t forget to mention in comments how well these home remedies for cough worked for you.
