The best treatment and remedies for cough depend on the underlying cause. Typically, this condition helps eliminate irritants and infections from the body, but persistent coughing can be annoying. However, you should also be aware that some herbs and supplements can interfere with medications, resulting in unwanted side effects. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a doctor before resorting to alternative remedies. Here are some of them that have already been proven effective in relieving symptoms.
Boost immunity with cough remedies
Sometimes a cough isn't due to something wrong with youlung disease to dohas. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause coughing. Additionally, colds, allergies, and sinus infections can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter medications. Bacterial infections require the use of antibiotics. In addition to medication, you can ask your doctor about other options to relieve your cough. However, it is important to remember that people are sometimes at risk of using substandard products and contaminants.
There are a number of natural remedies to try to treat a persistent cough. Although they may help some people, it is important to note that there is limited evidence to support their use. This means that it is best for you to determine for yourself whether the medication in question will work for you. See a doctor if the cough lasts for a long time or is recurrent. If you experience shortness of breath, blood or yellowish-green mucus, as well as fever or headache, along with wheezing, medical attention is essential. Listed below are the most common natural products you can consider.
Honey as a cough suppressant
A teaspoon or two of honey can reduce mucus production and also kill germs. However, remember that this can cause botulism in babies. This is a rare form of food poisoning. Therefore, never give honey to a child under one year old. Additionally, hot liquids with honey can provide short-term relief and treatment for coughs. Use plain hot water or hot tea of your choice and add honey and lemon to taste. Research found that honey has modest benefit in reducing nighttime coughs in children ages 2 to 18. You can make your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. The honey has a calming effect, while the lemon juice can help with constipation. You can also eat the 2 teaspoons of honey plain or prepare it as a spread for a snack.
Use ginger as a cough remedy
Research shows that certain purified compounds in ginger root can relax the muscles that constrict your airways. You can eat ginger raw or mix ground ginger root with honey and stir it into hot tea. Ginger can relieve a dry or asthmatic cough because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Its ingredients also have a positive effect on nausea and pain. In traditional medicine and cooking, people often add ginger to dishes or drink it in tea. However, you should be aware that ginger tea can cause stomach upset or heartburn in some cases. However, if you have a cough, ginger tea is the best choice. The hot liquid can reduce irritation, dryness and mucus in the throat. To make ginger tea, slice a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root. Then boil it in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how strong you want the tea.
Increased fluid intake to strengthen the immune system
Drinking liquids of all kinds, especially warm ones like hot water, chicken soup, and tea, is another good cough remedy. Many people who have a cough tend to remain dehydrated because they drink little. In addition to hydration, fluids also help your immune system fight off the source of the infection or virus that may be causing your cough. They also relieve sore throats, which are common with such a condition. Additionally, people with additional symptoms of a cold or flu may benefit from warming their drinks. Hot drinks that can be soothing include clear broths, herbal teas, decaffeinated black tea, warm water, warm fruit juices.
Gargle with salt water
Do you have some table salt at home? Go ahead and add some to warm water and gargle with it. This relieves the symptoms of upper respiratory infections and even prevents the infections from occurring in the first place. While this may seem relatively simple as a cough remedy, gargling with salt and water can help soothe a scratchy throat. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help soothe irritation. The extra moisture can thin mucus and help wash out things that irritate your throat, similar to a saline rinse for your nose. However, since children under 6 are not particularly good at gargling, it is best to try other remedies for this age group.
Use of onions as a cough remedy
Many people start tearing up as soon as they start cutting an onion. Although there is no science behind it, some swear that the strong smell an onion gives off when it is cut helps relieve coughs. Before bed, cut an onion into quarters and leave it on a plate on your nightstand or at the foot of the bed. Although using onions may sound like an old wives' tale, it can be an effective and natural cough treatment.
Humidifier and steam to relieve symptoms
If you've ever noticed your cough subside after a hot bath or shower, then you know how important moisture is in relieving cold symptoms. You can try this simple method yourself at home by taking a steam shower or using a cool mist humidifier. These devices add moisture to the air, where mist can help relieve coughs.
Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions to keep your humidifier clean and avoid promoting bacteria and mold. Additionally, dust mites are the #1 allergen and grow best when conditions are too humid. Mold can also grow through humidifiers if you don't keep the device clean, which could make your cough worse.
Alternatively, you can inhale hot steam from a bowl. To do this, you can fill a large bowl with hot water. Then add herbs or essential oils like eucalyptus, chamomile, or rosemary. These can help relieve coughs. Bend over the bowl and place a towel over your head. This will trap the vapor so you can inhale it. Continue inhaling the steam for about 10-15 minutes. You should find this helpful if you do it once or twice a day.
Take turmeric for cough
Turmeric has been traditionally used for many ailments over the years, including coughs. Its active ingredient called curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is recommended to consume turmeric with black pepper. This is because the main compound in black pepper increases the bioavailability of turmeric. This supports the body's absorption of turmeric. Try drinking warm turmeric tea or so-called golden milk with the spice. Add a pinch of black pepper and some honey for extra sweetness.
