Have you ever been in a situation when you broke up the silence by your persistent hacking cough making everyone stare at you? Or have you been in a public place coughing and making other people flung up to protect themselves from getting the contagion?
A cough is not entirely disgusting, embarrassing, but also uncomfortable. It is a very common health issue. A cough happens to bump out the element that is irritating or blocking the upper respiratory tract or throat. This element could be anything such as bacteria, virus, pollen, dust that irritates the nerve ending in the air ducts.
Some of the common health issues that cause a cough are:
- Common cold
- Smoking
- Flu
- Allergy
- Asthma
- Tuberculosis
- Lung cancer
- Heart problems
A cough can be of 2 types, productive or dry. When phlegm is coughed out it is a productive cough. This type of a cough should not be suppressed. So if you have a productive cough, take remedies that will help your body get rid of phlegm. Such remedies are known as an expectorant.
The case of a dry cough is a little different, It may be caused due to allergy, dust, cold and dry air or tickling that may occur randomly at the back of the throat. This type of a cough is usually irritating and it becomes very tough for us to stop coughing. Here there is a need to soothe the mucous membrane and remove the irritant. For this demulcents are used.
There are a number of cough syrups available in the market for both a dry and productive cough. But the question is why to depend on them when your kitchen itself is a small pharma shop for you.
Yes, there are so many natural ingredients already present in your kitchen that have proved their effectiveness in treating both a productive and dry cough. In fact, these home remedies taste better than chemical syrups sold over the counter. So why not try them.
Top 9 Home remedies for a cough
- Honey– Whenever you have a cough, especially dry cough your grandparents urge you to have honey. Honey has been used since ages to treat a dry cough. Because of its stickiness and high viscosity, it acts as a demulcent. It coats the mucous membrane and soothes it.
To relieve a dry cough an adult should take a tablespoon of honey 2-3 times in a day. In the case of children give 1 teaspoon of honey 1-2 times in a day.
*Honey is also effective in the case of a productive cough but you should keep in mind not to take it alone but with black pepper.
Honey is antibacterial and thus it proves to be excellent among all home remedies for cough. You can give it to both children and adults. But do not give honey if your child is less than 2 years old or it may lead to botulism.
- Licorice root- This is an excellent cure for a cough. It acts as both demulcent and expectorant. It soothes the airways, thins the irritating mucous and relieves congestion. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin that is known to ease inflammation.
Take 2 tablespoons of licorice root and add it to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for a few minutes. Strain the solution and drink it 2 times in a day.
- Hot milk– In the case dry cough is not letting you to sleep. Then for immediate relief drink a glass of hot milk. Also, add a teaspoon of honey to it to increase its effectiveness.
- Turmeric– Again, this yellow spice is a very effective among all home remedies for cough, especially dry cough. You can make your own DIY cough syrup for a dry cough where turmeric is a very important ingredient.
DIY cough syrup for a dry cough
- Take a cup of water
- Boil it in a pan.
- Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
- Also, add a teaspoon of black pepper and cinnamon to it.
- Boil the mixture for about 3 minutes.
- Now add a tablespoon of honey
- Drink this concoction 2 times in a day till your cough improves.
- Lemon– Being rich in vitamin C and having the property to ease inflammation and fight infection lemon is also useful in treating cough. You can may make a very simple home remedy by adding a tablespoon of honey to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Drink this solution 3-4 times in a day.
- Garlic– Garlic has antimicrobial components and thus in cases of cough and cold it is very effective. If you are unable to breathe or suffering from other symptoms of cough, try garlic to alleviate them.
Take a cup of water and boil it in a pan. Add 2-3 crushed garlic to it. Also add a teaspoon of oregano. Once the mixture is boiled, remove it from heat and let it cool. Now add a teaspoon of honey and drink it.
- Black pepper– If you are suffering from a wet cough try black pepper. It stimulates the flow of the mucus and circulation. But due to its hot flavor, it is not possible to take pepper along with water. You may add honey to it which is an antibacterial and a cough reliever by nature. Mix a teaspoon of grounded pepper and 2 tablespoons of honey in a glass of boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes. Strain the solution and sip it warm.
- Ginger- Among all home remedies for cough ginger is the most popular one. Possessed with decongestant and antihistamine abilities, it can very well treat cold and cough. Simmer a few slices (6-8) of ginger in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes. Strain it and add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of lime juice and sip it warm.
- Pine apple– Very few people know that pineapple is a much more effective alternative to cough syrups. It is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It is anti-inflammatory, combats allergy or asthma, have mucolytic and expectorant properties. Thus, if you are suffering from allergic cough you will surely find pineapple effective. Eat it raw or enjoy its juice to relieve your condition.
These home remedies for cough are simple yet effective. Besides treating your condition they will also boost your immunity. So next time if you have a cough do not let cough syrups torture your throat and try out these natural solutions.
