Amazing Home Remedies For Cough Relief
Nobody likes to have that nagging cough that gets in the way of just about everything. It’s no fun for you, and neither is it for the people around you. But there are simple home remedies for cough within reach that can help relieve you of your cough.
1. Honey
Let’s get stuck right into it, and start with one of nature’s most incredible healing ingredients: honey. Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries by various communities around the world, dating back to ancient times. So its not surprising that scientific studies have confirmed what humans have known for many years. Among its many uses, studies have shown that honey is an effective cough remedy.
In fact, a 2007 study by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine even found honey to more more effective than over the counter cough medicine, which says a lot. Honey produces a soothing, protective film over the irritated mucous membranes in your airways, and promotes the flow of mucus. It also has antibacterial properties, so if an infection is the reason behind your cough, honey should be your go to.
2. More fluids
This has to be the most readily available home remedy there is, whether it’s drinking tea, or simply, drinking more water. Increasing your intake of fluids will help thin out mucus and keeps your throat nice and moist. This is a helpful remedy if you have one of those persistent, dry irritating coughs, as postnasal drip tends to be responsible. If you’re suffering from a cold, warm tea or simply boiled water feels a lot better and does the trick.
3. Steam
Steam is also a simple yet effective cough remedy. Breathing in steam helps loosen mucus and flush it out. At the same time, it has the effect of moistening your airways so they aren’t dry and irritated anymore. All you have to do is get a container or bowl filled with water that has been boiled. Lean over it at a safe distance with a towel placed over your head, and breathe gently for 10 minutes or so. If you have an essential oil such as Eucalyptus or tea tree oil, or if you have a Vicks VapoRub handy, then feel free to add a few drops to the boiled water for added decongestant effects in the steam. It helps relieve you from sinus congestion and stubborn phlegm that may be causing your cough.
4. Salt
You may have heard of the “gargle your mouth with saltwater” remedy. Well, whoever taught it to you was right. Gargling salt in combination with warm water helps thin out mucus, and also soothes the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat. Saltwater rinses have even been recommended in the British Dental Journal to keep your mouth clean, so you can be reaping added benefits from your saltwater gargling. Make sure that you are consistent with the saltwater gargling, and for the best results, do it regularly every 2 hours during the day.
5. Ginger
Ginger again is one of those natural ingredients touted as a natural remedy for various illnesses since ancient times. It can help alleviate your cough due to its decongestant and antihistamine properties. This cough remedy is best taken as ginger tea, with a bit of honey and lemon.
6. Licorice
If you’re a fan of licorice, then you’ll be glad to hear that it can help your cough. This isn’t a novel home remedy either – and has been used for a long time now for cough relief. Licorice root or licorice candy, which is made from the former, can help settle inflamed throats, and as a result, reduce your cough. The key ingredient in licorice that gives it most of these effects is glycirhizzin. To try out this home remedy, it’s not a matter of throwing a candy into your mouth, which although it may be satisfying, won’t do much for your cough. It’s the liquid you get from soaking licorice in boiled water (for 24 hours) that you sip to help ease your cough.
7. Thyme tea
It’s time for thyme tea. This is one of the best home remedies for cough you can get. Believe it or not, thyme is actually an approved treatment for cough in Germany, as well as other cough related syndromes such as upper respiratory tract infections, whooping cough and bronchitis. The thing about thyme is that its small leaves contain lots of compounds that have cough relieving properties. These are flavonoids and basically work by relaxing the muscles that are used in coughing, and also help by easing inflammation.
8. Garlic
While you might stay away from garlic because of the odor it leaves behind, if you want a good cure for your cough, then the opposite is recommended. Its rich in antiviral and antibacterial properties, which means it can help eliminate what might be causing your cough. Garlic also helps clear out your airways. Maximum benefits are gained from raw garlic, but because this might be a bit difficult, creativity is key. Add it to your pasta sauce, soup, or plain yoghurt, and you’ll soon discover what great flavor it brings too. Using it as a cough remedy is plenty excuse.
9. Black pepper
Treat yourself with some tea with black pepper, and a bit of honey for sweetness, to help get rid of that nuisance of a cough. Pepper’s irritant qualities make it useful in this situation. You may even be aware of its irritant effects yourself, but when you have a cough, it can actually be quite helpful for coughs associated with chest congestion or lots of mucus. It encourages blood flow and helps the mucus in your sinuses and airways to move as well.
10. Chicken soup
Ah, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of chicken soup when you have a cold …and it can help ease your cough too! What exactly it is about chicken soup that gives it cough relieving properties is uncertain, though it’s said that is has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains cysteine as well, which loosens mucus and thins it. The steam is good for your airways too, and on top of that, it’s good nourishment. So for coughs caused by colds, your beloved chicken soup will comfort you in more ways than one.
Read about more useful home remedies here.
Resources
How to Lose a Bad Cough at WebMD
8 Tips for Nighttime Cough Relief
Natural Cough Remedies
Coughs overview
