Natural Remedies for Cough
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| HEALTHY and FITNESS |
Having a cough can be
so annoying – whether it's a dry cough or a wet one. A dry cough is a type
of cough that doesn't produce any sputum or phlegm. It can be caused by
allergies and dusty environments. A random tickle at the back of your throat
can also result in the dry dough. A dry cough is like - you feel as if something's got stuck in the throat but
you can't get it out even with continuous coughing.
Below are a few home
remedies to get rid of that irritating dry cough:
An
upper respiratory tract infection causing extra secretions trickle down the
back of your throat, irritating it and sometimes causing a cough.
Drinking
fluids help to thin out the mucus in the postnasal drip. Drinking liquids also
helps to keep mucous membranes moist. This is particularly helpful in winter when houses tend to be dry, another cause of cough.
☺The best way to hydrate
your throat is a warm cup of spiced tea is a great way to get
rid of a bad cough, naturally. Add 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, a pinch of
cinnamon and some cloves.
2. Try
Lozenges and candy
Try
a menthol cough drop. It numbs the back of the throat, and that will tend to
decrease the cough reflex.
☺Drinking warm tea with honey also
can soothe the throat. There is some clinical evidence to support this strategy.
One of the most
common remedies a doctor suggests is to gargle with warm saltwater. Saltwater
can help ease the discomfort caused by a cough. It will also help treat sore
throat through osmosis.
Also Read: 9 Natural Home Remedies for Headache
4.
Honey
An excellent alternative remedy to treat cough and can be used by both adults and children
alike. However, children below 2 years of age shouldn't be given due to the
risk of botulism.
Honey has analgesic
properties that eliminate the mucus and soothes your throat. Honey also has
strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, which are effective for
relieving a sore throat.
☺Honey can be taken by mixing it in warm milk
or water.
5.Ginger
It is one of the best
natural cures for a cough. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps
soothe irritation caused by a sore throat.
☺Cut fresh ginger into small pieces, crush it
if you like. Add it to a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink it once it's
cooled. Try drinking this herbal solution for at least thrice a day for relief
from non-stop coughing, sore throat and even congestion.
6.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a
therapeutic effect on coughs. Due to its high curcumin content, turmeric is
quite effective in treating viral infections like cough and cold.
☺Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory
effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Add one teaspoon each
of fine turmeric powder and black pepper to a cup of boiling water. Boil this
for about two to three minutes or until it comes down to half. You can add a
little honey to this solution and take it thrice a day for quick relief from
dry cough.
7.
Garlic
Garlic can be one of
the best herbal cures for coughs. The active compound allicin in garlic has
anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Allicin, which is
responsible for the pungent odor of garlic, has a number of health benefits. It
also boosts the immune system.
☺Put 2-3 cloves of garlic in a glass of water
and boil it. Add a teaspoon of oregano to the mixture. Add some honey once
cooled off and drink it.
8. Chest-Rub for coughs
• Buy a chest rub that contains camphor or menthol and apply it to your throat and
chest. They should not be taken internally.
• If
you don’t have any store-bought chest rub, try making a mustard plaster to loosen up chest congestion.
☺Mix one part mustard
powder and two parts flour in a bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste.
Spread the paste on a dishtowel, fold the towel in half, and press it against
the skin. (Never put the mustard mixture directly on your skin.) Check your
skin often and remove the plaster if your skin becomes too red or irritated.
Some people suggest using an egg white instead of water to make a plaster
that’s less likely to burn.
A quick
tip: Coughing tends to
increase at night while sleeping. This happens because the mucous
tends to drip from the nose into the throat when you lie down. You can tackle
this situation by keeping your head at a higher position. This will reduce
coughing and help you sleep better.
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