What Are the Most Effective Natural Cough Remedies?

What's the deal with a cough?

Coughing is completely normal in most cases. A cough can help keep phlegm and other irritants out of your throat. Sustained coughing, on the other hand, can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection.

A cough isn't always caused by a problem with your lungs. Coughing can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Coughs caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Antibiotics will be required for bacterial infections.

In addition to medication treatment, you can consult your doctor about other options for cough relief. Here are a few home remedies to consider.

1. Honey

Honey has long been used to treat sore throats. According to experts, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than OTC medications containing the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DM).

You can make your own home remedy by combining up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.

The honey soothes, while the lemon juice helps with congestion. You can also eat the honey by the spoonful or spread it on toast as a snack.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that have been shown to have a variety of health benefits. While they do not directly relieve coughing, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. The bacteria that live in your intestines are known as gastrointestinal flora.

This equilibrium can help the immune system function properly throughout the body. Although the evidence is still inconclusive, a 2015 studyTrusted Source found a decrease in the number of people contracting upper respiratory infections after being given various strains of probiotics.

The daily recommended intakes for each supplement manufacturer may differ. Probiotics are also found in miso soup and sourdough breads, as well as some yoghurt varieties.

Given the variety of probiotics available, you should consult your doctor to determine which probiotic is best for you and your condition. The most natural source of probiotics is fermented foods, which include:

• Miso
• Sauerkraut?
• yogurt
• kefir
• kombucha
• tempeh
• kimchi
• Sourdough
• Bromelain

 

3. bromelain.

You might not think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that could be because you haven't heard of bromelain.

There is some evidence that bromelain, an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples, can help suppress coughs and loosen mucus in the throat.

Eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day to reap the most benefits from pineapple and bromelain.

There are also claims that it can help relieve sinusitis and allergy-related sinus issues, which can lead to coughing and mucus. However, there is insufficient evidence to support this.

It is also used to treat inflammation and swelling on occasion.

Bromelain supplements are not recommended for children or adults who are taking blood thinners. Also, if you're taking antibiotics like amoxicillin, avoid using bromelain because it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic.

Before taking any new or unfamiliar supplements, always consult with your doctor.  

4. Peppermint

The healing properties of peppermint leaves are well known. Peppermint contains menthol, which soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, aiding in the breakdown of mucus.

Drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint vapours from a steam bath can help. For every 5 ounces of hot water, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil to create a steam bath. Take deep breaths directly above the water while wearing a towel over your head.

5. Marshmallow

Marshmallow is made from Althaea officinalis, a summer-flowering perennial. The herb's leaves and roots have been used to treat sore throats and suppress coughs since ancient times.

There have been no well-controlled studies to back up these claims, but the herb is generally regarded as safe.

Mucilage, found in marshmallow, coats the throat and soothes irritation.

Marshmallow root is now available as a tea or in capsule form. Warm tea can relieve a cough that is accompanied by a sore throat.

Marshmallow root is not suitable for children.

6.Thyme

Some people use thyme to treat respiratory ailments. According to experts, the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing and short-term bronchitis.

The leaves contain flavonoids, which relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and reduce inflammation.

2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water can be used to make thyme tea at home. Cover the cup and steep for 10 minutes before straining.

7. Rinse your mouth with salt and water.

While it may appear to be a simple remedy, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes coughing. Irritation can be relieved by combining 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.

It should be noted that children under the age of six are not particularly adept at gargling. It is best to try alternative treatments for this age group.

How to Avoid Coughing

In addition to learning how to treat a cough, you should also learn how to avoid getting one in the first place.

Make sure you get your annual flu shot, which usually begins in October, to protect yourself from the flu. Other steps you can take are as follows:

Avoid coming into contact with sick people. If you know you're sick, don't go to work or school so you don't infect others.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Clean the common areas of your home, workplace, or school on a regular basis. This is especially important for items such as countertops, toys, and mobile phones.

Hands should be washed frequently, especially after coughing, eating, using the restroom, or caring for someone who is ill.

When it comes to allergies, you can reduce flare-ups by identifying and avoiding the allergens that bother you. Trees, pollen, dust mites, animal fur, mould, and insects are all common allergens.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your cough is interfering with your ability to breathe or if you are coughing up blood, seek emergency medical attention.

Allergies do not cause body aches and fever, whereas respiratory tract infections do.

Consult your primary care physician if you have any of the following symptoms in addition to your cough:

Chills, dehydration, and a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)

malaise, or a general sense of being ill productive cough with foul-smelling, thick, green or yellow-tinted phlegm weakness

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