Winter brings a slew of health issues, one of the most annoying of which is coughing. Coughing constantly not only causes discomfort but also irritates your throat passage, making swallowing difficult. Other factors, such as allergens or pollutants, may contribute to this condition in addition to seasonal changes. Coughing all day is certainly unpleasant, but it is perfectly normal because it aids in the removal of mucus, allergens, and pollutants from the airway.
After a few days, coughing usually goes away on its own. However, you can either take the medical treatment from the top doctors of Agha Khan Hospital or try some home remedies to get some relief. So, let’s dive into some of the natural home remedies for cough!
Natural Home Remedies for Cough
Honey
Honey is an old cough remedy that has been proven to be beneficial to one’s health. Honey is more effective than any other drug in treating cough. Its antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties can aid in the relief of a sore throat. It is beneficial to people of all ages and is an excellent allergic cough treatment. However, it should never be given to babies until they are one year old because it can cause infant botulism.
Directions: Add two tablespoons of honey to herbal tea or warm water. Have it twice a day for the best results.
Garlic
People usually avoid garlic because of its strong odor but trust me it is one of the healthiest foods you can have in your pantry. Antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory compounds can be found in garlic. Garlic can also lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system.
Directions: Before going to bed, roast a garlic clove and eat it with a spoon of honey. You can also add chopped garlic to your food after frying it in ghee. This will help with cough relief and digestion.
Ginger
Ginger is a superfood and one of the natural home remedies for cough. It helps with various health issues such as nausea, colds, flu, and cough. This root’s anti-inflammatory properties can help to relax airway membranes and reduce coughing. Gingerol, a chemical compound found in ginger, can reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, which can cause asthma symptoms such as cough.
Directions: One of the most effective cough remedies is to drink warm ginger tea or ginger juice with honey and black pepper powder. Avoid overeating ginger because it can upset your stomach and cause heartburn.
Bromelain
Pineapple can help with sinusitis and allergy-related sinus problems, which can cause coughing. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is thought to be an effective cough remedy. According to several studies, this enzyme can help to suppress coughs and loosen mucus in the throat. In addition, it is occasionally used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Directions: Eat a slice of pineapple or drink 250 ml of fresh pineapple juice twice a day if you have a cough. Make sure your fruit and juice aren’t too cold, as this can irritate your skin.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice in every household, and it is considered one of the best home remedies for dry cough at night. Curcumin is the main ingredient in this spice, and it has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This yellow spice has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory diseases for centuries.
Directions: Put 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric in a warm glass of milk and drink it before bedtime.
Peppermint
Are you looking for a list of antibiotics for dry cough? Peppermint is one of the best dry cough treatments. The menthol in peppermint leaves can numb the nerve endings in the throat that become irritated by coughing. Menthol can also aid in the breakdown of mucus and the relief of congestion.
Directions: To relieve coughing, drink peppermint tea 2-3 times per day. Peppermint oil can also be used for aromatherapy.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling is a home remedy for cough with phlegm and a sore throat. Saltwater is osmotic, which simply means that it causes fluid movement to change direction. It can reduce mucus build-up in the lungs and nasal passage and soothe itchy throats. It also aids in the reduction of inflammation and swelling. Younger children should not use this remedy because they may not gargle properly and swallow the alkaline water.
Directions: Combine 1/4 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, and gargle with it several times a day.
Steam
Taking steam is one of the simplest ways to relieve coughing. Warm air adds moisture to the atmosphere, which may help relieve coughing and congestion associated with a cold.
Directions: A humidifier or a stream from a hot bowl of water can be used. Add essential oils like eucalyptus or rosemary to a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel. For 5 minutes, inhale the vapors. After you’ve finished, drink a glass of water to cool down and avoid dehydration.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus essential oil not only relieves coughing but also helps to clear mucus from the lungs. Aside from that, the essential oil may aid in the reduction of inflammation, pain relief, and muscle tension. Eucalyptol and cineole, two essential compounds found in Eucalyptus essential oil, are also used in over-the-counter vapor rubs, and chest rubs to relieve chest congestion.
Directions: Rub a few drops of eucalyptus oil onto the chest and throat with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil. You could also inhale eucalyptus steam.
Liquorice Root
Warm tea made from liquorice root has also been recommended as a way to relieve throat irritation. The Ayurvedic herb contains over 300 different compounds, some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties and can help relieve sore throat symptoms.
Directions: Boil for 10 minutes with one teaspoon powdered root in 250 mL of water. Warm it up in a cup and drink it. The roots are generally safe, but long-term use can cause high blood pressure and fatigue, headaches, water retention, and erectile dysfunction.
All are highly effective natural remedies to treat your cough. If your cough worsens over time or does not go away within two months, speak to a general physician via Marham.pk.
FAQs
1- How do you get rid of a cough naturally?
Well, try the remedies mentioned above to get rid of your cough naturally.
2- Is lemon good for cough?
Yes, the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon help to relieve a dry cough.
3- Why does my cough worse at night?
Because when you are lying flat in the bed, mucus pooling starts in the back of the throat, causing a worse cough at night.
4- Is there any relation between COVID-19 and dry cough?
Yes, a dry cough is one of COVID-19’s most common symptoms.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top General Physicians in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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