The cough, despite not being very serious in most cases, is quite bothersome. This occurs because the nerve endings of the airways between the throat and the lungs are irritated for different reasons: dust, bacteria, viruses, etc. The body reacts with the cough to try to expel these substances from these routes and thus clean them. In this article, we give you some tips to treat cough naturally, without medication.
Differences between dry cough and productive cough
Cough can be classified into two types, dry cough and productive cough. Productive cough is one in which mucus or phlegm is expelled through the action of coughing. This cough should not be suppressed since it has a beneficial effect on the body. However, it is possible to take something to produce an expectorant effect and thus loosen the mucus. The result is that it is easier for the body to get rid of mucus.
Dry cough is different from productive cough, so it is beneficial to try to suppress it. It can be caused by different reasons, for example, a dusty environment, allergies, dry air, etc. The medicines that are usually used for this type of cough usually contain dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine.
A series of studies published in 2004 found no significant difference between taking these drugs or taking a placebo, which indicates that,
instead of resorting to chemical substances, it is almost better to take natural remedies.
Home remedies to treat cough
So
what natural remedies can we take to reduce cough symptoms?
In the following portion you will find a list of
8 natural remedies that will come in handy:
1. A tablespoon of honey
Honey is a delicious food, and on top, it is good for treating coughs. A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (United States) concludes that honey may be more effective than medications to calm coughs. Since it is a demulcent, its viscosity and its sticky properties are perfect for it to combat this phenomenon, since it covers and calms the irritated area. If the cough is the result of a bacterial disease, honey can shorten the duration of your symptoms and improve recovery.
Ideally, take three tablespoons of honey a day.
However, despite being ideal for children and adults, it should not be applied to children under two years of age, as it can cause botulism, a fatal disease. It is also necessary to be careful when buying packaged honey, because according to the Food Safety News, 76% of all honey present in supermarkets may have been treated and do not contain natural honey.
2. Pepper tea with honey
Herbal teas can be a good alternative for cough, with the incentive that they are made with natural products. In the case of having a wet cough, it is advisable to drink pepper tea with honey. Apparently,
this helps to stimulate circulation, works as a relief and enhances the flow of phlegm.
To make the recipe is simple, so surely you have the ingredients at home without having to go buy them. Just add a tablespoon of fresh pepper (fat grain) and two tablespoons of honey to a cup of boiling water. Then it should be left to rest for 15 minutes. Finally, the mixture must be strained and the mixture is ready to drink.
3. Steam
Steam is one of the best remedies for either a cough, a cold, or congestion. Using this old practice helps to release mucus and phlegm almost immediately. It is also possible to add oils that facilitate this task and stimulate a positive effect.
To benefit from this you can take a bowl with boiled water. Then you should place yourself at a safe distance, in which you do not feel the excess heat and you can breathe the steam. Then place a towel over your head so that the steam doesn't escape. Inhale and exhale while noticing the benefits. Do this for 5-10 minutes, 2 times a day. You can also take a hot bath with the windows closed and take advantage of the steam while you relax.
4. Ginger and mint syrup
Ginger syrup is a home medication that has long been used to treat coughs. It is a natural expectorant, which also stops irritability and pain in the upper part of the throat. It is ideal for dry cough. To increase its effect it is possible to add mint to definitively alleviate that irritating tingling.
The recipe for this syrup is simple to make. You only need to use 3 tablespoons of minced ginger, 1 tablespoon of dried mint, 4 cups of water and 1 cup of honey. First, you have to chop the ginger and add it together with the mint to 4 cups of water. This mixture is brought to a boil and allowed to cook over low heat for 15 minutes. The next step is to let it cool slightly. Then add the honey and stir until the mixture has dissolved. Take a tablespoon every few hours. It is possible to keep the syrup in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
5. Sleep with your head elevated
In some individuals, a productive cough occurs when mucus passes from the back of the nose to the throat. This usually occurs, especially at night, as the lying position of the body causes this phenomenon. Sometimes the effect this can have includes causing headaches and shortness of breath.
Changing this position and sleeping with your head higher helps prevent this from happening, making you more likely to improve and say goodbye to your cough.
6. Gargling with salt water
Just when the sore throat appears, it is appropriate to gargle with salted water for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This procedure can help drain excess fluid from the swollen areas of the throat thus reducing symptoms. Gargling, too, makes the mucus thinner. Half a glass of cold water with two tablespoons of salt will be enough for this method to take effect.
7. Vaporub
For several decades Vaporub has been used by many people as a home remedy for cough. A study by the University of Pennsylvania confirms this. Although the reason why this product works so well remains a mystery, the ingredients it contains seem to help prevent congestion and reduce coughing, since air circulates more freely from the outside to the lungs.
8. Garlic
Garlic is also a natural remedy that works great for calming cough with phlegm and contains several properties that make it act as a natural antibiotic. For garlic to be effective, it can be consumed in two ways. One of them, when ingesting it raw, preferably on an empty stomach. However, this is not a viable option for everyone, because it can cause an upset stomach.
Another way to benefit from garlic is to break it in two halves and leave each half in the cheeks of the mouth. It should be left in that position for 15-20 minutes, whenever the pain is present.
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