There are essentially two types of coughs. One is called a dry cough, and one is called a productive cough. A productive cough is a cough where you expel phlegm or mucus. This kind of a cough should not be suppressed. This is because your body needs to get rid of the sticky substance that is in your chest.
While a productive cough should not be suppressed, it is good to take cough remedies that will loosen up the phlegm so that it is easily gotten rid of by the body. While you don't want to suppress a productive cough, you do want to suppress a dry, hacking cough. This kind of a cough can be caused by allergies, dry air, the aftermath of a cold, etc. For this kind of a cough, you want a demulcent.
This is a substance that soothes irritated mucous membranes and gets rid of the irritant that is triggering the cough. What is surprising is that studies have shown that the active ingredients in cough syrup have only the same effect as a placebo in terms of treating coughs. Since this is the case, we suggest that you use cough remedies that are natural home remedies instead.
The following is a list of natural cough remedies that will help you through your persistent, dry cough.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root functions both as an expectorant and demulcent. This means that it will both loosen the mucus in your chest, and soothe your airways. It will also serve to ease any inflammation in your throat. The ingredient that is responsible for this is glycyrrhizin.
This substance is 30-50 times sweeter than table sugar. It slows the conversion of cortisol to cortisone. This enhances the effect of cortisol, reducing inflammation. If you are currently taking steroids or have issues with your kidneys, then you should avoid licorice root. To use licorice root, you will need 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root and 8 ounces of water. Bring the water to a boil and put the root in a cup.
Cover the root with the water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Drink it up to 2 times daily.
Salt Water
One of the best natural cough remedies is salt water. Saltwater gets rid through osmosis of the discomfort that results from a cough. When the amount of salt is greater outside of the cells in your mucous membranes, water issues from the cells to achieve a balance. As water leaves the cells, the swelling will abate. If you have a cough that is accompanied by inflamed tissue, then this is a good remedy to use.
It also will help loosen any phlegm, allowing you to get rid of it easily. To use salt for your cough, you will require 1 teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water. Stir the salt into the water until it is dissolved. Gargle with it for 15 seconds and repeat. After you do this, rinse with plain water.
Thyme
One of the best home remedies for a cough is thyme. Thyme has been used for a long time against various diseases. It was even used to ward off the Black Death. While thyme does have antimicrobial properties, that is not what is important here. Thyme relaxes the muscles of the trachea and bronchi. It also opens up the airways. This helps get rid of your cough.
To use thyme for a cough, you will need 2 tablespoons of dried thyme, 8 ounces of fresh water, and some optional honey or lemon. Lightly crush the thyme with a mortar and pestle. Place the thyme in a mug. Cover the thyme with boiling water. Cover it and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Flavor it with honey or lemon and drink the solution. Do this 2-3 times daily.
Pepper and Honey
While pepper is a tasty spice in cooking, most people don't realize that it is also one of the home remedies for a cough. This is particularly the case for coughs that come with a lot of mucus and chest congestion. It helps expel all of the sticky stuff in your chest. Honey has antibacterial properties and mitigates the taste of the pepper to some degree.
You can make black pepper syrup with honey or use it as a tea. You should try to use freshly ground pepper, if possible. To make the tea, you will need 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 8 ounces of water. Put the pepper and honey in a mug and cover them with boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, stir it and drink it up. Repeat 1-2 times a day.
Ginger Peppermint Syrup
Spicy ginger functions as an expectorant. It helps loosen and get rid of mucus from the chest. It also can rid you of the tickle at the back of your throat that can result in a cough. The peppermint can also help relieve this painful tickle. To use this syrup, you will need 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger, 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint, 4 cups of water, and 1 cup of honey.
Cut up the ginger and add it with the peppermint to the water. Bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half. Strain it. Let it cool, and then stir in the honey. Take 1 tablespoon every few hours as necessary.
Steam
If you want to know how to stop coughing, then steam may be just the thing for you. Steam can loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier to breathe. You can also add essential oils to the steam for additional healing benefits. To make steam with essential oils, you will need 3 drops of tea tree oil, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil, a bowl of water, and a towel.
Bring enough water to a boil to fill a bowl halfway. Pour the water into the bowl and let it cool down for a minute. Add the essential oils. Lean over the bowl to take in the steam. Be careful not to burn yourself. Use the towel like a tent over your head to trap the steam.
Honey
Studies have shown that honey may be even more effective at easing a cough than over-the-counter medications. It is a great demulcent that can coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes. It also has antibacterial features as well. This is important if you have a cough that is the result of a bacterial illness.
It should be noted that honey should never be given to young children under the age of 2 years. There is a risk that a child may contract botulism. You should take 1 tablespoon of honey 1-3 times daily as necessary. You can take it right before bed if you are having problems sleeping due to your cough.
Lemon
You can mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a great remedy. You should use it by heating the mixture until it becomes warm. Take it many times a day to get rid of your dry cough. An alternative to this recipe is to add some cayenne pepper.Garlic
Another great remedy to cure a dry, hacking cough is to use garlic. Boil 2-3 garlic cloves in a cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon of oregano to the mixture. After it has cooled down, add some honey and drink it.Onion
If you would like to know yet another way how to stop coughing, try a simple home remedy with onion. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of honey and one-half teaspoon of onion juice. You should take this mixture at least 2 times a day.Hot Milk with Honey
We have already shown how to get rid of a cough with honey. According to the Ayurveda, honey can be used to cure issues related to a cough. Another easy way to take honey is to mix it with hot milk.Cayenne
Cayenne pepper has a stimulating and warming effect that can provide relief from cold and cough. You can make a cough syrup by combining one-fourth of a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of honey, one-quarter teaspoon of ground ginger, 2 tablespoons of water, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Drink the syrup 3 times a day to rid yourself of cough symptoms.Carrot Juice
The nutrients and vitamins in carrot juice give a reprieve from cough symptoms. Carrots are a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that diminishes coughing and wheezing. Use 4 to 5 carrots in a juice. Add some water to the juice. You can add a teaspoon of honey for flavor and additional benefits. Drink the juice 3 or 4 times a day.Grapes
Grapes can be eaten fresh to get rid of mucus. Alternatively, you can drink grape juice with some honey in it. Grapes have anti-inflammatory benefits that can help you dump that dry cough.Almonds
Soak five to six almonds in water for 9 hours. From the almonds, make a smooth paste. Add 1 teaspoon of butter into the paste and consume it 3-4 times a day. Almonds have many health benefits due to their nutritional profile. They reduce inflammation and can cure a dry cough.Raisins
Take 100 grams of raisins and grind them. Add some water to make a sauce. Then, add 100 grams of sugar and heat the mixture. Eat 20 grams of this sauce before you go to sleep.Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix honey and apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. Combine them with a cup of warm water. Drink the mixture.Rock Candy
Rock candy is used by many for a dry cough. This is because it increases saliva.Slippery Elm
Add a teaspoon of slippery elm bark powder to a boiling cup of water. Stir the solution and let it soak for 5 minutes. Then, strain the mixture and sip it slowly to gain relief. It should be noted that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take slippery elm.Hot Shower
We have already mentioned that you can give yourself a steam treatment to get rid of that hacking cough. Another way of getting the steam is to take a hot shower. In the same way that you should avoid burning yourself with steam from a bowl, make sure that your shower is not too hot.Green Tea with Honey
You can buy some green tea bags to prepare this tasty drink. You can add some honey and drink it to cure your dry cough and soothe your throat.Cinnamon
Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that can help your underlying sickness. It also is a great home remedy to soothe a dry throat. You can make it into a tea that is easily consumed.Turmeric
According to Ayurveda, turmeric is a very useful ingredient in the relief of coughs and other sicknesses. You can use it to treat a dry cough in one of the following ways:- Heat a half cup of water in a pot. Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. You can also add some cinnamon sticks to the mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Strain the mixture and let it cool off. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Drink this concoction every day.
- Make an herbal tea by mixing 1 teaspoon of carom seeds, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a cup of water. Boil the mixture until the water reduces to half of the original amount. Add some honey and drink it twice every day.
