Coughing is a common medical condition that affects many people, especially during wintertime. Tussis is another name for cough, a reflex action that clears harmful irritants and mucus from your respiratory tract.
Coughing cold, viral infections or other reasons such as excessive smoking, asthma, tuberculosis and lung cancer. People usually take some
cough drops of
cough syrup to treat this condition. However, the commercial drops are usually loaded with colors, additives and preservatives.
There are some natural home remedies that will help you stop coughing without using medicines:
1. Use Vicks for Your Feet
Rub a small amount of Vicks on your feet before you go to bed. Then, pull on some socks and wear them all night long.
Do this method for 4 days and you will feel significant relief.
Vicks is rich in camphor, menthol and eucalyptus, potent ingredients for relieving coughing and congestion. You can also rub vicks on your chest for additional relief.
Caution: You should not use Vicks for children under the age of 4.
2. Lemon, Ginger and Honey Tea
You will need:
- 4-5 pieces of ginger
- 1 tbsp. of honey
- Half a lemon
- 1 cup of water
Method of preparation:
Pour the water into a pan. Add the ginger into the water and let them boil.
Simmer and let the ginger infuse in the water and then strain the mixture.
Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add 1 tablespoon of honey to the ginger water.
Drink this mixture 3-4 times a day and you will relieve from coughing, sore throat and congestion.
Ginger is a potent natural analgesic that reduces irritation and scratching from sore throat. It abounds in many expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that remove mucus from the lungs and clear the respiratory passages.
Honey will create a protective covering on the mucous membrane and the irritation will be gone.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
You will need:
- 2 tbsp. of ACV
- 1 tbsp. of honey
- Water
You just have to combine the apple cider vinegar and the honey in a glass of water.
Drink this combination every day.
The apple cider vinegar will regulate the pH levels in the body while the honey will protect the mucous membrane. You can also add some cayenne pepper or cinnamon in order to enrich the mixture with more healing properties.
4.Using DIY Cough Syrup
You will need:
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 7-8 sticks of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of honey
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup of water
Pour the water into a pan and then add the
turmeric powder, cinnamon and cayenne pepper and let them boil.
When it boils, let the mixture infuse into the water and then strain it. Store the syrup into an airtight bottle.
When you experience some coughing, warm 2 teaspoons of this mixture and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume the syrup 2 times every day.
Turmeric and cinnamon are rich in antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal qualities that treat congestion and cough.
Also, cayenne pepper is a potent ingredient that promotes proper circulation of the mucus in the body and removes congestion.
Honey will enrich the flavor of the syrup and will create a smooth covering of the mucous membrane.
Note: Make sure you add honey into warm syrup, because high temperature will kill the antibacterial properties of it.
5. Herbal Teas
A: Thyme Tea
You will need:
- A few springs of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 cup of water
First boil the water, then add the springs of thyme into it. Lower the hear and let the thyme infuse into water for 2-3 minutes.
Strain the mixture and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink this tea 3-4 times every day for optimal results.
Thyme abounds in potent antispasmodic and antimicrobial qualities that relax the trachea and bronchi muscles, and you will cough less than before.
B: Licorice Tea
You will need:
- 2-3 licorice root
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 cup of water
Pour the water into a pan and then add the licorice roots into it. Strain the mixture and add 1 teaspoon of honey.
Drink this mixture 2-3 times every day, while still hot.
Licorice will remove inflammation and soothe the irritated membranes.
Additional Tips
- Drink plenty of fluids because it is of crucial importance to stay hydrated. Warm drinks will lower the mucus secretion.
- Make sure you avoid citrus juices and carbonated drinks because the acid and soda can stimulate irritation.
- Warm showers and baths will effectively treat coughing and will moisture your respiratory airways.
- Use some menthol cough drops because they will soothe the throat and promote relief.
- Avoid cold foods because they dry out the respiratory pathways and lead to infection.
Embedded from healthline
