Cough, although not very serious in most cases, is quite annoying This occurs because the nerve endings in the respiratory tract that are between the throat and the lungs are irritated for different reasons: dust, bacteria, viruses…
The body reacts with coughing to try to expel these substances from these airways and thus clean them. In this article we give you some tips to treat cough naturally, without medications.
Differences between dry cough and productive cough
Cough can be classified in two ways, dry cough and productive cough A 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, in this way, 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 very dusty environment, allergies, dry air, etc. The medications commonly used for this type of cough usually contain dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine.
A series of studies published in 2004 found no significant differences between taking these medications or a placebo, indicating 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 lines you will find a list with 11 natural remedies that will be wonderful for you:
Honey is a delicious food, and it is also good for treating coughs. A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (United States) concludes that honey may be more effective than medications in calming coughs. Since it is a demulcent, its viscosity and sticky properties are perfect for combating this phenomenon, as it coats and soothes the irritated area. If your cough is the result of a bacterial illness, honey can shorten the duration of your symptoms and improve recovery. The ideal is to take three tablespoons of honey a day
Now, 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, since according to Food Safety News, 76% of all honey in supermarkets may have been treated and do not contain natural honey.
2. Pepper tea with honey
Infusions can be a good alternative for coughs, with the added bonus that they are made with natural products. If you have a wet cough, it is advisable to drink pepper tea with honey. Apparently This helps stimulate circulation, works as a relief and enhances the flow of phlegm
The recipe is simple to make, so you are sure to have the ingredients at home without having to go shopping for them. You just have to add a tablespoon of fresh pepper (coarse grain) and two tablespoons of honey to a cup of boiling water. It should then be left to rest for 15 minutes. Finally, the mixture must be strained and the infusion is ready to drink.
3. Steam
Steam is one of the best remedies for a cough, cold or congestion Using this old practice helps release mucus and phlegm almost immediately. It is also possible to add oils that facilitate this task and stimulate the positive effect.
To benefit from this you can take a basin with boiled water. Then you must stand at a safe distance, where you do not feel the excessive heat and can breathe the steam. Then place a towel over your head so that the steam does not escape. Inhale and exhale as you notice 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 medicine 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, you can add mint to definitively relieve that irritating tingling.
The recipe for this syrup is simple to make. You only need to use 3 tablespoons of chopped 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 along with the mint to 4 cups of water. This mixture is brought to a boil and allowed to simmer 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 store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
5. Sleep with your head elevated
In some individuals, a productive cough occurs when mucus moves from the back of the nose to the throat This usually happens, especially, at night, since the lying position of the body causes this phenomenon. Sometimes the effect this can have includes causing a headache and shortness of breath.
Changing this position and sleeping with your head higher helps prevent this from happening, so there is a greater chance of improvement and saying goodbye to coughing.
6. Salt water gargles
Just when a sore throat appears, it is appropriate to gargle with salt water for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This procedure can help drain excess fluid from the swollen areas of the throat, thereby reducing symptoms. Gargling also 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 against cough A study from the University of Pennsylvania corroborates this. Although it remains a mystery why this product works so well, 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 very well to calm 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, by eating it raw, preferably on an empty stomach. However, this is not a viable option for everyone, because it can cause stomach upset.
Another way to benefit from garlic is to cut it into two halves and leave each half on the cheeks of your mouth. It should be left in that position for 15-20 minutes, as long as pain is present.
