Coughing is an instinctual reflex designed to clear away irritating substances like mucus, dust and smoke from our airways; however, it can often become very irritating and annoying.
Natural remedies for cough can provide effective relief, including: drinking hot liquids like tea and soup; taking eucalyptus/peppermint oil under medical supervision, as well as using essential oils.
Gargle with salt water
Salt is an all-natural way to soothe coughs and rinse the throat, helping loosen mucus that has collected in your pharynx and reduce inflammation. Your Albany ear, nose and throat doctor recommends gargling with salt water two to four times per day as part of a saltwater gargle treatment plan.
Salt water can also help with canker sores that may develop in your mouth, and prevent infections during cancer treatment. Furthermore, regular usage of salt water reduces bacteria that could otherwise lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Natural remedies for coughs include drinking plenty of fluids. You could try making yourself a hot cup of tea or soup with honey and ginger for instantaneous relief, or trying some Eucalyptus oil as an expectorant to help clear out chest congestion – available over-the-counter in chest rubs and vapour inhalers.
Honey
Honey has long been used as a natural cough remedy, whether taken alone or mixed with lemon in hot water. When taken this way, the honey acts as an effective demulcent to soothe an irritated mucus membrane and decrease coughing. Furthermore, honey also has antibacterial properties and should not interact with any medications; it should only be given to children as infants due to Clostridium botulinum bacteria that could potentially lead to fatal food poisoning in infants.
Recent Cochrane review research concluded that children given honey before bedtime experienced as much or even greater cough relief than those given dextromethorphan – an ingredient commonly found in over-the-counter cough medicines. Six randomized controlled trials comparing honey against placebo treatments or no treatment (to measure effectiveness of natural remedies like honey). One possible mechanism by which honey might work may be due to its thick texture coating receptors in their throat that become irritated and trigger coughs.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has long been used as both a spice and medicine, often to reduce nausea and vomiting. Additionally, its chemicals may help treat cold symptoms, flu-like symptoms, menstrual cramps, arthritis and other health conditions. There are supplements available but larger dosages may lead to side effects like heartburn and diarrhea.
Ginger tea may provide relief for coughs by soothing throat irritation and soothing irritation in general. To make ginger tea, slice a 1-inch segment of fresh ginger root and boil it for 10 to 15 minutes in 1 cup of water – sip on as needed to ease coughing! Gingerol could reduce airway hyperresponsiveness that causes coughing while other anti-inflammatory compounds found within ginger might ease stomach upset and indigestion issues.
Probiotics
Though we tend to think of bacteria in terms of disease-causing germs, our bodies contain many good bacteria which aid digestion and keep everything running smoothly. When taking antibiotics we kill off this beneficial flora which then makes us sick; that is why taking probiotics after antibiotic use can reintroduce these helpful bacteria back into your system and restore balance in the system.
Probiotics can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements and even cosmetic products. In order for these probiotics to qualify as viable supplements, certain requirements must be met such as durability in harsh conditions, resistance to stomach acidity and safety for human consumption. While most home remedies have at least some scientific support behind them, always consult your physician first when trying something new; they will know whether these remedies are suitable and how much is appropriate.