Coughing can be an irritating and debilitating condition that makes breathing difficult, yet natural remedies exist that can provide temporary relief and make breathing easier. If you find yourself suffering from a cough, there are various natural solutions that may ease its symptoms and make breathing easier again.
Gargling with salt water may help ease coughs due to its hydrating, antibacterial, and soothing properties; however, be mindful that too much salty water could potentially lead to vomiting in some people.
1. Gargle with salt water
One of the oldest and easiest natural treatments for a cough is gargling with salt water, believed to soothe throat irritation while possibly also alleviating cold symptoms.
Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of salt with 8 ounces of warm water until it has completely dissipated, tilt your head back, and gargle as necessary.
If you suffer from dry cough, salt draws extra moisture from the air into your throat to thin mucus and wash out irritating substances, similar to how nasal saline solution does. It’s an excellent remedy for chronic coughs; use multiple times each day until symptoms improve.
Gargling with salt water can not only soothe coughs naturally, but can also be an effective means of fighting infections and improving oral health. Gargling reduces gum inflammation, lowers your risk for tooth decay and removes plaque buildup on teeth.
2. Ginger
Ginger can be an effective natural cure for coughs and can also help fight off colds. It reduces inflammation in your throat, lungs and sinuses to ease your discomfort.
People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since antiquity, yet only recently has research begun to shed light on its many health benefits. Studies have demonstrated its ability to aid nausea and vomiting relief, prevent heart disease, improve brain functions and help with memory retention.
Meditation may help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes risks; additionally it may improve memory function by releasing dopamine and serotonin into the system.
Ginger contains powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body against free radicals that damage cells and cause chronic inflammation, while also boasting antibacterial and antiviral properties to stop any colds in their tracks.
3. Honey
Honey has long been used as a natural solution for coughs and many turn to it when feeling under the weather. Not only is honey delicious and cost-effective treat; its antibacterial, antioxidant and antifungal properties help decrease cough frequency and duration.
Honey has been found to effectively relieve coughs better than over-the-counter cough syrups without increasing antimicrobial resistance, according to a new review of 14 studies.
Honey can help children reduce the discomfort caused by coughing. However, infants under one year should not receive honey due to risk of infant botulism which is an infection caused by food poisoning which could prove fatal.
4. Probiotics
Probiotics don’t directly treat coughs, but they can aid the immune system by balancing bacteria in your digestive tract – which in turn may alleviate symptoms associated with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, IBS or ulcerative colitis.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties found in cough suppressants may help break up mucus and fight any infections causing coughs; however, consult with a healthcare provider before using these remedies if you have severe illness or compromised immunity.
Probiotics come in various forms, so it’s essential that you choose one that’s tailored to you and meets your specific needs. Two of the more popular varieties include Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium; each strain offers distinct advantages for use.