Coughing is a natural response that helps the body get rid of harmful microbes and dust from its respiratory tract, but an incessant cough may become irritating or even annoying over time.
Home remedies can provide effective relief from an persistent cough. Drinking plenty of fluids such as chicken soup or warm water is vital, as this will thin out mucus buildup.
Hot Shower or Bath
Hot showers or baths provide the ideal environment to relieve nerves and muscles of tension associated with coughs. A warm soak also loosens phlegm while clearing nasal passages of congestion. Aromatherapy oils like lavender, chamomile or peppermint may further soothe symptoms of illness.
Consume plenty of fluids such as water, tea and broth-y soups to thin your body’s secretions that might worsen a cough. Avoid smoke and environmental pollutants which can aggravate it further.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) can soothe your throat, relieve coughs and reduce mucus membrane inflammation in your nose and throat. Marshmallow Root has been widely used as a natural cure for coughs for centuries – one of the best-known natural treatments.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) can help ease coughing and soothe sore throat symptoms while possibly possessing anti-inflammatory and possibly even mild antiviral and antibiotic properties.
Humidifier
A humidifier can help soothe dry coughs by moisturizing the air you breathe, making breathing easier and helping alleviate congestion in colder months when air can become dry and thin. Moisture in the air may also soothe nasal passage irritation, thin out mucus production and relieve congestion – however for infants or small children warm-mist humidifiers should be used carefully since warm mist humidifiers may cause burns.
A dry cough may be caused by multiple factors, including allergens, acid reflux, or medical conditions. Honey can help cut mucus production while killing germs – plus its gentle formula makes it suitable for use even by children.
Studies suggest that menthol, an organic compound found in peppermint, may open airways and decrease snoring. You can find menthol-containing products like chest rubs, cough drops and some herbal lozenges which contain it; more research must be conducted before reaching definitive conclusions about its efficacy. In one laboratory test conducted, ginger root extract successfully suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness that may trigger coughs; this could make sipping hot tea with ginger roots more soothing or sucking on candied ginger more soothing than before!
Suck on Cough Drops
Coughing is your body’s natural way of clearing the airways, but it can keep you up at night and be painful. Sucking on cough drops (also known as throat lozenges) may help soothe sore throats and alleviate coughing episodes.
Menthol, found in many cough drops and rubs you apply directly to the chest, helps open airways to relieve coughing episodes and may help ease a cough. Peppermint tea may also provide soothing relief.
There are three primary categories of over-the-counter cough medicine: expectorants, which break up mucus to allow it to drain; suppressants, which control coughs by blocking nerve impulses; and combinations thereof.
If you’re in search of natural cough remedies, look no further than throat lozenges containing honey and herbs. Not only are they sugar-free but their medicinal flavor makes for an enjoyable experience compared to some throat drops that can be quite unpleasant. Lemon, ginger and peppermint eucalyptus flavors are available so as to meet every palate’s preferences.
Peppermint Oil
Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants and contain phytochemicals that contain natural medicinal properties. Essential oils work to soothe coughs by loosening mucus, relaxing respiratory muscles and decreasing cough intensity.
Eucalyptus oil is an effective expectorant that helps release phlegm, relieving symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis and sinus congestion. Furthermore, the presence of menthol in this oil helps soothe airways while relieving cough-associated discomfort.
Thyme oil contains carvacrol, an effective antimicrobial that can destroy viruses or bacteria-related illnesses. Try massaging some drops onto your chest or throat for relief from coughs and congestion.
When purchasing and using essential oils, make sure they are of 100% therapeutic grade and diluted correctly before applying directly on your skin. It is also advisable to consult a healthcare provider prior to trying any new supplements, especially if pregnant or breastfeeding.