Treatment of Cough with Home Remedies
A common ailment that can afflict anyone at any time is cough. Sometimes the cough can be persistent despite OTC medications. Somehow, the home remedies for cough seem to work every time. Perhaps that is why your grandma and mom always prefer these home remedies over other medicines. The ingredients are available at home, and these concoctions are easy to prepare. Also, they have no side-effects and are safe for children.
Various Causes of Cough
It becomes easier to treat cough once you know the cause behind it. Some of the most common reasons are listed below.
- Something is stuck in the airways, and coughing is a way to remove it.
- Cold or flu.
- Reaction to an allergy. This might be because there is too much dust inside the house. The remedy here would be to clean the carpet, curtains, and upholstery. You may even buy an air purifier if there is persistent cough due to this factor.
- Asthma. This can be managed with oral or inhaled medications.
- Acid reflux. Your body is trying to remove foreign bodies through coughing.
- Pneumonia. This illness must be treated by a doctor.
- Sinus infections. You may take medications for this condition.
- Reaction to a medication. Once the medication is stopped, the cough will go away.
Using Home Remedies to Treat Cough
A home remedy for cough always seems to work. It will reduce your discomfort even if it is not able to provide a complete cure. Some of these home remedies are given below.
- Honey and Lemon
You can add honey and lemon to any hot liquid. Generally, they are added to hot water or tea to soothe a cough. This is a tasty alternative that you can consume multiple times in a day.
- Vapor of Onions
The vapor of onions can cure cough. Keep a plate of onions cut into quarters near your bed at night. Its fumes can cure cough. Also, it is safe for babies and infants.
- Consume fluids
Coughing tends to dry up your system. Consume fluids to maintain hydration in your system. You can have plain water, juice, or herbal tea to decrease irritation in your throat when you cough.
- Inhale Steam
In the shower cubicle, fill up a bucket with hot water. Now spend some time here and let the steam envelop you, and you will feel relief immediately. Another option is to fill a bowl with hot water. Now bend your face over this bowl and inhale the steam. You may cover your head with a towel to avoid any steam from escaping out. Also, you can add a few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil to this bowl of hot water.
- Saltwater gargle
Add a spoonful of salt to a glass of warm water. Now gargle with this water a couple of times in a day. Make sure that the water is not too hot, or it will burn your throat and tongue. If the water is not hot enough, it will not have the desired impact. Do not drink this water as that may induce vomiting.
- Use a humidifier
Dry air tends to aggravate cough. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your house.
- Consume pineapple
You may consume pineapple slices to relieve cough. Or else, you may add honey to your pineapple juice and drink this concoction several times a day.
- Consume thyme
Thyme is one of the most effective home remedies. It contains antioxidants and flavonoids. They help to soothe your inflamed airways and reduce irritation due to coughing. Make thyme tea by boiling a teaspoon of crushed thyme in water. Now sip this tea a couple of times every day till your cough subsides.
- Clean your bedding
Your cough may be due to allergies because of the dust mites in your bed. Change your bed sheets and pillow slips regularly. Next, wash your bedding frequently to remove dust mites from it.
- Turmeric milk
Turmeric contains antioxidants that soothe the throat and provide relief from cough. Add a teaspoonful of turmeric to warm milk and drink it before going to bed. You will feel the difference when you wake up the next morning.
- Avoid smoking
Smoking tends to aggravate cough. So you should try to avoid smoking when you have a cough.
- Eat black pepper
This is one of the simplest home remedies for cough. Crush a couple of black peppercorns. Add a few drops of virgin olive oil to it and consume this after each meal. The heat in the peppercorns helps to relieve congestion in the throat and provides relief from cough.
Summary
Listed above are several home remedies for cough that are highly effective and completely safe. All these ingredients are already available in your kitchen, so you do not have to go to the market to buy anything. For more information, you can go through the video through the link provided here.