The cough is a spontaneous reaction of the body that arises to keep the airway clear and maybe the response to excess mucus or the presence of a foreign body. You can distinguish between a dry cough and a cough with phlegm or sputum, which is one in which mucus is shed; Furthermore, according to its duration, a difference is made between an acute cough, which generally appears suddenly and disappears after three weeks, and a chronic cough, which lasts for more than three weeks and is more frequent in smokers.
Regardless of the type of it, coughing attacks are annoying for the patient, especially at night, since, on many occasions, it even makes sleep and rest difficult. Therefore, in FastlyHealwe are going to show some home remedies for coughs that are effective and can be very soothing.
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Causes of cough
The cough may result from multiple causes, from common colds, flu, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, lung infections, and smoking to be a symptom of other diseases or conditions more severe. For this reason, it is so essential to remain attentive to the manifestation of different signs that may indicate the suffering of a health problem and to go to the doctor to determine the exact cause.
In particular, a doctor should be consulted immediately if the cough persists after 10 or 14 days, cough with thick phlegm or cough with expectoration of blood occurs, breathing difficulties, weight loss, fever, sounds or whistles when inhaling. , skin rash or swelling of the face.
The natural remedies that we detail below should be a natural complement to the treatment indicated by the doctor but in no case serve as a substitute for it.
Honey and onion syrup
The syrup of homemade honey and onion is one of the most traditional home remedies to relieve cough, especially for those episodes that can hinder sleep overnight. On the one hand, honey is antimicrobial, soothes the throat, and reduces irritation; on the other hand, onion is a powerful natural expectorant and acts against bacteria, favoring the cleaning of the respiratory tract. In addition, the combination of both is excellent for strengthening the immune system.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons of honey
Preparation:
- Cut the onion into medium pieces and place them in a glass jar or jar.
- Add the tablespoons of honey and mix both ingredients well.
- Cover the pot and let it rest for at least 8 or 12 hours so that the onion secretes all its juice and integrates well with the honey.
- After this time, strain the syrup through a fine mesh to remove the onion pieces, and it is ready to drink.
It is advisable to take one tablespoon a day of this syrup until you notice the improvement.
Lemon and honey
In addition to the above, it is also possible to prepare a homemade lemon and honey syrup, which is effective and beneficial for treating colds, flu, sore throats, and coughs. To the properties that we have already mentioned of honey, the high content of vitamin C in lemon is added, which is excellent for protecting the immune system and increasing defenses.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- Three tablespoons of honey
Preparation: squeeze the lemon to obtain all its juice and pour it into a glass container or jar. Add the three tablespoons of honey and stir well with the help of a spoon. You can take a tablespoon twice a day and, if you prefer, warm it a little beforehand if you feel discomfort in the throat area.
Ginger
This root of Asian origin has many medicinal properties, and among them, those related to the treatment of colds and the relief of coughs stand out. It acts as an excellent natural antibacterial and antiviral, thus becoming a great ally of the body to fight those bacteria and viruses that can make it sick or cause discomfort. In addition, it is one of the best home remedies for cough with phlegm since it is an expectorant and favors the expulsion of mucus, leaving the airways free and unblocked. In this case, we propose an infusion of ginger with a bit of honey to relieve coughing attacks.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon of grated ginger root
- 1/2 small tablespoon of honey
- 1 lemon wedge
Preparation: In a pot with hot water, add the ginger and lemon and boil for about 10 minutes. After this time, remove from heat, strain the mixture to obtain the infusion and add the honey. You can take two or three cups a day, reserving the last one before going to sleep, thus preventing nocturnal coughing episodes.
It should be taken into account that the consumption of ginger is contraindicated in some cases, such as: if you suffer from gastric diseases (ulcers, gastritis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, and colitis), gallstones, hypertension, as well as during pregnancy, lactation or are taking anticoagulant or diabetes medications. If in doubt, you should consult your doctor.
Thyme tea
The thyme is a plant with positive effects in treating chest infections or throat, bronchitis, and mucus. It is an expectorant, so it relieves coughs and relaxes the muscles of the trachea. In addition, it has outstanding properties to improve the functioning of the digestive system, thus offering a double benefit for health.
An infusion of thyme should be prepared by adding two tablespoons of this plant to a cup of boiling water. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, and then strain the liquid. It can be taken from one to three cups a day, preferably after meals and especially at night before going to bed.
Licorice tea
Another excellent home remedy for coughs is the licorice infusion, as it is a plant with very beneficial properties for the respiratory system in general. In addition to protecting the body against bacteria, it is anti-inflammatory and softens the respiratory mucous membranes. This makes it a great natural alternative to fight coughs and improve symptoms of colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, etc.
To prepare the infusion, you should add one tablespoon of dried licorice root to a cup of boiling water, let it steep for 10 minutes and, finally, strain the liquid. It is best to have a cup in the morning and another in the evening to calm your cough throughout the day.
Licorice is contraindicated in hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, kidney failure, pregnancy, and lactation, and if you are taking anticoagulant drugs, corticosteroids, or those that influence potassium levels.
Mint vines or eucalyptus
The vapors are a method by which the patient breathes water vapor, promoting rehydration airway and removing all accumulated mucus. In addition, if these are enriched with medicinal plants such as eucalyptus or mint, the resulting formula is perfect for soothing the throat, relieving bronchial irritation, facilitating breathing, and fighting coughs.
To carry out this treatment, 5 grams of eucalyptus or mint leaves should be boiled in water and allowed to stand for a few minutes. When the water is still hot but not burning, the pot should be placed on a hard surface, and then the face is brought closer; cover the head with a towel and begin to inhale the vapors that are released. The decongestant effect is immediate and significant relief is experienced.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies for coughs , we recommend that you enter our Lung and respiratory tract category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.