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natural-cough-remedies-and-prevention-tips

Natural Cough Remedies and Prevention Tips

People who want to use natural cough remedies should consider the sources and brands. They should also know that some herbs and supplements can interact with medications and cause side effects that aren't wanted. Coughing is perfectly normal most of the time. A cough can help clear your throat of phlegm and other irritating things.

 

Here are a few home remedies to think about.

 

  1. Honey

Honey has been used for years to soothe a sore throat. It’s the main cough remedies. One study found that it can also relieve coughs better than over-the-counter medicines that contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DM). You can make your remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.

The honey soothes, and the lemon juice can help clear up a stuffy nose. You can also eat the two teaspoons of honey or make a snack by spreading it on bread.

 

  1. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help your body in many ways. Even though they don't directly relieve a cough, they help keep your gut healthy. The bacteria that live in your heart are called gastrointestinal flora. This balance can help the immune system work well in all body parts. Each supplement maker may suggest a different amount to take each day. Some kinds of yogurt add probiotics, and miso soup and sourdough bread already have them.

 

  1. Bromelain

If you've never heard of bromelain, you might not think of pineapple as a way to treat a cough. Bromelain is an enzyme that can only be found in the stem and fruit of pineapples. Evidence shows that it can help stop coughs and loosen mucus in your throat. To get the most out of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple three times a day or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice.

People also say it can help with sinusitis and sinus problems caused by allergies, which can cause coughs and mucus.  It can also be used to treat swelling and inflammation.

 

  1. Peppermint

Peppermint leaves are known to be good for your health. Peppermint has menthol, which can help soothe the throat and make breathing seem easier. You can feel better if you drink peppermint tea or breathe in the vapors from a peppermint steam treatment. To make a steam treatment, boil about a cup of water and add 7 or 8 drops of peppermint essential oil. Cover your head with a towel and take deep breaths above the water.

 

  1. Marshmallow Root

Althaea Officinalis is a perennial plant that blooms in the summer and is used to make marshmallow roots. It's not the same as roasting a soft marshmallow over a fire. Since ancient times, people have used the plant's leaves and roots to treat sore throats and stop coughs. Marshmallow root can now be bought as a tea or in capsule form. If you have a cough and a sore throat, the warm tea can help ease the pain.

 

  1. Thyme

Some people use thyme to help with lung problems. One small trustworthy study, which looked at 361 people with acute bronchitis, found that combining thyme leaves with ivy can help relieve coughing and short-term bronchitis. Flavonoids, found in the leaves, relax the throat muscles used to cough and reduce inflammation. You can make thyme tea home with 1 cup of boiling water and two teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves. Cover the cup, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then pour it out.

 

  1. Saltwater gargle

Even though it seems like a simple fix, gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat that makes you cough. When mixed with 8 ounces of warm water, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt can help relieve irritation. Note that kids under 6 aren't very good at gargling, so it's best to try other treatments for this age group.

 

  1. Ginger

Ginger is often used as a traditional and the best home remedies for cough. It is often used to treat nausea and stomach problems but may also help a cough. According to a reliable source, ginger can relax the muscles in the airways. This could help with some asthma symptoms, like coughing. Ginger also has chemicals that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the throat. The best thing to drink is ginger tea if you have a cough. The hot liquid can help soothe your throat and eliminate irritation, dryness, and mucus.

 

  1. Turmeric

Over the years, turmeric has been used to treat many illnesses, including coughs. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. The best way to take turmeric is with black pepper. This is because piperine, the main ingredient in black pepper, makes turmeric more bioavailable. This makes it easier for your body to take in turmeric. Warm turmeric tea or golden milk might be good to drink. Add a little black pepper and honey to make it sweet.

  1. Drink fluids

 

Drinking a lot of fluids is one of the best ways to ease a cough. Dryness in the throat is a common reason people cough, and drinking fluids can help relieve it. It also helps thin mucus, making coughing and stuffy noses easier to deal with. When you have a cough, broth or tea are good to drink. If you want a cold drink, choose something without carbonation, like water or tea without sugar. It might also help to chew on ice cubes.

 

How to prevent Cough?

 

You might also want to learn how to stop and the basic cough treatment.

 

Among the other steps you can take, you can:

 

Try to stay away from people who are sick. If you're sick, you shouldn't go to work, school, or other places where you'll be around other people, so you don't make them sick. When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth. The best way to do this is with a tissue you throw away right away or by coughing into your elbow.

 

Staying hydrated means drinking a lot of fluids.

 

The common areas of your home, workplace, or school should be cleaned often. This is important for countertops, toys, and cell phones in particular.

Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone sick.

If you have allergies, you can reduce flare-ups by identifying what makes you sick and staying away from it. Some common allergens are:

  • trees
  • pollen
  • dust mites
  • animal fur
  • mold
  • insects

 

You can also get allergy shots, which can help and make you less sensitive to allergens. Talk to your doctor about the best plan for you.

 

In conclusion

 

People often use honey and saltwater gargles to treat coughs at home. Herbal teas are also suitable for peppermint, ginger, slippery elm, thyme, turmeric, or marshmallow root. There is some evidence that probiotics and bromelain supplements can help relieve a cough, but more evidence is needed. If your cough is caused by GERD, avoiding foods that worsen it may help. A cough can also be made better by drinking a lot of water. If your cough doesn't go away, you should see a doctor. They can help you figure out what's happening and find the best way to treat your cough.

Medanta Medical Team
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