Coughing is an important reflex that helps keep your throat and airways clear. However, it can be incredibly unpleasant and disrupt your day-to-day life.
Fortunately, there are a variety of home remedies that can help reduce the severity and intensity of a cough. Here are 9 home remedies for cough relief:
1.Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant and has been used for centuries as a home remedy for coughs. It is believed to coat the throat with a protective layer and soothe irritation.
How to Use
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to make a syrup. Take 1 tablespoon of this mixture every 4-6 hours as needed.
- Stir 1 teaspoon of honey into a cup of warm water and drink it.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to a cup of herbal tea and drink it.
- Spread some honey on toast or crackers and eat it.
- Add some honey to a bowl of oatmeal, yogurt, or applesauce.
2.Onion tea
The beverage is a great home remedy for relieving a cough. Onion tea benefits to reduce coughing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and may also help to clear up congestion.
How to make ?
- Slice one large onion into thin slices.
- Place the onion slices in a medium-sized pot and cover with two cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the onions for 15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a mug.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or lemon to the tea, if desired.
- Enjoy your onion tea and the soothing effects it has on your cough.
3.Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It can help reduce inflammation in the throat and improve your immune system.
How to use
- Make a turmeric and honey syrup: Combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons of warm water and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Take the syrup: Take 1 tablespoon of the syrup every 4 to 6 hours as needed for relief.
- Make a turmeric tea: Boil 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and add honey as desired. Drink the tea 1 to 3 times a day as needed.
- Make a turmeric paste: Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of hot water. Apply the paste directly to the chest and throat area to help reduce inflammation and provide relief from coughing.
- Inhale the steam from turmeric tea: Boil 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, then strain. Lean over the pot and cover your head with a towel. Inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. Do this twice a day to help soothe a cough.
4.Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce irritation. It can also help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.
How to use
- Fill a glass with warm water.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and mix it until the salt is dissolved.
- Gargle with the salt water for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spit out the salt water.
- Repeat this process several times a day as needed.
- Drink a glass of warm water after each gargle session to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.
5.Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which is known to help relax the muscles in your
How to use
- Boil 1 cup of water and add 1-2 peppermint tea bags.
- Steep the tea for 5 minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of honey and stir.4. Strain the tea and drink it while it is still hot.
- Repeat 3-4 times a day for best results.
6.Use a humidifier
Dry air can irritate your throat and make your cough worse. Using a humidifier in your bedroom at night can help keep the air moist, reducing irritation and congestion.
Things to remember
- Ensure your humidifier is properly cleaned and maintained. Before using your humidifier for treating a cough, make sure that it is properly cleaned and maintained. Bacteria, mold, and other contaminants can grow in the water tank and be released into the air, potentially making your cough worse.
- Fill the tank with clean water. When filling the humidifier tank with water, make sure to use only clean, filtered, or distilled water. This will help to reduce the growth of bacteria or mold in the tank.
- Set the humidifier to the correct humidity level. Depending on the type of humidifier you have, you may need to adjust the humidity setting. Generally, a humidity level of around 40-50% is ideal for treating a cough.
- Place the humidifier in the room where you spend the most time. This will ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the humidifier.
- Turn the humidifier on and let it run for several hours. Allow the humidifier to run for several hours throughout the day, or overnight if necessary.
7.Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for fighting off a cough. Staying hydrated helps thin out mucus, making it easier to expel. Water is the best choice, but you can also try hot herbal teas, warm broth, and fruit or vegetable juices.
Things that help
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate the body, which can make a cough worse.
- Try an over-the-counter cough suppressant. If your cough is particularly bothersome, an over-the-counter cough suppressant might help.
8.Steam
Steam helps to loosen and thin out mucus and other secretions in the airways, making it easier to expel. Boil some water and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
How to do ?
- Boil a pot of water on the stove.
- Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Place a towel over your head and lean over the pot of water.
- Inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat the process as needed.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen mucus.
- If you have a cold or the flu, consider adding eucalyptus oil or menthol crystals to the boiling water for additional relief.
9.Ginger
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory herb that is commonly used to treat colds and flu. It is also known to be a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus from your throat and chest.
How to Use
- Make a ginger tea: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in a pot of water for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add a bit of honey, if desired. Drink the tea up to three times per day.
- Make a ginger syrup: Combine 1 cup of chopped fresh ginger, 1 cup of raw honey, and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the syrup and store in a jar. Take 1-2 teaspoons of the syrup up to three times daily.
- Make a ginger inhalation: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in a pot of water. Place your head over the pot with a towel over your head and inhale the vapors for 10 minutes. Do this up to three times per day.
