The Best Natural Cough Remedies To Try

By Virginia Ellis


Normal coughing is good for your health. When a person coughs, he or she clears the throat. However, intense coughing could be an indication of serious conditions that require effective treatment. This situation could mean you have allergies, viral or bacterial infection. There is nothing to worry though as there are several treatment options. If coughing is as a result of allergies, cold or sinus virus, you can opt for over-the-counter medicines. Coughs caused by bacterial infections are generally treated with antibiotics. Besides these, there are numerous effective natural cough remedies that can fit for each member of your family.

One of the most effective remedies that have been used for years to treat a cough is honey. In fact, some studies have found it to be more efficient than most over-the-counter treatment. To make your remedy, use two teaspoons of pure honey and mix with warm water, or tea and lemon. The lemon in the mix helps in decongestion while honey helps to sooth. Besides this approach, you can also take the honey directly or spread it on a snack.

Pineapple is a fruit you may have been eating without knowing its medicinal value. Research has shown that bromelain has an enzyme that helps to reduce cold. The substance is also useful in clearing throat. You may achieve this by taking few slices of pineapple on a daily basis during the period you are coughing. Taking fresh pineapple juice will also suppress a cough. With that said, note that bromelain is not suitable for people using antibiotics or blood thinners.

Another way of treating this problem is balancing the gastrointestinal flora. The best remedy for this is probiotics. The balancing will improve the bodys immune system. Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in most dairy products, can reduce the occurrence of cold. You should take it in right proportions since dairy products may increase the thickness of phlegm.

Peppermint is another effective remedy without artificial ingredients. It leaves has a healing effect. The menthol in the leaves enhance soothing and decongesting of the throat. The best way to benefit from this treatment is to inhale vapors generated from the steam bath with peppermint. To prepare the steam bath mix four drops of peppermint oil with 150 milliliters of hot water. Another option is to make peppermint tea.

Another plant with natural healing leaves is thyme. The plant is a good remedy for several respiratory illnesses. For effective cough healing, mix about two teaspoons of crushed thyme with hot water. The solution works best if you add ivy to it.

Marshmallow is an herb that has been used for centuries to suppress coughs and relieve sore throats. It has mucilage which helps to soothe irritation and coats the throat. While there is no study to back up its effectiveness, it is considered safe.

To close our selection of natural remedies is water and salt gargle. It may seem so simple, but it an excellent healer for scratchy throats. So, whenever you experience mild coughing, you can take about 8 ounces of water added 1/2 teaspoon of salt.




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