Coughs play a role in clearing
irritants and infections from the body, but persistent coughing can be
annoying. The best treatment for a cough will depend on its underlying cause.
There are many possible causes of coughs, including allergies, infections, and
acid reflux.
Some natural remedies may help
to relieve a cough. However, it is important to remember that the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor herbs and supplements, so people who
use them may be at risk of using low-quality products and impurities.
People who want to use natural
remedies to treat their cough should research sources and brands. They should
also be aware that some herbs and supplements can interfere with medications,
which may result in unwanted side effects.
If a cough is severe or
persists for more than a few weeks, it is essential to seek medical advice.
Twelve natural cough remedies
People use a range of natural
remedies to try to treat a persistent cough. Here, we look at 12 of these remedies
in more detail.
1. Honey tea
According to some research,
honey may relieve coughs.
A study on treatments for
nighttime coughing in children compared dark honey with the cough-suppressing
medication dextromethorphan and with no treatment.
The researchers reported that
honey provided the most significant relief from coughing, followed by
dextromethorphan.
Although the benefits of honey
over dextromethorphan were small, parents rated honey most favorably of all
three interventions.
To use honey to treat a cough,
mix 2 teaspoons (tsp) with warm water or an herbal tea. Drink this mixture once
or twice a day. Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.
2. Ginger
Ginger
may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It
may also relieve nausea and pain.
One study suggests that some anti-inflammatory
compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce
coughing. The researchers mainly studied the effects of ginger on human cells
and animals, so more research is necessary.
Brew up a soothing ginger tea
by adding 20–40 grams (g) of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water. Allow
to steep for a few minutes before drinking. Add honey or lemon juice to improve
the taste and further soothe a cough.
Be aware that, in some cases,
ginger tea can cause stomach
upset or heartburn.
3. Fluids
Staying hydrated is vital for
those with a cough or cold. Research indicates that drinking liquids at room
temperature can alleviate a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
However, people with
additional symptoms of a cold or flu
may benefit from warming up their beverages. The same study reports that hot
beverages alleviate even more symptoms, including a sore throat, chills, and fatigue.
The symptom relief was
immediate and remained for a continued period after finishing the hot beverage.
Hot beverages that may be
comforting include:
- clear broths
- herbal teas
- decaffeinated black tea
- warm water
- warm fruit juices
4. Steam
A wet cough, which is one that
produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam. Take a hot shower or bath and
allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stay in this steam for a few minutes
until symptoms subside. Drink a glass of water afterward to cool down and
prevent dehydration.
Alternatively, make a steam
bowl. To do this, fill a large bowl with hot water. Add herbs or essential
oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary, which may also relieve decongestion. Lean
over the bowl and place a towel over the head. This traps the steam. Inhale the
vapors for 5 minutes. If the steam feels hot on the skin, discontinue until the
skin cools down.
People with a wet cough or
chest congestion may also wish to follow the recommendations of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
and use a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer in their home.
5. Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root is an herb
that has a long history of use as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. The
herb can ease irritation resulting from coughing because of its high mucilage
content. Mucilage is a thick, gluey substance that coats the throat.
One small study revealed that an herbal cough syrup
containing marshmallow root, along with thyme and ivy, effectively relieved
coughs resulting from common colds and respiratory tract infections. After 12
days of taking the syrup, 90 percent of the participants rated its
effectiveness as good or very good.
Marshmallow root is also
available as a dried herb or a bagged tea. Add hot water to either and then
drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root
steeps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink.
Side effects can include
stomach upset, but it may be possible to counter this by drinking extra fluids.
Marshmallow root is available
to purchase in health stores or online.
6. Salt-water gargle
This simple remedy is one of
the most effective for treating a sore throat and wet cough. Salt water reduces
phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat which can lessen the need to cough.
Stir half a teaspoon of salt
into a cup of warm water until it dissolves. Allow the solution to cool
slightly before using it to gargle. Let the mixture sit at the back of the
throat for a few moments before spitting it out. Gargle with salt water several
times each day until the cough improves.
Avoid giving salt water to
younger children as they may not be able to gargle properly, and swallowing
salt water can be dangerous.
7. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme that
comes from pineapples. It is most plentiful in the core of the fruit.
Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties
and may also have mucolytic properties, which means that it can break down
mucus and remove it from the body.
Some people drink pineapple
juice daily to reduce mucus in the throat and suppress coughing. However, there
may not be enough bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms.
Bromelain supplements are
available and may be more effective at relieving a cough. However, it is best
to speak with a doctor before trying any new supplements.
It is possible to be allergic to bromelain, and
this herb can also cause side effects and interact with medications. People who
take blood thinners or specific antibiotics
should not take bromelain.
8. Thyme
Thyme has both culinary and
medicinal uses and is a common remedy for a cough, a sore throat, bronchitis,
and digestive issues.
One study found that a cough syrup consisting of
thyme and ivy leaves relieved coughing more effectively and more rapidly than a
placebo
syrup in people with acute bronchitis. Antioxidants
in the plant may be responsible for its benefits.
To treat coughs using thyme,
look for a cough syrup that contains this herb. Alternatively, make thyme tea
by adding 2 tsp of dried thyme to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes
before straining and drinking.
9. Dietary changes for acid reflux
Acid reflux is
a common cause of a cough. Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux is one
of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies
it.
Every individual may have
different reflux triggers that they need to avoid. People who are unsure of
what causes their reflux can begin by eliminating the most common triggers from
their diet and monitoring their symptoms.
The foods and beverages that
most commonly trigger acid reflux include:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- chocolate
- citrus foods
- fried and fatty foods
- garlic and onions
- mint
- spices and spicy foods
- tomatoes and tomato-based products
10. Slippery elm
Native Americans traditionally used slippery elm bark to treat
coughing and digestive issues. Slippery elm is similar to marshmallow root as
it contains a high level of mucilage, which helps to soothe a sore throat and
cough.
Make slippery elm tea by
adding 1 tsp of the dried herb to a cup of hot water. Steep for at least 10
minutes before drinking. It is important to note that slippery elm can
interfere with the absorption of medications.
Slippery elm is available in
powder and capsule form in health stores and online.
Source: Medical News Today
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