10 Safe and Effective Natural Cough Remedies You Should Know

According to Webmd – Coughing is a common medical complaint that can happen to anyone. This condition can usually be treated with antitussive and expectorant medications available in pharmacies. But did you know that there are various natural cough remedies that are safe to try?

List of natural cough remedies that are safe to consume

Coughing is a natural reflex as well as the body’s way of removing foreign objects in the airways, including mucus or phlegm.

If you haven’t been able to see a doctor to find out the cause of your cough, you can try the following natural herbal cough remedies.

Ginger is considered to be a natural cough remedy because it has anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the use of ginger is also considered to be able to relieve nausea.

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Molecular Biology revealed that some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax the membranes in the airways, helping to reduce coughing.

However, further research is needed to prove the efficacy of ginger as a traditional cough medicine.

To try it, you can consume ginger boiled water or mix ginger slices with tea.

2. Honey

One way to treat cough with phlegm naturally and quickly is to consume honey.

Honey is one of the natural ingredients that has long been used to relieve coughs.

According to a study, honey is more effective in relieving coughs than drugs containing dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.

To use this natural cough remedy, you can mix two teaspoons of honey with warm water or tea. You can also add lemon juice if your cough is accompanied by nasal congestion.

Although considered effective, honey for coughs should not be given to infants under one year old as it increases the risk of botulism.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint leaves are known to be effective in relieving coughs.

This is because the menthol content in them can act as an herbal cough medicine that helps soothe the throat and relieve breathing.

You can try drinking peppermint tea without sugar or inhaling steam mixed with peppermint essential oil.

4. Thyme

Not only for cooking, you can also use thyme leaves as a way to get rid of cough naturally.

A small study involving 361 people found that thyme leaf extract mixed with ivy can help provide short-term relief from coughs and bronchitis.

This is because thyme leaves are equipped with flavonoid compounds that work to relax the throat muscles when coughing and reduce inflammation.

To try this natural way to relieve cough, you can mash two teaspoons of thyme leaves, then dissolve them in boiling water.

Wait for about 10 minutes, then strain the leaves. Drink the solution to enjoy the benefits.

5. Drink lots of water

One way to relieve cough naturally without using drugs is to drink lots of water.

Water is believed to be a natural cough medicine for adults and children because it is considered to help thin the mucus that causes phlegm cough and moisturise a dry throat.

Thus, the cough is expected to subside. Not only that, studies have also shown that drinking warm liquids helps relieve colds and sneezing.

Apart from plain water, you can consume broth, warm tea, and warm fruit juice.

6. Pineapple

Pineapple is considered a natural cough remedy because it contains bromelain.

This ingredient found in pineapple stems is believed to help thin mucus.

Bromelain is also available in supplement form. However, you should consult your doctor before taking this supplement.

7. Salt water

Gargling with salt water is one of the traditional ways to treat cough without medication.

Salt water is known to help thin cough-causing phlegm and relieve sore throat.

In fact, a study published in Scientific Reports in 2019 revealed that gargling with salt, along with nasal irrigation procedures, can relieve cold symptoms and reduce cough duration.

To try, stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt into one glass of warm water until dissolved. Allow it to cool, then you can use it to gargle.

Make sure to gargle for a while and try to feel the saline solution down your throat. However, do not swallow it.

Also, this method is not recommended for children who cannot gargle well.

8. Betel leaf

Have you ever tried betel leaves for a cough?

Betel leaves contain a variety of vitamins and alkaloid compounds that are believed to help relieve sore throat, a condition that can trigger a cough.

There is also a type of red betel leaf that contains phenol compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria that cause respiratory infections.

To use it, you can boil betel leaves and drink the boiled water while it is warm.

9. Probiotics

Probiotics are also considered a natural cough remedy although they do not directly relieve coughing.

Probiotics work to boost the immune system by balancing the good bacteria in the gut. For example, Lactobacillus bacteria in yoghurt or kimchi.

A strong immune system can help fight infections or allergens that cause coughing.

Probiotics are not only contained in food, but are also available in supplement form.

10. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial. On this basis, turmeric is considered to be able to treat coughs, especially dry coughs.

Before trying this natural dry cough remedy, please note that curcumin can be absorbed into the bloodstream well if consumed together with black pepper.

So, you can mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper into a soft drink, such as orange juice.

A mixture of turmeric and black pepper can also be served in a cup of hot tea.

Home remedies as natural cough remedies;

Coughing can sometimes interfere with daily activities, including when you want to rest.

In addition to the natural remedies above, here are various ways to treat a cough that you can do at home without having to take medication.

Switch on a humidifier to increase air humidity;

Take a hot bath or inhale hot steam to relieve coughing up phlegm;

Sucking on lozenges

Taking additional vitamins and supplements, such as zinc and vitamin C.

When to see a doctor?

If the cough is mild, the natural remedies above may help.

If after a few days the cough does not go away and gets worse, you should see a doctor to find out the cause and get the right treatment.

In general, medical cough medicines prescribed by doctors can be taken to relieve acute coughs, coughs that cause discomfort, and coughs that interfere with sleep.

If you are pregnant, your doctor can also give you cough medicine for pregnant women that is safe to take.

Content created and supplied by: Trendyhealth (via Opera
News )