Calm Your Cough Naturally: 7 Easy Tips
Whether you are experiencing a dry hack or just a tickle in the throat, a continuous cough is not only annoying, but it can cause throat irritations that could lead to more severe conditions. Sure, coughing is usually just a natural way to clear phlegm and other irritants from the throat, but a sustained cough can mean that you are dealing with more severe issues like a viral or bacterial infection.
That being said, there are times when coughing has nothing at all to do with your lungs. Conditions like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) can prompt coughing. There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that you can utilize to keep that cough at bay, but if you want to skip out on the chemicals contained within these medications, you should consider taking advantage of the following seven home remedies.
The Power Of Honey
Most people enjoy the taste of honey in their coffee or tea, but they don’t truly understand its capabilities. Honey is not only an excellent sore throat remedy, but it can treat those troublesome coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medications that contain cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (DM). Most experts would recommend mixing honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon. The honey will soothe the throat, while the lemon juice can help break up congestion.
Turn To Probiotics
Most people are going to be surprised to see probiotics on the list. That is pretty understandable because probiotics are designed to aid in digestion. When your digestive system is in check and operating normally. it can help promote a more robust immune system. A healthier immune system will mean that you are going to be less vulnerable to the common cold, flu, and other allergen sensitivities.
Take Advantage of Bromelain
Pineapple is probably going to seem like another strange remedy to most people. That is because they do not know that pineapples contain what is known as bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme that is normally found within the stem and fruit of most pineapples. Experts suggest that it contains properties that will help suppress a cough while loosening mucus at the same time. One slice of pineapple or 3.5 ounces of the juice three times a day will not only be a refreshing treat, but it can help keep that cough at bay.
Pep It Up With Peppermint
Peppermint is well known for its marvelous healing properties. When it comes to sore throats, it is the menthol within the plant that is the superstar. The menthol will not only soothe the throat, but it will act as a decongestant. To take advantage of the powerful healing properties of peppermint, you can either drink peppermint tea or inhale peppermint vapors from a steam bath. You can quickly and easily create a steam bath by running a sink full of hot water and dropping in 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil. Draping a towel over your head and directly breathing in the peppermint vapors will provide the relief that you are seeking.
Mash That Cough With Marshmallow
Most people know that marshmallows are delicious, but they do not know that they come from the Althaea Officinalis. There are no controlled studies that support the claims of this plant, but people have been using it for centuries to help suppress coughs. The theory is that the mucilage contained within the plant can coat the throat and soothe throat irritations. Marshmallow comes available in tea or capsule form.
Never Doubt Thyme
Thyme is known to contain compounds called flavonoids. These flavonoids not only reduce the amount of inflammation in the throat, but it can help relax the coughing muscles. Most people consume thyme by crushing up two teaspoons of the leaves and mixing them with a cup of boiling water. Covering the cup for ten minutes and later draining it will prepare it for drinking.
Salt And Water Can Help
Salt and water is a home remedy that has been used for many years to aid as a treatment for tons of ailments. This mixture might seem overused and straightforward, but mixing ¼ to ½ teaspoons of salt with eight ounces of warm water can go a long way to providing much-needed relief for that annoying cough.