8 natural remedies for coughs (very effective)

The cough, despite not being very serious in most cases, is quite annoying. This occurs because the nerve endings of the respiratory tract that are between the throat and the lungs are irritated for different reasons: dust, bacteria, viruses ...

The body reacts with the cough to try to expel these substances from these pathways and thus clean them. In this article we give you some tips to treat a cough naturally, without medication.

Differences between dry cough and productive cough

Cough can be classified in two ways, dry cough and productive cough. A productive cough is one in which mucus or phlegm is expelled through the action of coughing. This cough should not be suppressed, since it has a beneficial effect on the body. However, it is possible to take something to produce an expectorant effect and, in this way, loosen the mucus. The result is that it is easier for the body to get rid of mucus.

Dry cough is different from productive cough, so it is beneficial to try to suppress it. It can be caused by different reasons, for example, a very dusty environment, allergies, dry air, etc. Medications commonly used for this type of cough usually contain dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine.

A series of studies published in 2004 found no significant differences between taking these drugs or a placebo, which indicates that, instead of resorting to chemicals, it is almost better to take natural remedies.

Home remedies to treat a cough

Then, What natural remedies can we take to reduce cough symptoms?

In the following lines you will find a list of 11 natural remedies that will come in handy:

1. A tablespoon of honey

Honey is a delicious food, and on top of it it is good for treating coughs. A study carried out by the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania (United States) concludes that honey may be more effective than medicines to calm a cough. Since it is a demulcent, its viscosity and sticky properties are perfect for it to combat this phenomenon, as it covers and soothes the irritated area. If your cough is the result of a bacterial disease, honey can shorten the duration of your symptoms and improve recovery. The ideal is to take three tablespoons of honey a day.

However, despite being ideal for children and adults, it should not be applied in children under two years of age, as it can cause botulism, a fatal disease. It is also necessary to be careful when buying packaged honey, because according to the Food Safety News, the 76% of all honeys present in supermarkets may have been treated and do not contain honey natural.

• If you want to delve into this topic, you can read our article: "10 foods that are not what they seem”

2. Pepper tea with honey

Infusions can be a good alternative for a cough, with the incentive that they are made with natural products. In case of a wet cough, it is advisable to ingest pepper tea with honey. Apparently this helps stimulate circulation, works as a relief, and enhances the flow of phlegm.

To prepare the recipe is simple, so you will surely have the ingredients at home without having to go to buy them. You just have to add a tablespoon of fresh pepper (fat grain) and two tablespoons of honey to a cup of boiling water. Then it must be left to rest for 15 minutes. Finally, the mixture must be strained and the infusion is ready to drink.

3. Steam

Steam is one of the best remedies for either a cough, a cold, or congestion.. Using this old practice helps release mucus and phlegm almost immediately. It is also possible to add oils that facilitate this task and stimulate the positive effect.

To benefit from this you can take a basin of boiled water. Then you should place yourself at a safe distance, where you do not feel the heat excessively and you can breathe the steam. Then place a towel over your head so that the steam doesn't escape. Inhale and exhale as you notice the benefits. Do this for 5-10 minutes, 2 times a day. You can also take a hot bath with the windows closed and take advantage of the steam while you relax.

4. Ginger mint syrup

Ginger syrup is a household medicine that has long been used to treat coughs.. It is a natural expectorant, which also stops irritability and pain in the upper part of the throat. It is ideal for a dry cough. To increase its effect it is possible to add mint to definitely relieve that irritating tickle.

The recipe for this syrup is simple to make. You only need to use 3 tablespoons of minced ginger, 1 tablespoon of dried mint, 4 cups of water and 1 cup of honey. First, you have to chop the ginger and add it together with the mint to 4 cups of water. This mixture is brought to a boil and simmered for 15 minutes. The next step is to let it cool slightly. Then the honey is added and stirred until the mixture has dissolved. Take a tablespoon every few hours. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

5. Sleeping with your head elevated

In some individuals, a productive cough occurs when mucus passes from the back of the nose to the throat.. This usually happens, especially at night, since the lying position of the body causes this phenomenon. Sometimes the effect this can have includes causing a headache and shortness of breath.

Changing this position and sleeping with your head higher helps prevent this from happening, so there is a better chance for improvement and saying goodbye to coughing.

6. Salt water gargle

Just when the sore throat appears, it is appropriate to gargle with salt water for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This procedure can help drain excess fluid from inflamed areas of the throat thereby reducing symptoms. Gargling also makes the mucus thinner. Half a glass of cold water with two tablespoons of salt will be enough for this method to take effect.

7. Vaporub

For several decades Vaporub has been used by many people as a home remedy against coughs.. A study from the University of Pennsylvania corroborates this. Although the reason why this product works so well remains a mystery, the ingredients it contains seem to help prevent congestion and reduce coughing, as air circulates more freely from the outside to the lungs.

8. Garlic

Garlic is also a natural remedy that works very well to calm a cough with phlegm., and it contains several properties that make it act as a natural antibiotic. For garlic to be effective it is possible to consume it in two ways. One of them, when ingested raw, preferably on an empty stomach. However, this is not a viable option for everyone, because it can cause an upset stomach.

Another way to benefit from garlic is to cut it into two halves and leave each half in the cheeks of your mouth. It should be left in that position for 15-20 minutes, as long as pain is present.