Cough

A cough is a normal reaction that expels irritants when foreign particles, mucus, or excess secretions are detected. Coughing protects and clears air passages.

Coughing is a natural defense for the respiratory system and can usually be helped by home remedies.

Persistent or severe coughing may indicate an underlying issue. If your cough persists, worsens, or has other symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or excessive mucus production, seek medical help.

Types of coughs:

  • Productive Cough: A "wet" or "chesty" cough results in expelled mucus or phlegm, usually caused by a respiratory illness or postnasal drip.
  • Unproductive Cough: A "dry cough does not result in expelled mucus and is caused by irritation by smoke or dust or allergies, asthma, or acid reflux.
  • Postnasal Drip Cough: A postnasal drip cough is caused by sinus mucus flowing down the throat, tickling the nerves, and causing a cough. It can be dry or wet and caused by allergies, a common cold, or an infection of the sinuses.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Coughing

It's important to remember that these home remedies are only suitable for mild cough symptoms. Professional medical advice and treatment are necessary for more severe or chronic cough conditions and cannot be replaced by these remedies.

Recipe for Home-Made Cough Syrup

Make a simple vinegar and honey cough syrup.

  • 1/2 C. Honey
  • 2/3 T. Vinegar
  • 1 T. Butter
  • Dash Pepper

Heat ingredients to a boil and let cool. Take one teaspoon as needed for coughs.

Make a simple lemon and honey cough syrup.

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup honey

Mix equal parts freshly squeezed lemon juice with honey to create a soothing cough syrup. Take a teaspoon as needed to soothe a cough and benefit from the additional vitamin C boost to your immune system.

Extra Hydration

Drink a lot of water and stay well hydrated when you have a cough. Drinking water keeps your throat moist and will help to thin and loosen the mucus your body is trying to expel. Good choices are warm mint or green tea sweetened with honey. Orange juice is another good choice. It's loaded with vitamin C and minerals your body needs for optimum health.

Tea and Honey

Herbal teas are a delicious natural cure to help reduce throat irritation by soothing a cough. Ginger tea can help soothe a cough naturally. Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water for a few minutes, then strain and enjoy. Thyme tea can relax the respiratory tract. Steep dried leaves in hot water, strain, and enjoy.

Honey has natural soothing properties that reduce cough and throat irritation. Add one or two teaspoons of honey to herbal tea to calm a cough.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory to help soothe a cough. Make turmeric milk by mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it before bedtime. You can also take a turmeric root capsule as a supplement. Follow all product manufacturer's recommendations.

Steam/Humidifier/Vaporizer

Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus and ease coughing. A nice hot shower or putting a vaporizer or humidifier in the room to add extra humidity can help to loosen mucus and help your body get rid of it.

Salt Water Gargle

If you're experiencing throat irritation or a dry cough, gargling with warm salt water can be helpful. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit to help ease your symptoms.

Aniseed

Anise is a star-shaped spice and has long been used as an ayurvedic remedy for coughing or bronchitis. It's an expectorant with antifungal and antibacterial properties, which help loosen mucus and clear the airways. Add two star-shaped anise seed pods to hot water and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain the tea, add honey, and enjoy.

Air Purifier

Air purifiers can help with coughing and other symptoms caused by allergens and irritants in the air by filtering out fine particles and reducing pollution. Clean air eases problems from asthma and COPD, helping you sleep better at night.

Head Elevation

Postnasal drip can cause a persistent cough that can be helped by keeping the head elevated while sleeping. Add an extra pillow or two to help sinuses drain and reduce coughing at night from a postnasal drip.

Cautions

If you or someone else experiences a persistent or concerning cough, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Depending on the underlying cause, the doctor may recommend appropriate medications, lifestyle changes, or other interventions to address the cough and its associated symptoms.