Having a dry or wet cough can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life. Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies for coughs to help alleviate the problem. Dry cough typically involve persistent, non productive coughing that does not bring up mucus or phlegm. Wet coughs bring up mucus and phlegm.
The cough reflex can be triggered by various factors, such as allergies, irritants, or an underlying health issue.
Cough
It is often described as a hacking or tickling sensation in the throat and triggering the cough reflex. It serves the purpose of removing excessive mucus, foreign particles, or pathogens from the respiratory system.
Common Causes of Coughs
From environmental factors to underlying medical conditions, understanding the root causes of cough can aid in effective treatment and prevention.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This inflammation can trigger spasms in the bronchial tubes, leading to episodes of coughing.
The body’s response to this inflammation often involves producing excess mucus. However, instead of a productive cough, asthma often results in a persistent cough due to the body trying to improve the respiratory condition despite thickened mucus and tightened airways. And most of the time there are some pathogens involved as well.
Irritation
A cough can be triggered by various irritants that provoke the body’s protective reflexes. When you inhale or come into contact with irritants like smoke, dust, or strong odours, your airways can become irritated.
In response to this irritation, the body initiates a cough to remove these substances from your respiratory system.
Allergies
Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, can also lead to a cough in sensitive individuals.
When your immune system recognises these allergens as threats, it releases chemicals that cause inflammation in your airways. This inflammation can trigger a persistent cough.
Infections
Allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods, can also lead to a cough in sensitive individuals.
When your immune system recognises these allergens as threats, it releases chemicals that cause inflammation in your airways. This inflammation can trigger a persistent cough.
Smoking
Smoking introduces a multitude of harmful chemicals into the respiratory system. These irritants damage and inflame the airways and lungs, leading to a persistent “smoker’s cough” that is often dry and hacking.
Over time, the body’s natural defence mechanisms, including tiny hair-like structures called cilia, become impaired. This reduces the ability to clear mucus and debris, exacerbating the cough.
Treating a Cough at Home
A cough can be discomforting, but a range of natural remedies for coughs can help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and address the root causes of the symptoms.
Saltwater Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water is a simple yet effective way to relieve a cough.
It helps soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and dislodge irritants.
Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle for 15-30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat several times a day to ease your cough.
Rest and Sleep
Adequate rest and sleep are crucial for your body’s natural healing processes making it one of the best natural remedies for coughs.
When you are well-rested, your immune system functions better, and your body can recover from cough-inducing irritants or infections more effectively.
Balanced Food Choices
A balanced diet ensures optimal intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that bolster the immune system. A strong immune response can prevent and combat respiratory infections, which reduces the occurrence of symptoms like cough.
Incorporate fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals to maintain good health.
Avoiding Irritants in the Environment
Preventing exposure to irritants in your environment is a crucial home remedy to manage a cough.
Identify and minimize contact with irritants like tobacco smoke, air pollution, and strong odours, as these can exacerbate your symptoms.
Hot Beverages and Liquids
Hot liquids, such as herbal teas, soups, and broths, provide immediate relief by soothing and warming the throat, alleviating irritation that can trigger coughing episodes.
The warmth helps in relaxing the airway muscles, making breathing easier. Herbal remedies may help reduce irritation and promote mucus production, providing relief from a cough.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. You can prepare ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices or using ginger powder.
This warm, soothing beverage can help relieve throat irritation and reduce the urge to cough. Adding honey or lemon can enhance its taste and effectiveness as one of the natural remedies for coughs.
Lemon and Cinnamon Drink
Try this warming drink – a mix of hot water, cinnamon and lemon is said to strengthen the immune system and reduce the duration of unpleasant symptoms like coughs and blocked noses. You only need a pinch of cinnamon to make this and feel free to add a touch of honey and some ginger if you like.
Chicken soup
Chicken soup is the first thing we think about when we get a cold – and for good reason! Scientists suspect that chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory chemicals that help to suppress common symptoms (like coughs and sneezes). Chicken soup is also a source of mucus-thinning cysteine, and the high electrolyte content helps to keep you appropriately hydrated.
Honey
Honey is a well-known home remedy for cough due to its soothing properties. It can help alleviate throat irritation and reduce the urge to cough.
You can take a spoonful of honey or mix it with warm water or herbal tea. The natural sweetness and antimicrobial qualities can ease your discomfort and provide relief.
Honey is one of the most common natural remedies for coughs and even as little as a tablespoonful of honey has actually been proven to be more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines. Honey is excellent for soothing sore, swollen tissue in the throat and contains some enzymes with powerful antibacterial properties. If you are suffering from a bacterial infection, honey may even be able to shorten your illness. Remember that children under 2 should not consume honey but adults and older children can take up to 1 tbsp of honey 1-3 times per day, and it may be especially effective when taken before sleep.
Bromelain from Pineapples
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce throat irritation. Consuming fresh pineapple or bromelain supplements may be beneficial in easing a cough.
Liquorice root
Liquorice root assists in bringing up mucus from your lungs. It is also a demulcent, which forms a soothing film over the top of your irritated throat tissue and reduces inflammation. Simply add 2 tbsp of dried liquorice root to eight ounces of boiled water, steep the tea for up to 15 minutes, and drink once or twice a day. Avoid taking liquorice root if you have reduced kidney function or are taking steroids.
Probiotics
Probiotics play a role in strengthening the immune system. A robust immune response can effectively combat respiratory infections, a common cause of cough.
Some research also suggests that certain probiotic strains can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory symptoms by modulating the body’s inflammatory responses, thus providing relief from persistent coughing.
Inhaling Steam
Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can moisturise and soothe your irritated airways, making it another of the effective natural remedies for coughs. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the steaming water for about 10-15 minutes for best results. Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can enhance the effectiveness of steam inhalation.
Steam treatment
Steam treatment is not only effective when it comes to sinus and nasal infections – it is also very useful when you’re fighting a bad cough. Hot steam helps to loosen mucus within just a few minutes, and you can enhance the treatment with a range of essential oils that offer further health benefits. Try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, which helps to open the airways and reduce breathlessness. Place a few drops of your chosen oil into a bowl of boiling water, let it cool for a few minutes, and then lean over the bowl with a towel over your head to keep the steam in.
Use of Humidifiers
Humidifiers work by adding moisture to the air, combating the dryness that can irritate the throat and respiratory tract. A moist environment can provide relief by soothing inflamed tissues and reducing the severity of a dry coughing to alleviate a cough.
Echinacea and Sage Spray
A number of studies show that Echinacea and sage are just as effective as more expensive, medicinal sprays that are marketed to fight coughs and sore throats. You can find this type of spray in many healthy food or alternative medicine stores, and it’s generally recommended that you spray your throat every couple of hours while you’re experiencing irritation. You can also try making the spray yourself by mixing Echinacea extract with sage extract and a little bit of saline water for one of the home made natural remedies for coughs.
Hot turmeric milk
Hot turmeric milk is a delicious and powerful way to bring relief from a cough. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that also fights viral and bacterial infections. If you don’t drink milk and you find it irritating to your throat, swap it for soy or nut milk or consider brewing a turmeric tea instead.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is another of the natural remedies for coughs and sore throats, since Native Americans first discovered its useful properties. It contains a substance similar to mucus, which coats the throat and reduces both soreness and itchiness. Pour some boiling water over powdered slippery elm bark, stir it to mix the powder through, and then drink. You can also find slippery elm lozenges in health food stores. Some health food stores also carry slippery elm throat lozenges.
MusMustard seeds are rich in sulphur-containing compounds that will help to loosen some of those thick secretions in your respiratory tract. Crush the mustard seeds and soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. Steep them in a cup of boiling water, strain after 5-10 minutes, and drink when it has cooled a little. If you really don’t like the taste, consider drinking it in small doses at 2-3 hour intervals.
Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are rich in sulphur-containing compounds that will help to loosen some of those thick secretions in your respiratory tract. Crush the mustard seeds and soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. Steep them in a cup of boiling water, strain after 5-10 minutes, and drink when it has cooled a little. If you really don’t like the taste, consider drinking it in small doses at 2-3 hour intervals.
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