Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly normal.A cough can help keep your throat clear from phlegm and other irritants. However, sustained coughing can also be symptomatic of a number of conditions, such as
an allergy
a viral infections
a bacterial infections
Sometimes a cough isn’t due to anything related to your lungs. Gastresophageal reflux diseasecan also cause a cough.
You can treat coughs due to cold . allergies and sinus infection with a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Bacterial infections require antibiotics.
Along with medication treatment, you can ask your doctor about other options to help your cough. Here we’ve listed a few home remedies to consider.
1 . Honey
You can create your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.
The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. You can also simply eat the 2 teaspoons of honey or create a spread on bread for a snack.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines.
Given the variations of probiotics available, you should talk with your doctor about which probiotic is right for you and your condition. The most natural way to get probiotics is through fermented foods, including:
- miso
- sauerkraut
- yogurt
- kefir
- kombucha
- tempeh
- kimchi
- sourdough
3. Bromelain
You don’t usually think of pineapple as a cough remedy, but that might be because you’ve never heard of bromelain.
To enjoy the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day.
4. Salt-water gargle
This simple remedy is one of the most effective for treating a sore throat and wet cough. Salt water reduces phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat which can lessen the need to cough.
Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves. Allow the solution to cool slightly before using it to gargle. Let the mixture sit at the back of the throat for a few moments before spitting it out. Gargle with salt water several times each day until the cough improves.
Avoid giving salt water to younger children as they may not be able to gargle properly, and swallowing salt water can be dangerous.
5. Thyme
Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a common remedy for a cough, a sore throat and digestive issues.
To treat coughs using thyme, look for a cough syrup that contains this herb. Alternatively, make thyme tea by adding 2 tip of dried thyme to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes before straining and drinking.
6. Fluids
Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. indicates that drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
However, people with additional symptoms of a cold or flu may benefit from warming up their beverages. The same study reports that hot beverages alleviate even more symptoms, including a sore throat chills, and fatigue.
The symptom relief was immediate and remained for a continued period after finishing the hot beverage.
Hot beverages that may be comforting include:
- clear broths
- herbal teas
- decaffeinated black tea
- warm water
- warm fruit juices
7. Ginger
Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain.
suggests that some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing. The researchers mainly studied the effects of ginger on human cells and animals, so more research is necessary.
8. Dietary changes for acid reflux
Acid reflux is a common cause of a cough. Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux is one of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it.
Every individual may have different reflux triggers that they need to avoid. People who are unsure of what causes their reflux can begin by eliminating the most common triggers from their diet and monitoring their symptoms.
The foods and beverages that most commonly trigger acid reflux include:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- chocolate
- citrus foods
- fried and fatty foods
- garlic
- spices and spicy foods
- tomatoes and tomato-based products
9. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is a supplement that comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Taking a daily dose may lessen the frequency and severity of a wet cough by reducing mucus in the airways.
The researchers suggest a daily dose of 600 milligrams (mg) of NAC for people without airway obstruction, and up to 1,200 mg where there is an obstruction.
NAC can have severe side effects, including hives swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing. Anyone considering this approach should speak to a doctor first.
10. Steam
A wet cough, which is one that produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam. Take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. Stay in this steam for a few minutes until symptoms subside.
Alternatively, make a steam bowl. To do this, fill a large bowl with hot water. Add herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary, which may also relieve decongestion. Lean over the bowl and place a towel over the head. This traps the steam. Inhale the vapors for 5 minutes. If the steam feels hot on the skin, discontinue until the skin cools down.
