Cough is a sudden, repetitive and protective body response in an attempt to collect and remove foreign particles, pathogenic secretions, irritants or allergens and microbes from the airways and cleaning the breathing passage. It is a natural immune reaction produced by the body in the form of inflammation or expectoration to fight viral or bacterial infections. And this results in itchiness, chest congestion, irritation and soreness in the throat. A state of sustained mild discomfort and obstructive speech sometimes disturbed sleep follows restlessness and malaise. One of the commonest health problem that may occur due to common cold, sinusitis, allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD). Doctors recommend to rule out the actual cause before delivering any sort of treatment. We understand that it is not possible to get prescription for mild aches or uneasiness and in such cases we prefer any herb or Grandma’s formula to relieve the symptoms. If you are not planning to visit medical assistance and looking for natural home remedies, then here are beneficial Top 10 Remedies For Throat Cough. However, it is our duty to inform that herbs and supplements are not under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitoring, so people using them must be aware of the quality or impurities they might bring a cure. If the cough is severe or prevails for more than a week, one must seek medical advice.
1. Honey
The World Health Organization identifies honey as a potential treatment for cough. A feasibility study by Dr. Naveed Ahmed, University College London Medical School, London was done that accepted the use of honey for the treatment of cough in children. Honey has been a part of traditional medicine to be used as an antitussive. Studies have proved that honey has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions against various bacteria found in the respiratory tract. Though honey consumption is not advisable for children below 1 year.
How to use- Add a teaspoon in warm milk or water or just have a spoonful of honey as such.
2. Ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by fresh ginger relax the airway membranes. This makes fresh ginger an effective element in home remedies for dry cough.
To get some relief from dry cough, you can chew on fresh pieces of ginger with a little salt sprinkled on them or you could also prepare ginger tea.
How to use- Cut fresh ginger into pieces and to hot water and keep it for a few minutes. Pour the mixture in the cup. Add a teaspoon of honey for better taste. Dr. Mayank said, “Ginger tea with a little honey soothes your throat and reduces episodes of dry cough.”
3. Steam
Steam from a bowl or hot shower or bath is effective ways to relieve chest congestion or a wet cough that produces phlegm or mucus. It lubricates the airways and reduces the inflammation. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends the use of a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporizer at home.
How to use- Fill a large bowl with hot water. Add essential oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary and lean slightly over the bowl to inhale the steam vapors. Place a towel over the head to trap the steam. Discontinue if it feels hot and retries for about 5 minutes.
4. Tulsi/Holy basil/Herb Royale:
Tulsi is known as the elixir of life for its valuable properties such as it acts as an immunomodulator, a bronchodilator, antiseptic and analgesic and alleviates dry cough, cold, flu, and rhinitis or other respiratory ailments.
How to use: Have tulsi in the form of tea.
5. Lukewarm salt-water gargle:
Gargling is a quick and easy home remedy for dry cough or throat soreness. It lowers mucus in the throat and soothes a scratchy throat. According to Dr. Mayank “For relief from dry cough, gargle with lukewarm salt-water. This soothes the throat by adding moisture to it.” Avoid its use in children below 6 years who are at a risk to swallow.
How to use: Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of lukewarm water until it dissolves. Use it to gargle and let the mixture sit at the back of the throat for fraction of seconds before spitting it out. Gargle 3-4 times each day until the cough improves.
6. Coconut oil
An oil that fights infection, reduces inflammation and relieves pain is versatile in nature and its use delivers potential health benefits as suggested by many animal studies. It acts as a lubricant for breathing tracts.
How to use: Add a spoonful to hot tea or soup or simply put a spoonful in your mouth and let it thaw down your throat.
Limit coconut oil to about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) per day to avoid its laxative effect seen at a higher dosage.
7. Plenty of fluid intakes
Adequate fluid consumption keeps you hydrated and keeps your throat moist, thereby can subside dry cough. Herbal tea, infusions, warm water, clear broths, decaffeinated black tea or other beverages tend to comfort your dry throat. According to the research studies drinking liquids at room temperature can improve cough, watery nose, and sneezing.
8. Peppermint
Mint leaves are known for healing properties. Moreover, menthol in peppermint allay the throat and acts as a decongestant by breaking down mucus.
How to use: Drink peppermint tea or inhaling vapors from a steam bath containing 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil in150 milliliters of hot water.
9. Licorice root
A plant commonly found in Europe and South Asia has been reported to have the ability to palliate illness-related to sore throats.
How to use: Add ground licorice root to hot water, let it settle for five minutes, then strain it prior to drinking or gargling
10. Lemon water
One of the very refreshing beverages that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemon increases saliva production, which helps in moistening the mucous membranes.
How to use: Combine lemon and little honey to warm water or take it with salt water.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) now advises children less than 6 years old should not be treated with over the counter cough and cold syrups. So, at such times you can refer to these doctor-approved Top 10 home remedies for cough or throat soreness.
