NATURAL COUGH REMEDY

A cough is a common health complaint. While medications are sometimes necessary, natural cough remedies may also help. A cough is one of the most common reasons people may seek medical treatment. An estimated 40% Trusted Source of all cases may require a referral to a pulmonologist, a doctor specializing in lung conditions. Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly natural. A cough can help clear your throat of phlegm, dust, and other irritants. However, sustained coughing can also be a symptom of many health conditions. Here we’ve listed a few home remedies to consider. 1. Honey Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. 2. Peppermint Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties. Not only is it common to find peppermint in an assortment of foods and beverages, but peppermint oil may alsoTrusted Source help relieve cold symptoms. The menthol may be soothing for a cough, too.You can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or inhaling peppermint vapors from a steam treatment. To make a steam treatment, add 7 or 8 drops of peppermint essential oil to about a cup of just boiled water. Drape a towel over your head and take deep breaths directly above the water. 3. Thyme Some people use thyme for respiratory illnesses. In fact, one 2021 randomized controlled trialTrusted Source found that thyme and ivy herbal extract helped reduce both acute cough and cough severity in study participants. The participants also didn’t report any adverse side effects. Thyme leaves may contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation. You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain. 4. Saltwater gargle While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle may help soothe a scratchy throat and break up mucus that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation. Note that since children under 6 years old aren’t especially good at gargling, it’s best to try other remedies for this age group. 5. Ginger Ginger is a popular traditional remedy. People often useTrusted Source it to treat nausea and stomach upset, but it may also soothe coughingTrusted Source by breaking up phlegm. If you have a cough, ginger tea is a good choice. The hot liquid can reduce irritation, dryness, and mucus in your throat. 6. Turmeric Turmeric has been used traditionally for many ailments over the years, including coughing. Its active compound, curcumin, has potentTrusted Source anti-inflammatory properties.