How to treat cough naturally
What exactly is a cough?
To treat kennel cough you need to know Coughing is a totally natural bodily function. A cough can aid in the removal of mucus and other irritants from your throat. Sustained coughing, on the other hand, can be a sign of a variety of illnesses, including allergies, viral infections, and bacterial infections.
A cough isn’t always caused by a problem with your lungs. Coughing is another symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Coughs caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. Antibiotics will be required for bacterial infections.
You may also ask your doctor about alternative choices for treating your cough than medicine. We’ve compiled a list of the following:
Honey
It can also alleviate coughs more efficiently than OTC medicines that include dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant, according to one Source.
Mix up to 2 tablespoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon to make your own cure at home.
While the honey soothes, lemon juice can aid with congestion. You may also consume the honey straight from the jar or spread it over toast for a snack.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that provide a variety of health advantages. While they don’t immediately cure a cough, they do assist to keep your gut bacteria in check. The bacteria that dwell in your intestines are known as gastrointestinal flora.
This equilibrium can help the immune system operate properly throughout the body. Although the data is still unclear, a 2015 Source found a reduction in the frequency of patients developing upper respiratory infections after being administered several strains of probiotics.
The daily suggested intakes for each supplement manufacturer may differ. Some yogurts include probiotics, and miso soup and sourdough bread contain them as well.
Because there are so many different types of probiotics, you should see your doctor to determine which one is best for you and your situation. Probiotics may be obtained in the most natural way by eating fermented foods, such as:
- miso \sauerkraut
- yoghurt
- kefir
- kombucha
- tempeh \kimchi \sourdough
Bromelain
You might not associate pineapple with cough relief, but that’s because you’ve never heard of bromelain.
Bromelain, an enzyme found exclusively in the stem and fruit of pineapples, may help suppress coughs and release mucus in the throat, according to some research.
Eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day to reap the maximum advantages of pineapple and bromelain.
It’s also said to assist with sinusitis and allergy-related sinus problems, which can lead to coughing and mucous. It’s also occasionally used to alleviate edema and inflammation.
Supplements containing bromelain should not be used by children or adults who are on blood thinners. Bromelain should also be avoided if you’re taking antibiotics like amoxicillin, as it might enhance the antibiotic’s absorption.
Before using any new or unusual supplements, always with your doctor.
Peppermint
The therapeutic benefits of peppermint leaves are widely recognized. Peppermint contains menthol, which calms the throat and works as a decongestant, assisting in the breakdown of mucus.
Drinking peppermint tea or breathing peppermint vapors from a steam bath can help. For every 5 ounces of hot water, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil to create a steam bath. Take deep breaths straight over the water while wearing a towel over your head.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is produced from Althaea officinal is a summer-flowering plant. The herb’s leaves and roots have been used to heal sore throats and coughs since ancient times.
Although there are no well-controlled trials to back up these claims, the plant is often regarded as harmless.
Mucilage, found in the marshmallow plant, covers the throat and relieves inflammation.
Marshmallow root is now available as a tea or in pill form. A cough that is accompanied by a sore throat may benefit from the warm tea. Children should not consume marshmallow roots.
Thyme
Some people use thyme to treat respiratory problems. According to one source, the essence derived from thyme leaves combined with ivy can assist with coughing and short-term bronchitis.
The leaves contain flavonoids, which calm the muscles in the throat that cause coughing and reduce inflammation. 2 tablespoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water may be used to create thyme tea at home.
Gargle with salt and water
While it may appear easy, gargling with salt and water might help relieve a scratchy throat that promotes coughing. Irritation can be relieved by mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
It’s worth noting that youngsters under the age of six aren’t particularly adept at gargling. Other treatments for this age range should be tried first.
How can I avoid coughing?
You should understand how to treat cough as well as how to avoid getting one in the first place.
Make sure you receive your yearly flu vaccine, which generally begins in October, to protect yourself from the virus.
- Avoid getting into contact with ill people. If you are unwell, don’t go to work or school so that you don’t infect others.
- Clean the common spaces of your house, office, or school on a regular basis. This is particularly essential when it comes to countertops, toys, or cell phones.
- After coughing, eating, going to the toilet, or caring for someone who is sick, wash your hands often.
- When it comes to allergies, recognizing the allergens that affect you and limiting exposure to them might help you avoid flare-ups. Trees, pollen, dust mites, animal hair, mold, and insects are all common allergies.
Allergy injections can also be beneficial in reducing your sensitivity to allergens. Consult your doctor to determine which plan is best for you.
When should you contact your doctor?
If your cough is making it difficult to breathe or if you’re coughing up blood, see a doctor right once.
Allergies do not cause bodily pains or fever, while respiratory tract diseases do.
If you have any of the following symptoms in addition to your cough, see your primary care physician:
Chills, dehydration, and a temperature of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)
malaise, or an overall sense of ill health productive cough with foul-smelling, thick, green, or yellow-tinted phlegm weakness
Home remedies for a dry cough
Asthma acid reflux (GERD) postnasal drip
They might also be a long-term side effect of exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as cigarette smoke.
Dry coughs may be quite irritating, and they can affect both children and adults. You can treat them with a variety of conventional therapies, but there are also at-home cures that can be just as successful in many situations.
Supplements and herbs
There are no one-size-fits-all home treatments for dry cough. It’s possible that you’ll have to try a few before you discover one that works for you.
Furthermore, not all of these treatments have been thoroughly investigated and proved to be successful. Some therapies are also unsuitable for infants and youngsters.
Turmeric
Curcumin is a chemical found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. It may also help with a variety of ailments, including dry cough.
When eaten with black pepper, curcumin is better absorbed into the bloodstream. 1 teaspoon turmeric and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper can be mixed into a drink, such as cold orange juice. It may also be made into a hot tea.
Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda medicine for millennia to treat upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and asthma. Turmeric is available as a spice as well as a pill.
Ginger
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are found in ginger. It’s also been used to strengthen the immune system and alleviate pain and discomfort.
Ginger is a common component in many teas. You may also prepare ginger tea from peeled or sliced ginger root by steeping it in warm water. It may be even more useful for dry cough if honey is added.
To relieve a dry cough, you can take ginger in pill form or chew on ginger root.
The root of the marshmallow
To relieve a dry cough, it’s found in cough syrup and lozenges.
It’s an excellent therapy for calming the throat and decreasing the discomfort produced by dry colic, according to a survey.
Antibacterial properties may be present in marshmallow roots.
Peppermint leaves
Peppermint includes menthol, which helps to soothe inflamed nerve endings in the throat caused by coughing. This may help to relieve discomfort and lessen the need to cough.
Peppermint also relieves congestion and has antibacterial and antiviral properties, according to Source.
Peppermint may be consumed in a variety of ways. To aid with nocturnal coughs, take peppermint tea immediately before bed.
Masala chai
In recent years, the taste of chai tea has grown in popularity in the United States. Chai is used to healing a variety of ailments in India, including a sore throat and a dry cough.
Cloves and cardamom are two antioxidant-rich components in masala chai. Cloves can be used as an expectorant as well.
Cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory effects, is also included in chai tea.
Capsaicin
A chemical found in chili peppers, has been demonstrated to decrease chronic coughing Source.
Capsaicin is available in pill form, but you may also brew tea using cayenne pepper spicy sauce and warm water.
Cayenne is a chili pepper kind. Add a few drops of cayenne hot sauce to the water, tasting as you go to ensure you don’t go beyond your heat tolerance. Chili peppers can also be purchased whole and steeped in heated water.
Treatments containing capsaicin are not advised for youngsters.
Other home treatments to try
Eucalyptus aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to cure and calm the body.
Eucalyptus essential oil acts as a decongestant, which may help to relieve dry cough. Eucalyptus can be used in a diffuser, spritzer, or inhaler. You may also inhale the steam by adding a few drops to boiling water in a dish.
If nocturnal coughing has been keeping you awake, scenting your room with eucalyptus may help you get a better night’s sleep.
Make use of a humidifier.
A dry cough might be made worse by dry air. Humidifiers provide moisture to the air, which can help to relieve discomfort.
Humidifiers can help open up the sinuses, which can assist with persistent postnasal drip.
If your home has dry air, use a humidifier in your bedroom to help you sleep better.
Make use of an air purifier.
Air purifiers can assist in the removal of airborne irritants such as dust and smoke from your house. Allergens such as pet dander and pollen are also reduced.
Breathing in clean air can help minimize throat discomfort and the need to cough, whether your cough is caused by environmental pollutants or an underlying disease.
Using saltwater to gargle
Gargling with warm salt water might help relieve the irritation and discomfort caused by a dry cough. In addition, saltwater aids in the killing of germs in the mouth and throat.
In a big glass of warm water, dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt. Then gargle many times during the day.
Young children should not use this dry cough treatment since the saltwater might be swallowed.
What is a wet cough, exactly?
Any cough that produces mucus is referred to an as wet cough. Because you can feel the extra phlegm rushing up and out of your lungs, it’s also known as a productive cough. You will notice mucus in your mouth after a vigorous cough.
Coughing is a defensive mechanism that helps protect your body from irritants in the air, such as dust. Your nervous system alerts your brain when it detects an irritation in your airways. The muscles in your chest and abdomen receive a signal from your brain to contract and push out a blast of air. Mucus, however, may easily set off your cough reflex.
A wet, productive cough, especially in youngsters, is nearly usually a symptom of a viral or bacterial illness. Your body generates more mucus than usual when you have an upper respiratory illness, such as a cold or the flu. This mucus is commonly referred to as “snot” in the nose. But it’s known as phlegm in your chest.
It might be difficult to breathe when phlegm builds up in your chest. Because phlegm collects at the back of your throat when you lie down, you may cough more at night. A wet cough is typically nothing to be concerned about, despite the fact that it might interrupt sleep. Because viruses take time to develop, your cough may linger for several weeks, but it will generally go away on its own.
Natural treatments for a wet cough at home
Viruses are the most common cause of wet coughs. There isn’t much a doctor can do except give advice on how to manage the symptoms. These natural home treatments for wet cough will save you a trip to the doctor:
Humidifier
A humidifier might assist you in avoiding dry air. This is especially beneficial at night when the throat dries up naturally. Irritation and inflammation are more likely with a dry throat. The phlegm in the respiratory system thins and moves more easily out of the lungs.
A shower that is steamy
You can moisten your upper airways by taking a hot shower. It may also aid in the removal of mucus from your lungs. Stay in the shower or a hot bath as often as possible.
Honey
One of the most effective treatments for a wet cough is natural bee honey. According to tiny scientific research conducted by Trusted Source, consuming 1.5 tablespoons of honey 30 minutes before bedtime will help children minimize cough and sleep better. Adults should be able to use it just as well.
Cough drops with herbs
You may use honey, lemon, eucalyptus, sage, thyme, or peppermint to make natural cough drops.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin C can help you fight off a viral illness faster by boosting your immune system. Until your symptoms improve, try eating an orange or drinking fresh orange juice twice a day.
Geranium extract
According to Source, can assist with coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Fill a diffuser with geranium essential oil. However, geranium oil might cause an allergic reaction.
Hydration
When you’re fighting an illness, it’s critical to keep yourself hydrated. It also prevents your throat from getting dry, irritated, or inflamed.
Pot Netti
Nasal irrigation with a Netti pot is a simple procedure that involves pouring saline into your nostrils. Nasal irrigation can help with more than just a stuffy nose, according to research from Source. It can also help with the symptoms of a wet nose.
Tea with ginger
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects abound in ginger. A few glasses of ginger tea a day will help soothe throat irritation while also keeping you hydrated.
Tea with thyme and cloves
Both thyme and clove have antibacterial qualities, according to research. They can assist your body fight off an upper respiratory infection in the form of essential oils or tinctures. Boiling water with fresh thyme and clove leaves. Allow for a 10-minute boil before straining and serving.
Treatments for toddlers and babies that may be done at home
One of the most typical causes for a visit to the pediatrician is coughing. Because these are viral illnesses that must run their course, there is usually nothing the doctor can do. If your infant is under the age of two months, you should take him or her to the doctor if you notice a cough.
Otherwise, many of the natural cough treatments described in this article can be used at home to treat your child’s symptoms. Try the following treatments for cough in babies and toddlers:
The bathroom is steamy.
Allow a hot shower to run for a few minutes before bringing your youngster into the room to breathe the steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
Irrigation of the nose
Children and toddlers can safely use nasal irrigation. It’s easier to shoot saline into the nose and suction the nasal passages with one bulb syringe for newborns and tiny babies.
Humidifier
Humidifiers are an excellent method to keep the air moist in your child’s room. Many parents use humidifiers in their children’s bedrooms.
Hydration
For ill babies and toddlers, proper hydration is critical. If your infant is nursing, attempt to feed him or her more frequently than usual. This will aid in the moistening of your baby’s throat. Water or an electrolyte-based drink, such as Pedialyte, should be promoted for toddlers.
When should you see a doctor?
The majority of wet coughs will clear up on their own. Regrettably, this might take some time. Your cough may last for several weeks and eventually evolve into a dry cough. You generally don’t need to see a doctor as long as it appears to be getting better rather than worse.
Consult a doctor if your cough is getting worse or if it does not improve after three weeks. If you’re having trouble breathing or eating, or if you’re coughing up blood, see a doctor.
Take your child to the doctor if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
are under 3 months old, have a temperature (infants under 6 months), are having problems breathing, are going blue, or are having trouble waking up, produce a “whoop”
The reason for a wet cough is:
Viruses are the most common cause of wet coughs. These infections can sometimes turn into something more severe.
- Bronchitis (chronic)
- pneumonia
- asthma
- cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs (most infants are screened at birth)
- irritants in the environment
- coughing up whooping
- coughing croup
Based on your symptoms and a physical exam, your doctor will be able to diagnose your cough. Your doctor may wish to do additional tests on occasion. Coughs can be diagnosed using the following tests:
- X-rays of the chest
- Tests of lung function
- bloodwork
- sputum examination (microscopic look at phlegm)
- Pulse oximetry (measurement of oxygen in the blood)
Takeaway
A wet cough is usually the result of a viral illness. Infections are typically self-resolving. Cough symptoms can be treated with natural treatments. Many of these treatments are also suitable for children under the age of two.
Natural expectorant to kill your cough
Expectorant
A cough can disrupt your work and sleep, as well as the lives of those around you.
An expectorant won’t heal the infection that’s causing your symptoms, but it will help you sleep better and feel better while your immune system works its magic.
Many individuals seek natural remedies since over-the-counter expectorants aren’t always successful. Natural cough treatments have been used by generations of grandmothers, but how efficient are they?
Moisture
Taking a hot, steamy shower is an easy and natural approach to relieve chest congestion. Warm, moist air can assist the release of mucus in the airway, which can help relieve a persistent cough. You may also add moisture to the air you breathe by using a humidifier. There are a plethora of internet shopping alternatives.
Hydration
Keeping your body hydrated will aid in its optimal performance. When you have a cough or a cold, drink more fluids. Drinking water or herbal tea is an excellent method to increase your hydration intake.
If you have a cough, stay away from coffee and alcohol. Instead, go for a glass of water or a glass of juice. When you’re healthy, moderate caffeine use isn’t an issue as long as you drink enough water.
Honey
Honey is a sweet, natural, and calming substance. It could even help you get rid of the muck in your chest.
However, there has been little research on the efficacy of this delicious bee product in alleviating coughs. Honey was proven to reduce cough and enhance sleep in children with upper respiratory infections in one research. However, the data for the research came from parent-completed surveys, which can be biased or incorrect at times.
Mix a teaspoon of honey with a cup of warm milk or tea before night, or just take a teaspoon before bed. Due to the danger of botulism, honey should not be given to children under the age of one year.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is commonly used to flavor gum, toothpaste, and tea, but it may also be precisely what you need to get rid of your cough. Menthol is a chemical found in peppermint. Menthol may aid in the thinning of the mucus and the loosening of phlegm.
Peppermint tea is readily accessible in supermarkets and on the internet, and it is generally believed to be harmless. To create your own tea, simply steep a few fresh peppermint leaves in boiling water. It has no negative effects and is completely safe unless you are allergic to it. According to one Source, allergic responses to mint are not uncommon.
The menthol in its purest form is toxic and should never be consumed. Some people might get a rash by applying menthol or peppermint oil to their skin. If you opt to use a diluted oil on your skin, start by testing a tiny area and waiting 24 to 48 hours to see if you have a reaction.
Ivy leaf
Ivy (Hedera helix), an evergreen climbing plant, has been demonstrated to be an efficient expectorant. Clinicians think that the saponins in ivy leaf assist to thin mucus so it can be coughed out. Teas made from ivy leaves may be purchased in grocery shops and on the internet.
A mixture of herbs containing dry ivy leaf extract, thyme, aniseed, and marshmallow root reduced cough symptoms, according to one tiny source. However, there was no placebo in the trial, and the mixture was not broken down into its constituent components.
Ivy leaf has also been proven to be beneficial in treating coughs in other trials. A recent study has contributed to a better understanding of the mechanism of action.
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