A persistent cough can be the bane of your existence. Interrupting meetings or keeping you awake at night, a cough definitely makes your life a living hell. Not only is it annoying, it racks your whole body, leaving you feeling exhausted and sometimes contributing to chest and muscular pain. Unfortunately, due to the high level of sugar in most cough medicines, they only provide very temporary relief. Luckily, herbal remedies tend to provide age-old cures for coughs which provide much better temperance of the symptoms, helping you to get some respiratory relief.
1. Raw honey
Not only is raw honey sweet and delicious, it is one of nature’s greatest medicines. It is antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and it works as an anti-irritant. The anti-irritant properties help to ease irritation in the throat and chest. It coats the mucous membranes which helps to provide instant relief. The enzymes that create the antibacterial properties then help to soothe the illness that is causing the cough.
2. Saltwater
Often used as a method to bring down a sore throat, salt water gargling can help to sterilize the throat and bring down irritation that is causing a cough. The process is that of osmosis. The swelling is caused by a buildup of fluid in the mucous membranes, and by bringing salt into the throat, the water flows out of the cells, reducing the swelling. It helps to get rid of any phlegm to stop the cough.
3. Steam facial bath
One of the best ways to loosen up phlegm which is causing an irritating cough is to use a steam bath. Heat water in a bowl. Add a drop of eucalyptus or menthol oil. Both help to open the airways. Then place your face over the bowl and towel over your head. This will help to open the sinuses which will help the mucous and phlegm to come free. The oils are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which help to reduce swelling and clear up any bacterial infection.
4. Bromelain
There are studies which show that the enzyme, bromelain, found in the core of pineapples, helps to suppress coughs. It has been shown to be helpful with sinusitis and allergies as well. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce swelling in the sinus and throat area. This helps to relax the area, reducing a cough. Try drinking 3.5 ounces of pineapple juice a day. Until the cough is gone.
5. Peppermint
Peppermint is incredible for coughs due to its high level of menthol. The menthol acts to decongest the sinuses and chest. This helps to relieve the coughing. You can either put a few drops into a steam bath or you can make a tea from it. Some people just chew on the leaves.
6. Haldi Doodh
This is an old Indian remedy for a cough, which involves turmeric and milk. You need to add one teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of hot milk. This may sound a little gross but when you swallow it, you will find your relief from a cough is almost instant. The turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anti-irritant properties, while the milk helps to coat the throat.
If your cough is from bronchitis, try taking a supplement like Optimal Omega as studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids help to bring down inflammation in the bronchiole and in the throat. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to be effective in reducing coughing in asthmatic people as well. So try taking a supplement to up your level to deal with that pesky chronic cough.
