Top 8 Home Remedies to Soothe Cough Naturally According to Doctors

An occasional cough is normal and even healthy because it helps the body get rid of accumulated mucus and debris. However, this does not make it any less painful or stressful.

The most common causes of cough are:

• Irritation from sources such as cigarette smoke or pollutants
• Bacterial infections such as bronchitis or sinusitis
• Allergy
• The crisis
• Viral diseases such as cold or flu

And if your cough persists after a viral infection or an irritation, here are eight tips to help treat it at home.

Home Remedies to Soothe Cough Naturally

1. Take honey

Honey is very viscous and works similar to a cough drop. When ingested, it coats the lining of the throat, relieving pain or itching. Most of the honey that has been studied for use in coughing is dark honey, such as buckwheat honey.

A 2007 study found that honey was most effective in treating common Dextromethorphan nocturnal coughs.

Honey also contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which may contribute to its relaxing effect. These properties help fight infections and can boost your immune system.

You can also take regular honey, and adding it to warm tea may increase its soothing effect on the throat.

2. Gargling with salt water

Gargling with salt water can help kill bacteria and soften mucus in the throat. Clearing the mucus in the throat helps clear the sinuses and get rid of the cough faster.

Gargling with salt water can also help reduce swelling and irritation caused by a persistent cough.

Although most people prefer gargling with warm salt water, cold water may have the same soothing effect as a cough.

3. Ginger

Ginger is a tropical plant commonly used as a dietary supplement. It can help treat many health problems including nausea, colds, or symptoms of chemotherapy.

Like honey, the bioactive compounds in ginger contain antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also has a spicy taste that stimulates saliva production and can help improve dry mouth or throat.

Most people consume ginger via fresh or dry ginger root, however, you can also take it as a supplement.

For more cough-relieving abilities, try adding ginger and honey to your tea.

4. Inhale the steam

Steam inhalation helps relieve nasal congestion. This will make blowing your nose easier, and if you have postnasal drip, clear out the mucus that has accumulated in your throat. Because steam can moisten an inflamed throat, it may also relieve pain.

For temporary relief, try inhaling steam from a pot of boiling water.

Once the water starts producing steam, take it off the stove and place your face on top of it. Put a towel over your head to help trap the steam, but be careful not to get too close or you could burn your face. You can also get the same effect by taking a hot shower.

5. Invest in an air purifier

Air purifiers help remove allergens from your home that lead to sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. They work by moving the air in your home through a series of filters that remove mold, bacteria or dust, resulting in fresh, clean air.

Air purifiers may be especially useful for people with seasonal allergies.

6. Use the seal root

Seal root or marshmallow plant is an herbal supplement believed to soothe irritated mucous membranes found in the throat and mouth. Marshmallow roots and leaves contain a thick substance called mucilage. When mixed with water, the gum forms a gel-like consistency that can coat the throat, much like honey.

Marshmallow root is available as dried leaves, tea, or capsules.

7. Consumption of thyme

Thyme is believed to soothe smooth muscle spasms, including those caused by coughing.

A 2006 study found that a combined treatment of thyme and ivy improved coughing and other symptoms of acute bronchitis.

To relieve a cough, thyme can be taken in an herbal tea or as a supplement.

8. Drink water

One of the easiest and safest ways to improve a cough is to stay hydrated. Drinking water helps thin the mucus, allowing it to exit the body through the mouth or nose. It can also help patients replace fluids lost from sweating or a runny nose.

It is important to see a doctor when you experience the following symptoms:

Difficulty catching your breath

Coughing up with discolored blood or mucus

- Fever

- headache

A cough that lasts for several weeks

Source: Business Insider