Coughing is an uncomfortable symptom of a wider range of symptoms. Whether your itchy throat and congestion are due to an irritant in your throat, a cold or illness, it can be frustrating and embarrassing to cough continually. However, you can use home remedies for cough to help stave off the worst of your coughing fits.
Lemon and Honey
This is a good old-fashioned remedy that still works well today. Honey alone is an effective cough suppressant, has a soothing effect on the throat and will also contribute to a good night’s sleep. Studies have found that it is also a good alternative cough remedy for young children.
Although the effectiveness of the Vitamin C in lemon for improving a common cold is still being debated, nevertheless, it will be good for your general health – and the acidity in lemon may loosen mucus.
Add the juice of one freshly-squeezed lemon and a teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water. Sip on it slowly. This tasty beverage will hydrate and heal your scratchy throat, making it easier for you to breathe.
You can use a cinnamon stick to stir your lemon-honey water if you like. Cinnamon is known to boost immune health and it will add some fabulous flavor. Allow it to soak in the water for maximum benefits.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar is produced from cold pressing fresh apples, fermenting them in a fashion similar to wine and then packaging the unstrained results. As such, it contains a high concentration of Vitamin C, fiber and acids, plus all the goodness naturally present in apples, including potassium, vitamin E and antioxidants. There is also evidence that eating apples contributes toward better lung function.
ACV is also a probiotic, which makes it good for your digestive system and a boost for your immune system. Make sure that you only select an ACV product “with the mother” (apple) – i.e. not strained before packaging.
As with lemons, the acid in ACV will help remove mucus and loosen phlegm, so that you can feel better. There is also reason to believe that this acid attacks the pathogens that are causing your illness.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Brew – mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 5 parts of warm water, then add 2-3 tablespoons of raw honey. You’ll need to dilute the ACV with water to make it drinkable. Alternatively, if you prefer to take it cold, you can first melt the honey a glass or mug with hot water, then add the ACV, stir and then top up your glass with soda or mineral water and add ice. Very nice!
Ginger Tea
While you may have eaten ginger snaps, have you ever had fresh ginger? This delicious root can be eaten plain or brewed into a wonderful tea. Peel a tablespoon of fresh ginger root and chop into small pieces. Allow to steep for ten minutes in very hot water. Don’t strain; add lemon or honey to taste and eat the ginger bits as you drink.
Garlic Water
Of course, not everyone wants something that tastes like dessert when feeling ill. Instead, try some garlic water. Crush the cloves and allow to steep in the water or eat the garlic plain. Alternatively, you can chew on the garlic or use gelatin pill capsules to disperse this powerful natural antibiotic. Garlic will fight off the germs causing your illness and promote healing in your throat.
Why Are You Coughing?
Although using home remedies for cough is a wonderful way to slow down your cough, you need to find out the cause. If you are not sure and it does not subside, visit the doctor. Meanwhile, make sure that you are making intelligent lifestyle choices that will reduce your coughing troubles.
Look at the products you use for yourself and your home. Perhaps one or more of these is making breathing difficult. Your home might have undetected mold growth or your workplace might have poor air circulation that is contributing to your cough.
Do you engage in healthy lifestyle habits such as eating lots of fruits and vegetables? Do you exercise in a healthy environment? Are you a smoker or do you engage in recreational drug use?
Allergies are another culprit behind chronic coughs. However, whether you are coughing regularly due to asthma, an infection or some type of health problem, you can use these natural remedies for cough and congestion. Pay attention to the remedies that you use and how effective they are.
Continue to use those that work best at preventing your coughing fits. As you feel better, make sure you continue to do things that will promote good health for you now and in the future. Getting your cough under control will allow you to boost your health so you can enjoy life more fully!
