10 home remedies to get relief from cough

Winter is accompanied by a lot of health concerns and out of all coughing is one of the most annoying ones. The incessant coughing not only causes discomfort but also irritates your throat passage, making it difficult to swallow your food. Apart from the seasonal change, there are other reasons that may lead to this condition like allergens or pollutants. It is certainly not a pleasant experience to cough all day long, but it is perfectly normal as it helps to remove mucus, allergens, or pollutants from the air passage. Coughing generally goes away on its own after a few days. But for relief, you can either take over-the-counter medicines or try some home remedies. Here are 10 home remedies that can help your cough go away.

Honey is an ancient home remedy for cough and even science vouches for its health benefits. As per a study, honey is more effective in treating cough as compared to any other over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Its antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe a sore throat. It is effective for people of all age groups. However, it should never be given to babies under 1 as in some cases it may lead to infant botulism.

Directions: Mix 2 teaspoons of honey in herbal tea or warm water. Drink it twice daily for an effective result.

Many do not consume garlic due to its pungent smell, but trust us it is one of the healthiest food items present in your pantry. Garlic contains compounds that have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Having garlic regularly can also lower blood pressure and boost the immune system.

Directions: Roast a clove of chopped garlic and have it with a spoon of honey before going to bed. You can also fry some chopped garlic in ghee and add to your food. This will provide relief from cough and aid digestion.

Ginger is a superfood that can help to provide relief from several health ailments including nausea, cold, flu and cough. The anti-inflammatory properties of this root can relax membranes in the airways and decrease the coughing. As per a 2013 study gingerol, a chemical compound in ginger is able to suppress airway hyperresponsiveness that can trigger symptoms of asthma that includes cough.

Directions: Drinking warm ginger tea or having ginger juice with honey and black pepper powder is one of the most effective remedies to treat coughing. Avoid adding too much ginger in your diet as it may cause stomach upset and heartburn.

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is considered an effective remedy for cough. Several studies suggest that this enzyme can help to suppress coughs and loosen the mucus in your throat. Pineapple helps relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus issues, which often lead to coughing. Besides, it is also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.

Directions: When suffering from a cough, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 250 ml of fresh pineapple juice two times a day. Make sure your fruit and juice are not cold as they may increase the irritation.

Turmeric is a common spice found in every Indian household and it is effective in treating different health problems. Curcumin is the hero of this spice and is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This yellow spice is used to prepare Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat respiratory disease.

Directions: Add 1/4th teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed.

Gargling is a home remedy that even doctors recommend to ease a sore throat. Saltwater is osmotic, which simply means that it changes the direction of the fluid movement. It can soothe the itchy throat and reduce the mucus build-up in the lungs and nasal passage. It also helps to reduce swelling and irritation. This remedy is not for younger children as they may not be able to gargle properly and will end swallowing the alkaline water.

Directions: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a 1 cup warm water and gargle with it multiple times a day for quick relief.

The refreshing peppermint leaves contain a compound called menthol, which can numb the nerve endings in the throat that become irritated by coughing. The menthol can also help to break down mucus and reduce congestion.

Directions: Try peppermint tea 2-3 times a day to reduce the problem of coughing. You can also use peppermint oil as aromatherapy.

One of the simplest remedies to ease coughing is taking steam. The warm air adds moisture to the air and may help ease coughing and congestion due to a cold.

Directions: You can use a humidifier or take a stream from a hot bowl of water. Take a bowl of hot water and add essential oils, such as eucalyptus or rosemary. Lean over the bowl and place a towel over the head. Inhale the vapours for 5 minutes. Do not forget to drink a glass of water afterwards to cool down and prevent dehydration.

Eucalyptus essential oil can only help you get rid of the cough, it can even remove the mucus from your lungs. The two important compounds -eucalyptol or cineole found in Eucalyptus essential oil is also used in over-the-counter vapour rub or chest rubs that are known to provide relief from chest congestion. Apart from this, the essential oil may also help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension.

Directions: Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with some carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and rub them onto the chest and throat. You can also try taking eucalyptus steam.

Sipping warm tea made from liquorice root has also been touted as an effective remedy to reduce throat irritation. The Ayurvedic herb contains more than 300 different compounds some of which have antiviral and antimicrobial properties and can help in easing the problem of sore throat.

Directions: Steep 1 teaspoon powdered root in 250 ml of water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Pour it into a cup and drink it warm. The roots are generally safe, but prolonged use may increase blood pressure and lead to menstrual irregularity, fatigue, headaches, water retention, and erectile dysfunction.