Coughing is a symptom specific to respiratory system conditions, whether acute or chronic. It can be dry or productive. No matter how bothersome it may be, there are several remedies you can turn to in order to soothe it. Here are the remedies in question!
What is a cough?
A cough is a defense reaction through which the body aims to expel pathological secretions and foreign organisms from the respiratory pathways. Regardless of the nature of the cough, it is distressing and can exhaust the patient, so it is recommended to expedite its healing.
Causes of cough
As mentioned above, coughs primarily occur in upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses, including the common cold, viral laryngitis, and influenza. These infections can affect the airways (bronchitis) or can reach the lungs (pneumonia).
It is also important to note that other conditions can be behind this bothersome symptom, including:
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) – this is a common allergic condition that mimics the symptoms of a regular cold. Allergic rhinitis manifests as a dry cough, sneezing, and nasal secretions.
Inhalation of irritants: If you are exposed to certain irritants, you may experience throat and airway inflammation, which can trigger a cough.
Pulmonary embolism: This is a condition in which a blood clot travels, usually from the legs, to the lungs, causing sudden shortness of breath and sometimes a dry cough. Pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, so patients must seek emergency medical attention if they experience these symptoms.
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung): This can be spontaneous or due to chest trauma. Symptoms of pneumothorax include sudden chest pain, dry cough, and difficulty breathing.
Heart failure: If the heart is not functioning properly, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, causing coughing and worsening breathing.
Post-nasal drip syndrome: This condition has symptoms of a dry cough caused by mucus accumulation from the back of the nose to the throat. This syndrome often occurs after a recent infection or if the patient has been exposed to an allergen for a long time.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): You may not know this, but this condition can also manifest as a dry cough. The reason? Stomach acid frequently returns to the esophagus, causing heartburn and a dry cough.
Remedies for cough – what you can try
You can get rid of a cough using one of these two 100% natural remedies, which you can prepare yourself at home.
Thyme-based syrup for soothing cough
To prepare the first cough remedy, you will need:
2 tablespoons of fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 cup of water
1 cup of organic honey
1 cup of maple syrup
Put the thyme in a container and cover it with boiling water. Cover the container with a lid and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then add the honey and lemon juice. The resulting syrup should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a week.
For children, the recommended daily dose is 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours, while for adults, 2 tablespoons every 2-3 hours is recommended.
Thyme is extremely effective when it comes to coughs, whether dry or productive. A study conducted at the Institute of Pneumology in Munich, Germany, proved that treatment with thyme extract accelerates the healing of acute bronchitis, soothing the cough.
Thyme is also an ingredient that supports the immune system, being rich in vitamins A and C, as well as valuable nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and fiber.
Elderberry-based remedy for soothing cough
For the second cough remedy made exclusively from natural ingredients, you will need:
4 cups of water
2 cups of black elderberry
1 stick of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of ginger powder
Put all the ingredients in a pot and boil them for 30 minutes. Then strain the liquid obtained and store the syrup in a glass container. Both adults and children can consume up to 5 tablespoons of syrup per day. The effects will be noticeable from the first day of treatment.
The amino acids, flavonoids, bioflavonoids, and vitamins A, B, C, and D3 from black elderberries are extremely beneficial for the body, strengthening the immune system.
Other remedies you can try to soothe a cough
Consume honey
You probably already know that honey is highly recommended when dealing with a cough. A recent meta-analysis of 14 studies showed that honey is a viable option for alleviating symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as coughing.
Honey also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, which contribute to its soothing effect on coughs. These properties help combat infections and strengthen the immune system, according to specialists.
Attention! Honey is contraindicated for children under 1 year old, as it may contain bacteria that cause infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness for babies.
Consume ginger
For soothing cough, you can also try ginger. It is recommended for other health issues, including nausea, colds, or to alleviate chemotherapy symptoms, especially nausea. Ginger is rich in compounds that have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, while ginger can be helpful for many patients with a dry cough, it may irritate others and even worsen the cough. So be cautious if you choose to consume ginger when dealing with a cough.
Take probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial live bacteria and microorganisms for digestion and gut health. They can be consumed in supplement form or you can increase your dietary intake of probiotics from natural sources, such as yogurts and cheeses. A 2022 study showed that when administered regularly, probiotics can significantly reduce symptoms such as coughing in people of all ages.
Drink mint tea
Mint leaves contain menthol, a natural decongestant. Therefore, mint is useful in relieving throat pain and breaking down excessive mucus production. In addition to easing breathing and soothing cough, hot mint tea hydrates you, and when dealing with a respiratory infection, hydration is more than necessary.
Turn to turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a compound called curcumin. Specialists say this compound has mild antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. For a long time, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat mild arthritis and respiratory diseases, but there are no studies confirming the benefits of this spice in alleviating respiratory illnesses.
It is important to note that if you consider turning to curcumin capsules, be careful not to consume too many, as this can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Gargle with saltwater
This is a remedy often recommended for soothing throat pain and cough caused by colds. According to a 2019 study, gargling with saltwater three times a day reduced the duration of cough caused by a cold by 2.4 days and throat irritation by 1.7 days.
How to prevent coughing during sleep
To prevent coughing during sleep, it is advisable to consider the following aspects:
A warm tea, sweetened with honey, drunk before bed, will help clear secretions from the respiratory pathways, preventing coughing. Choose a caffeine-free herbal tea.
Sleep on an inclined plane or on a larger square pillow, as lying flat can worsen coughing at night. Place a few pillows under your head before bed to avoid sleeping flat. This way, you will allow secretions to slide into the esophagus, which, when lying flat, could be aspirated into the airways, obstructing breathing and triggering a cough.
Warm steam can become your enemy. It may give the impression of soothing the cough, but if you suffer from asthma, a hot steam bath or spending half an hour in a sauna can trigger severe coughing fits.
Use a humidifier that generates cool air at night; dry air can exacerbate coughing fits. You can also apply a few drops of eucalyptus or mint oil on your pillow or pajama collar, which will help clear the airways and thin secretions.
Stay sufficiently hydrated. Make sure to consume plenty of fluids. These help thin mucus in the throat, and warm liquids, such as soup or tea, are soothing.
Cough medications are usually recommended only for acute coughs that cause significant discomfort, affect sleep, and are not associated with potentially more serious symptoms. So if the cough does not improve with these remedies, do not delay seeking medical advice.
