The next time you have that nasty cough, follow the advice of your grandmother and try some of these natural remedies. Cough occurs when a virus, bacteria, dust and other substances irritate nerve endings airway between the throat and lungs. Coughing is how the body tries to clear these roads and we must add, is a valiant effort of the body to say the least. Humans can cough at speeds up to 96.5 mph and average cough produces enough air to fill about three quarters of a bottle of two liters soft drink.
While chronic cough may be a sign of serious illness, most people consider the common cough more as a nuisance than a health problem. Many people buy drugs without prescription at the pharmacy, but experts say many of them are a waste of money.
Therefore, how to end this cough without resorting to over-the-counter medications, possibly ineffective sale and can offer a lot of side effects? With natural remedies, of course. Here are a number of homemade ways to relieve a persistent cough.
1. Homemade Honey Syrup for Cough
There is scientific evidence that honey may be effective in treating coughs and sore throats. It can be taken directly, or mix honey with coconut oil and lemon juice for extra benefits. You can also try the old standby of grandmothers before bed: a short bourbon mixed with honey.
2. Mint Tea
Mint is a treatment for cough, is also used to treat infections of the upper respiratory tract and choking cough. Only small leaves of this herb represent a powerful, soothing compounds cough, those who work to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation. You can make a mint tea to add two teaspoons of crushed mint leaves in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain. If you also add honey and lemon flavor improves and adds a soothing extra power.
3. A Hot Shower
Turn on the hot water, close the windows and turn off air blower. Steam can be the worst enemy of a cough and therefore, your best friend. The steam soothes the airways and loosen nasal congestion and sluggishness in the throat and lungs.
4. A Lot of Liquids
Drink plenty of fluids, either with any of the teas, or even just an increase in your daily water consumption can be useful for coughs. Liquids help thin the mucus in the nasal drip and keep moist membranes, which can help reduce the urge to cough.
5. Ginger
Ginger has a lot of secret powers and has been used for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Practitioners of oriental medicine often prescribed ginger to treat the symptoms of colds and flu, due to its qualities as an antihistamine and decongestant. You can make ginger tea by adding 12 slices of fresh ginger in a pot with three cups of water. Let it simmer for 20 minutes then remove from heat. Strain, add 1 tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon, and if the flavor is too strong, add more water.