Although coughing is a natural phenomenon that we all experience throughout our life, it can sometimes become problematic. There are many possible causes of coughing that range from seasonal allergies to viral or bacterial infection and even to acid reflux.
But no matter the cause, persistent coughing can become quite annoying as it affects all aspects of our lives. For this reason, it is important to start treating cough and cold as soon as the first symptoms appear.
Here is a list of 7 best natural cough & cold remedies that you can try.
Honey
Honey is one of the most commonly used natural home remedies. This isn’t surprising as honey contains several antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve sore throats.
In fact, a study was conducted on 105 children to compare the effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough, showing that honey provided the most consistent results.
But although there was no significant difference between honey and dextromethorphan, parents chose it as their preferred treatment option for children nighttime coughing.
To treat coughs with honey, you can create your own remedy by mixing 2 teaspoons with warm water and lemon, or an herbal tea. This mixture will both soothe your throat and improve digestion.
Ginger root
Ginger is another great option for treatment against cough and cold. The reason for this is that it has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease dry coughs.
To use ginger as treatment, simply grate some fresh ginger and add it to a cup of hot water. To this mixture, you can add some drops of lemon juice and some honey to improve the taste and increase the benefits.
Another great combination is that of tulsi tea and ginger. Tulsi leaves are praised for boosting the immune system and helping fight allergies and infections.. By adding some fresh ginger slicer to a cup of tulsi tea, you’ll be reaping the benefits of these two natural cough remedies.
Fluids
Cold symptoms often include a runny nose and intense sweating. Coupled with a fever, this can often lead to cases of dehydration. It is, therefore, important to drink lots of fluids in order to compensate for the loss.
Examples of fluids that can be taken during such episodes include:
- Warm water
- Herbal teas
- Lemon and honey tea
While it is vital to stay hydrated, staying away from caffeinated drinks as much as possible is advised. This is because such drinks can cause more dehydration, thus making your mucus much thicker and worsening symptoms.
Salt and water gargle
Gargling with salt and water is an efficient way to remove the mucus that has built up in your respiratory tract. This remedy relieves sore and scratchy throat and keeps you from having any irritation that may worsen your symptoms or cause pain.
To treat your wet cough, simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water, gargle with it for a few minutes allowing it to sit at the back of your throat, then spit it out. This can be repeated as needed.
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is a tree that is native to certain parts of the United States and Canada. Native American populations traditionally use it to treat illnesses such as coughs and digestive issues.
In fact, Slippery Elm contains mucilage, which is a slimy substance composed of carbohydrates and other chemicals. It is known to coat sore and dry throats, and reduces irritation, therefore, reducing the need to cough.
To try this remedy, simply shop for some slippery elm tea.
Herbal Supplements
Natural herbal remedies can help beat and prevent common colds, the flu and other epidemic related scares. But when it comes to treating coughs and other cold symptoms, the best ones are those that help boost your immune system, thus keeping it strong and able to naturally respond and fight illnesses.
OHCO Cold Snap herbal supplement is a blend of 20 traditional Chinese herbs that work together to activate, nourish, protect, and strengthen the immune system. It protects the body from seasonal allergies and assists it in fighting common cold and flu, and viral and bacterial infections.
Because there are many types of herbal supplements and oriental medicine practices in Denver, finding the best herbal companies in Co ensures that the products you are getting are the most organic and natural ones.
Coughing is no fun activity, especially when it is persistent. For this reason, it is vital to protect ourselves at all-time against the effects of seasonal changes and other causes of illness.
So to prevent a cold:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Boost your immune system
