Coughing is a natural reaction that is beneficial. It aids in your body’s removal of mucus, smoking, and other irritants from your airways. But persistent coughing can wear on the body. It could make you tired, hurt your chest, and interfere with your activities, job, and sleep. The cells in your upper airways (nose and throat), which are diseased or irritated by a cough or sore throat, cause your immune system to assist in defending yourself. By working to lessen the inflammation, you can alleviate the symptoms.
It’s what you do when anything bothers your throat, such as postnasal drip or airborne particles. Additionally, it aids in windpipe and lung clearing. However, this may also cause the cells lining the upper airways to become inflamed. Like coughs caused by colds and the flu, many coughs will go away on their own. If your cause of yours is a more serious medical condition, you must get treatment. There are ways to feel better regardless of the cause.
Whether it’s a cold, allergies, acid reflux, blood pressure meds, or other medications, it’s better to treat the underlying cause of a cough in order to stop it. However, you can also try these natural therapies to ease and quiet your cough.
COOL-MOIST STEAM
Calming down either a wet cough or a dry cough is a real task. Whenever you are suffering from a cough always remember to have cold-moist steam because it helps to calm down the inflamed mucosal lining of the throat. But always keep in mind to take the steam at night and not to expose yourself to cold anymore as it might worsen the condition. Be in a warm place after taking the steam.
What is the effective way of taking cold-moist steam to prevent cough?
if you are suffering from chronic cough, take steam for more than 15 minutes to undergo an effective cough. Inhale steam through an open mouth so that it soothes the inflamed throat and exhales it through the nostrils. You might expect a productive cough after following the given procedure. Kindly expectorate the mucus and rinse off the nostrils and throat.
EAT HONEY
According to studies, honey may help with coughing. Researchers examined the impact of using honey to treat coughs in upper respiratory infections in a review of papers published in 2021. The researchers discovered that honey was more effective than standard treatment at suppressing the cough and reducing the need for antibiotics.
In a 2021 study, scientists compared the cough suppressant dextromethorphan to honey. The scientists discovered that dextromethorphan and honey both effectively reduced coughing. In one trial, honey performed somewhat better than dextromethorphan, while in another, it performed similarly. This cure can be used by swallowing a teaspoon of honey or mixing it with a hot beverage, like herbal tea.
GINGER
Since ginger has anti-inflammatory effects, it may help with a dry or asthmatic cough. Additionally, it could ease pain and nausea. The impact of ginger on coughs has only been examined in a few older research. In a 2015 study, ginger was one of 10 natural ingredients that were employed in traditional Asian remedies.
Researchers discovered that honey and other cures, including ginger, have long been used in traditional medicines. The researchers stated that this study may serve as a starting point for future researchers looking into natural cough remedies, even though a long history of use can have significant implications. Ginger is frequently used in cooking and tea. They must be aware that, occasionally, ginger tea can produce an unsettled stomach or heartburn.
If you cannot eat ginger as a whole, then try out this recipe ginger halwa;
Ingredients required-
- 2 tbsp of grated ginger
- 1 cup of Jaggery
- 2 ½ tbsp of Ghee
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Turmeric Powder
Recipe-
Make roughly 2 tablespoons of grated ginger first. Peel the ginger’s skin with a spoon or knife, then finely grate it.
After that, add around 2.5 teaspoons of ghee to a hot pan. Heat until the ghee is completely melted.
Then reduce the heat to medium and include the grated ginger. The ginger should soften after 2 to 5 minutes of sautéing. Make sure the ginger doesn’t burn or get dark.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of turmeric powder after that. If it’s available, you can also add fresh turmeric. Not too much should be added to avoid making it bitter. For approximately a minute, combine.
Finally, stir in a cup of jaggery until it melts. Wait for it to cool down, and have it in teaspoons every day for quick relief.
HOT BEVERAGES
Although there is a dearth of recent research, an earlier study suggested that consuming drinks at room temperature may help to reduce coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.
However, warming up your beverages may be advantageous for those who are experiencing additional cold or flu symptoms. According to the same study, hot beverages help to relieve additional symptoms such as sore throat, chills, and exhaustion.
After completing the hot beverage, the symptoms continued to be relieved for a while. The following hot drinks can be comforting:
- clear broths
- herbal teas
- decaffeinated black tea
- warm water
- warm fruit juices
You can try this natural ayurvedic hot water recipe; all you need is:
Ingredients
- Lemon grass
- Honey
- ginger
- cinamon
Recipe-
Boil 1 glass of water, after that add lemon grass, honey, ginger, and cinnamon to it. Stir the added ingredients occasionally, and strain them out. Pour the liquid into a glass and sip it nice and warm!
SALT WATER GARGLE
Gargling with salt water has been used for a very long time to aid people with sore throats and cold-related symptoms. It might ease some pain and assist in liquifying mucus. But it’s unlikely to contribute to a decrease in viral load.
To assist stop the spread of COVID-19, researchers in a 2021 studyTrusted Source evaluated various antiseptic types of mouthwash. They discovered that a number of commercial brands assisted in lowering viral load but that a saltwater solution created in a lab was ineffective in eliminating the virus.
Making a saltwater gargle can be done by:
- In a cup of warm water, stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt until it dissolves.
- Before using the mixture to gargle, give it a little time to cool.
- Before spitting up the combination, allow it to settle at the back of the throat for a few seconds.
- Repeat this several times daily until your cough becomes better.
Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind for the prevention of cough
The following advice helps lessen the chance of contracting a cold or other respiratory tract infection, which can cause a cough.
Avoiding contact with sick people: A person should keep a safe distance from those who are coughing, sneezing or have the flu.
Washing hands frequently: To get bacteria and viruses off the skin, one should wash their hands with soap and warm water. Children can learn how to properly wash their hands from their parents and other adults. When required, a person can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer outside the house.
Utilizing a disinfectant: When a member of the family is ill, one should regularly disinfect the kitchen and bathroom, as well as wash bedding, towels, and stuffed toys in hot water.
Drink water: A person should make an effort to consume adequate water, herbal teas, and other liquids to help prevent dehydration.
Stress affects the immune system and raises the risk of illness, thus it should be reduced.
Workout-Regular exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways to reduce stress.
Getting enough rest: As part of a regular self-care regimen, an individual should attempt to get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Taking immune-boosting supplements: To strengthen their immune system during the cold and flu season, a person may want to think about taking zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics. A person should consult a doctor before beginning any new supplements.
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