Mamma’s Home Remedies for Persistent Cough

Coughing is believed to be one of the most common health problems. Coughing is a general reflex action that occurs when mucus drains down to block the air passages. It helps to clear away the airways of mucus and irritants. Coughing can also be triggered through viral infections, common flu or cold, and health issues like asthma or tuberculosis.

When we talk of treating a cough that has been persistent for a long time and is not being cured even with medication, you can try your hands on some natural treatments available right inside your home.

Trusting on home remedies to treat common cold and long persistent cough is something that is still believed in by most of the Indians. In addition to treating common cold and cough effectively, these home remedies are also free from any type of side-effects.

Home Remedies for Chronic Cough

Honey

Honey is an effective natural remedy for a cough. It triggers the salivary glands to produce more saliva, which consequently lubricates the airways, thus easing the cough. It also contains antioxidant properties to combat inflammation and boost immunity.

Mix equal amounts of raw honey, ginger juice, and pomegranate juice. Consume 1 tablespoon of this mixture 2-3 times a day to get quick relief.

Alternatively, add 1 tablespoon of honey to a cup of hot water or herbal tea. Drink this tea two times a day to treat a cough that has been continuing for quite a while.

Ginger

Ginger is another effective remedy if you want to treat a dry cough. It is an effective expectorant that helps you to expel any phlegm and mucus besides reducing the intensity and duration of coughing bouts. It also helps to reduce airway inflammation while inhibiting airway contraction.

Slice a piece of fresh ginger and crush it slightly. Add it to a cup of water in a pan and bring it to a boil. Strain and drink it three times a day for relief.

Alternately, chew fresh raw ginger on and off through the day to get quick relief.

Licorice

Licorice acts as a demulcent and expectorant, thus helping to soothe the airways while thinning and loosening the mucus, further easing the cough. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice help to reduce irritation in the throat that is responsible for coughing fits.

Add two tablespoons of licorice root to a cup of hot water. Cover and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea at least two times a day.

Lukewarm Water

Drink lukewarm water frequently to get rid of a cough and sore throat. Warm water reduces the inflammation in the throat and helps to reduce inflammation in the throat. It also helps to replenish the fluids and infection out of the body.

Brandy and Honey

Brandy has the properties to keep the chest warm as it raises the body’s temperature. Mixing honey with brandy helps to fight off a cough. Just add a teaspoon of brandy to a few drops of honey to improve a cough.

Flaxseed for a Cough

Flaxseed is another effective remedy to treat a cough. Boil flax seeds in a cup of water until it thickens. Strain and add a few drops of lemon juice and honey to it. Drink this concoction two times a day to get relief from a cough.

Jaggery Solution

Boil water and black pepper with cumin and jaggery added to it. Consume this drink when warm to get quick relief from chest congestion and cough.

Spiced Tea

Add ginger, tulsi, and black pepper when preparing your tea. This spiced tea works wonders on your health. These three ingredients work great to fight off a cough and common cold.

Amla

Being an effective immunomodulator, Amla (Indian gooseberry) helps to combat various diseases. Eating one Amla daily proves numerous health benefits. It ensures proper functioning of the liver and improves blood circulation as well.

Salt Water Gargle

This is yet another remedy for a cough. Gargling with salt water helps to ease the discomfort caused by cough. It also helps to sore throat-through osmosis. It helps to extricate any phlegm that’s hanging out and allows you to exercise easily. Above all, warm water provides a soothing effect on the throat.

Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of water. Stir it to mix thoroughly. Gargle with this solution for a few seconds and then spit it out. Follow this remedy at least three times a day for a few days or till you get complete relief.

Precautionary Tips

In addition to following the above-mentioned remedies, it is also important to follow some precautionary tips to get relief from a persistent cough.

These include:
    • If you have a dry cough occurring due to some underlying medical problem, such as asthma, allergies, or acid reflux, treat the underlying problem before you treat a cough.
    • Avoid giving cold and cough medication to children below 4 years of age without consulting a doctor. This is because they can result in serious side effects in young children.
    • Eat homemade chicken soup to soothe a dry cough.
    • Avoid exposure to cold, as it can worsen the condition.
    • Wear a mask when going out.
    • If possible, stay at home and take rest if you have a fever along with cough.
    • Include foods rich in vitamin C in your diet. This would help to shorten the duration of a cough.
    • Cover your mouth when coughing. Wash your hands very often.
    • If you have pets at home, make sure to bathe or groom them regularly to reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.
  • If your cough is more persistent during the night, when sleeping, try to keep the upper body in an upright position when sleeping. Doing this would help make breathing easier and relieve a cough as well. On the other hand, lying flat may cause coughing fits, further aggravating the condition. This precaution is of great help in case of a cough due to acid reflux. You can keep yourself elevated by placing a high pillow under the mattress when trying to sleep.

Well, if these remedies do not help or if you experience more serious symptoms, it is better to consult a medical practitioner and to get the proper to avoid the situation from getting worse.

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