Home Remedy for Cough

Coughs can be acute as those that accompany a flu or cold, or chronic and usually bring discomfort and distress to the sufferer; frequent or severe coughing typically comes with an underlying medical condition. A cough is defined as “a sudden and often repetitively occurring defense reflex which helps to clear the large breathing passages from excess secretions, irritants, foreign particles and microbes”. Wikipedia describes the cough reflex as: an inhalation, a forced exhalation against a closed glottis, and a violent release of air from the lungs following opening of the glottis, usually accompanied by a distinctive sound.

Coughing can happen voluntarily as well as involuntarily and occurs as part of the body’s healing process. Conditions that usually come with chronic coughing are asthma, allergies, acid reflux, smoking and throat disorders among other causes.

Home Remedies for Coughs

1. If the cough is a result of acid reflux try raising the head of your bed about 4 inches and avoid eating or drinking for two hours before lying down since acid reflex usually occurs in this position.
2. Drink 8oz glasses of water to help ease a cough or inhale the steam from a hot shower, vaporizer or container with boiling water.
3. Avoid irritants that might cause allergies to flare. Do not smoke, and avoid other irritants such as chemicals as found in household cleaners, new carpeting, paneling and mattresses.
4. Eat hot or spicy foods or drink tea such as ginger to loosen mucus. Avoid foods such as dairy products, meat and fried foods which promote mucus.
5. Place hot/warm compress on the chest and throat for a soothing relief.
6. Prepare a mixture of a garlic glove with a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice. The combination of garlic and lemon juice will open up sinus passages and, along with the honey, breaks up phlegm.
7. Combine 2 tablespoon aloe juice and 2 tablespoon honey with a cup of boiling water to drink as a tea. The aloe and honey soothes and coats sore and irritated tissues.
8. Consume licorice tea to soothe and calm the throat while breaking up phlegm. Prepare 1 teaspoon powdered licorice root with one cup water, add honey to sweeten.
9. Soothe dry cough with an almond paste. Soak almonds overnight and remove their skin. Make a paste of the soaked almonds with little butter and sugar.
10. Mix 1 teaspoonful raw onion juice with 1 teaspoonful of honey. Keep it aside for 3 to 4 hours before drinking.
11. Combine a cup of grape juice and a teaspoon of honey. Mix well.
12. Make a shot of lemon juice mixed with black pepper and salt to minimize coughing.
13. Consume ample amounts of grapes for a few days to help build the lungs and breakup mucus, or combine honey with grape juice.
14. Gargle with warm spinach juice or warm salt water to help sooth the throat and eliminate dry cough.