Useful Home Remedies for a Cough

General coughing is entirely natural and helps in clearing irritants or phlegm from anybody’s throat. But, a period of sustained coughing can be a problem and may relate to a variety of conditions, such as a bacterial infection, a viral infection, or an allergy. Most of the coughs are related to sinus infection, allergy, or cold and are easily treated with over the counter medication. However, there are also a variety of home remedies that can give soothing relief.

Here are few of the most helpful home remedies for a cough:

Honey

Honey is a great choice for use as a cough suppressant. Honey is also one of the favored choices for soothing a sorethroat. Honey is best combined with lemon to give the dual action of helping with congestion and soothing the irritation. Use the honey spread on bread or add to herbal tea.

Probiotics

Probiotics are not able to give direct relief from cough, but still able to help and balance the buildup of bacteria in the intestines. By controlling the bacteria it is possible to promote the immunesystem and make it more efficient at fighting off the cough. Probiotics are naturally found in several foods, including sourdough breads, miso soup and some yogurt types.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a type of enzyme found in fruit like the pineapple. Bromelain is useful for loosening the buildup of mucus in the throat and to lower down further coughs. The best way to introduce bromelain to the diet is to drink a glass of pineapple juice two or three times per day, or simply eat a slice of fresh fruit.

This enzyme can have other useful benefits such as treating swelling and inflammation, as well as allergy-based sinus issues.

Peppermint

Peppermint leaves act much like a decongestant to help break down mucus and soothe the throat. The preferred way to benefit from this remedy is a regular drink of peppermint tea. Alternatively, it is possible to inhale peppermint vapors by creating a steam bath consisting of hot water and peppermint oil. Add 150 ml of hot water for every ¾ drops of oil.

Thyme

Thyme is rich in flavonoids that are useful for relaxing the throat muscles to lessen inflammation and minimize the discomfort from coughing. A regular drink of thyme tea is a useful remedy. This is created by blending 2 tsp of thyme leaves with 1-cup of hot water. Leave the tea too steep for 8-10 minutes before drinking.