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.

Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Runny Nose

Increase in the levels of air-pollution has given birth to various triggers that cause runny nose. Runny nose occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of mucus in the nasal and sinus passage. Exposure to common cold, an allergic reaction, extreme cold and hot weather can also trigger the runny nose. Many medicines are taken to treat the runny nose, but these medicines have side effects such as drowsiness. Moreover, medicines do not give you a long-term relief; it just dries the excessive mucus, which is not healthy for the body, as mucus should come out of the body. Using natural remedies can give you instant relief without any side effects. 

Here are some effective natural methods that can help in the treatment of running nose

1. Garlic 

• The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of garlic have the potential to cure numerous problems like respiratory infections, cough, cold, sore throat.  
• Allicin, which is the prime ingredient in garlic, plays the vital role in killing the unfavorable bacteria inside your body and prevents running nose.
• You can swallow a piece of raw garlic empty stomach and drink water. You can also use garlic paste in your daily food or drink garlic soup daily. 

2. Steam

• Steam opens the nasal passages blocked due to overflow mucus and provides relief from the irritation due to runny nose. 
• Fill a bowl with boiling water, cover your head with a towel and bend down little to allow the steam to enter your nose properly.   
• Steam can ease the several symptoms of allergy. It revives the proper flow of breathing and settles the infuriation due to sinus.

3. Ginger

• Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which are very effective in the treatment of the runny nose.
• You can eat small pieces of a raw ginger, or make a ginger tea. Ginger can be, also taken with honey to get better results. 
• The antitoxic ability of ginger kills all the bacteria and other harmful toxins in your nose and lungs. 

4. Turmeric

• The antioxidant properties of turmeric increase the flow of oxygen in the blood and anti-inflammatory properties of the turmeric reduce the inflammation caused due to excessive runny of the nose. 
• Mix a pinch of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and drink it every night to neutralize the triggers that causes the runny nose.
• Turmeric is not only effective in treating the runny nose, but it can also give you relief from the other symptoms of cold, cough, and chest infections.

5. Honey

• Honey contains strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties, which gives you an instant relief from the symptoms of running nose.  
• Honey also contains hydrogen peroxide, osmotic effect, and has high sugar concentration, which fights infection at multiple levels. 
• To increase the strength of your immune system, mix one tablespoon of honey in warm water. Drink this empty stomach or just after waking up.