When you are planning to go see a doctor because of a terrible cough, go to the kitchen instead. Your kitchen is laden with secret ingredients for a homemade cough remedy that is safe and just as effective as those over-the-counter cough syrups which, by the way, can be a danger to your health. Here are some of the recipes to ease the coughing in no time.
1. Honey
Honey is an effective cough remedy because of its sticky consistency. It helps soothe and coat irritated mucous membranes that may be the cause of the cough. It is also antibacterial so it can get rid of the cough-causing bacteria out of the system.
Take 1 tablespoon thrice daily and never give this to younger kids aged 1 and below, because of the risk of botulism.
2. Mint
The cooling effect of mint is what soothes a nagging cough. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help you recover faster. It also allows the opening of the airways for better breathing. Mint is also known to be a natural expectorant so expect coughing out pleghm more often.
Crush a mint leaf into boiling water and inhale the steam. This will soften the phlegm and help clear congested passageways too.
3. Turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric is responsible for its medicinal properties. It is antibacterial and antiviral which greatly helps in relieving cough, even the chronic ones. For bacterial cough, put a teaspoon or 2 of pure curcumin in warm milk and drink this twice a day.
Chronic cough can be relieved by putting a small piece of turmeric in the mouth for the whole night.
4. Lemon
Lemon is a powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant. Together with honey, which has similar medicinal properties, they will chase away unwanted bacteria that are causing your cough. It also soothes the throat and reduces irritation of the mucous membranes preventing you to cough even more. It also keeps your immune system stronger so you get better faster. Mix the juice of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of honey. Take a tablespoon of this mixture. The leftovers can last for up to 2 months if kept refrigerated.
5. Saltwater gargle
Your cough may be a result of inhaling certain allergens, fungi, bacteria, and other pollutants that may irritate the throat. So, mix a teaspoon of salt together with a little warm water of about 2 cups and gargle. Gargling effectively helps remove these irritants from your throat.
It also helps loosen up stuck-up phlegm and soothes inflamed tissues by drawing out the fluid from them.
6. Ginger ale
Ginger contains “zingibain” which is responsible for its antibacterial properties that help fight bacteria that cause cough and colds. It helps in relieving stuffy sinuses and inflamed tissues brought about by extreme coughing.
You can browse through the internet for different recipes of ginger ales you find preferable for your taste.
7. Thyme tea
Thyme has natural antibacterial properties that can be beneficial to your cough. It has even been used during the Black plague in Europe that happened a long time ago. It relaxes the trachea and bronchi resulting in the opening up of the airways that relieve difficulty in breathing and bouts of cough.
Just take a handful of thyme sprigs steeped in hot water and add a little honey or lemon depending on your taste.
8. Horseradish syrup
Horseradishes are not only for salads but they are also great for coughs too. Horseradish syrup helps kill bacteria because of its known antibacterial properties. Boil some grated horseradish and boil in water for 5 mins, squeeze the horseradish for residual juices.
Mix with a little honey and it’s ready. Take about 5 tablespoons of the concoction every day.
9. Raw apple cider vinegar
This one has already been reported to have many uses and that it even cures dry, persistent cough. It clears congested airways and helps to effectively suppress cough.
Just take a tablespoon of the raw apple cider vinegar three times daily to make it work.
10. Raw organic eggs
The eggs should come from organically fed and cage-free chickens to reduce the risk for salmonella. Eggs are a primary source of protein to help the body recover and fight off bacteria that cause flu, cough, and colds. Beat 1 raw egg together with a little honey until it foams.
Pour the egg mixture into warm milk, beating constantly. Drink it and your cough will be so much better in the morning.
These are just some of the ingredients you can find in your kitchen and homemade recipes that are so easy to do. Not to mention, they are very cheap compared to prescription drugs that may give you undesirable side effects. Always consider your health and never underestimate the power of what nature can give