Coughing is a common symptom caused by respiratory infections like the flu, colds, or allergies. While it’s a natural reflex that helps to clear the airways, it can also be disruptive and uncomfortable, especially at night. When coughing lingers for weeks or months, it can cause exhaustion, sore throat, and difficulty sleeping, among other things. Most people turn to over-the-counter cough medicines to relieve their symptoms, but these conventional cough medicines often come with adverse side effects and may be ineffective. Fortunately, nature has provided several natural remedies for cough that may work better than conventional cough medicine.
1. Honey
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural cough syrup for children and adults. Its sticky consistency soothes the throat and helps to reduce coughing. A study published in the journal Pediatrics showed that honey was more effective than dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in cough medicine, at reducing cough severity and frequency in children. Honey can be taken alone or mixed with warm water, lemon, or tea.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral that can help to relieve coughing caused by viral or bacterial infections. It also helps to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation in the airways. A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that ginger was more effective than a placebo at reducing cough severity and frequency in patients with acute respiratory infection. Ginger can be taken alone or mixed with honey, lemon, or tea.
3. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is a natural decongestant that can help to relieve coughing by clearing the airways of mucus and phlegm. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight infections. A study published in the journal Cough showed that eucalyptus oil was more effective than a placebo at reducing cough severity and improving respiratory symptoms in patients with respiratory tract infections. Eucalyptus oil can be used in a diffuser, steam inhalation, or mixed with carrier oil to massage onto the chest and back.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a natural expectorant that can help to loosen mucus and phlegm in the airways, making coughing more productive. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight infections. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that thyme was more effective than a placebo at reducing cough severity and duration in patients with acute bronchitis. Thyme can be used in tea or mixed with honey to relieve coughing.
5. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is a natural demulcent that can help to soothe the throat and reduce coughing by forming a protective coating on the mucous membranes. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the airways. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that marshmallow root was effective at reducing cough symptoms in patients with bronchitis. Marshmallow root can be used in tea or mixed with honey.
In conclusion, coughing is a common symptom caused by respiratory infections. While most people turn to over-the-counter cough medicine to relieve their symptoms, these conventional cough medicines often come with adverse side effects and may be ineffective. Nature has provided several natural remedies for cough that may work better than conventional cough medicine. Honey, ginger, eucalyptus oil, thyme, and marshmallow root are all natural remedies that can help to soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, fight infections, and relieve coughing. Try these natural remedies for cough the next time you’re feeling under the weather.
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