Top 6 home remedy for cough

Home remedies for cough can be helpful in providing relief from coughing due to various causes, such as the common cold, allergies, or irritation. Keep in mind that if your cough persists for an extended period or is accompanied by severe symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

A number of home remedies, such as honey and saltwater, may help a cough go away naturally. If home remedies do not help, over-the-counter and prescription medications are available. Allergies, infections, and acid reflux are just a few possible causes of a cough.

Here are five home remedies for cough:

1. Honey and Lemon: Honey is known for its soothing properties, and lemon provides vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and consume this mixture several times a day. You can also add a pinch of ginger or a bit of warm water to make it more palatable.

According to research, honey may relieve a cough, In a 2021 review of studies, researchers looked at the effect of using honey to treat coughs in upper respiratory infections. The researchers found that honey was superior to usual care, both in suppressing the cough and in helping prevent the need for antibiotics. Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat.

Read more about Top 10 home remedy for UTI https://wellnesswaveblog.com/home-remedy-for-uti/

2. Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help ease a sore throat and reduce coughing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a gargle several times a day. While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle may help soothe a scratchy throat and break up the mucus that causes you to cough. Remember that since children under 6 years old aren’t especially good at gargling, it’s best to try other remedies for this age group.

3. Turmeric Milk: Turmeric has been used traditionally for many ailments over the years, including coughing. Its active compound, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial for cough relief. Warm a glass of milk and add a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Drink this mixture before bedtime for soothing relief.

4. Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe a cough. People often use ginger to treat nausea and stomach upset, but it may also soothe coughing by breaking up phlegm. To make ginger tea, slice a few pieces of fresh ginger root and simmer them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and drink the tea with honey for added benefits. A lot of ginger may cause side effects, such as throat irritation, abdominal discomfort, and heartburn.

5. Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help relieve congestion and soothe a cough. Boil a pot of water and carefully inhale the steam by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Be cautious to avoid burns. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint for added relief.

A wet cough, which is one that produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam. A person may find steaming helpful when done one to two times per day.

6. Probiotics: Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help balance your gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are bacteria that live in your intestines. A healthy immune system can help to fight off infections that may be causing the cough. Probiotics do not directly relieve a cough, but they may boost the immune system by balancing the bacteria in the gut.

Some foods are also naturally rich in probiotics, for example, miso soup, kimchi, sauerkraut, and natural yogurt.

How to prevent coughing

Preventing coughing altogether can be challenging, as coughing is often a natural reflex that helps clear irritants or mucus from your airways. When dealing with a cold or other respiratory tract infection, a person may want more immediate relief. While some of the above remedies, such as honey or steam, may help more immediately, others do not work as quickly.

To help protect against the flu, make sure to get your annual flu shot, usually starting in October. Washing your hands frequently and taking precautions, such as wearing a mask, may help protect you from COVID-19 and other viral illnesses that cause cough.

However, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing a cough and minimize its frequency by following these preventive measures:

1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that can lead to coughs. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
2. Avoid Close Contact: To prevent the transmission of respiratory illnesses, including those that cause coughing (like the common cold or flu), try to maintain physical distance from people who are sick. Follow public health guidelines during outbreaks.
3. Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for various respiratory illnesses, including influenza (the flu) and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated can reduce your risk of contracting these illnesses and experiencing coughing as a symptom.
4. Practice Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow (not your hand) when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands afterward.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A strong immune system can help prevent coughs caused by infections. To boost your immune system, get regular exercise, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, and get adequate sleep.
6. Manage Allergies: If you have allergies that cause a chronic cough, work with an allergist to identify and manage your triggers. This may involve allergen avoidance, medication, or allergy shots (immunotherapy).
7. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids keeps your respiratory system moist and can help soothe an irritated throat or dry cough.
8. Use a Humidifier: If you live in a dry climate or have central heating that dries out the air in your home, using a humidifier can help keep your respiratory passages moist, reducing the likelihood of coughing.
9. Practice Stress Management: Chronic stress can weaken your immune system and worsen coughing. Engage in stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.
10. Manage Acid Reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause chronic coughing. If you have symptoms of GERD, work with a healthcare provider to manage the condition.
11. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can irritate your respiratory tract and lead to chronic coughing. If you smoke, seek support to quit, and avoid places where smoking is allowed.
12. Protect Against Environmental Irritants: If you work in an environment with dust, chemicals, or other irritants, wear appropriate protective gear and take precautions to reduce exposure.

When to call a doctor

Seek emergency medical treatment if your cough affects your ability to breathe or if you’re coughing up blood. Calling a doctor is essential when you have specific symptoms or situations that warrant medical attention. A person should speak with a doctor if the following symptoms accompany a cough:

• Chest Pain or Pressure:
• fever over 102°F
• Shortness of Breath:
• weakness
• dehydration
• loss of Consciousness:
• if fever is more than 3 days

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if a cough brings up blood or causes breathing difficulties.