[toc]Do you wake up in the middle of the night due to unbearable itching in the throat and coughing seems to be the only way to remove the irritation? Does the urge for coughing becomes so intense and frequent that you tend to lose control over it ? Well, these symptoms are so common and familiar to everyone that most of us consider them as a part of our life. However, cough is more common among children and aged people because, their immunity system is relatively less.
Cough is usually caused due to cold and flu, especially during the winters and rainy seasons. However, these are not the only reasons. It may also be caused due to acid reflux, dust, allergies, smoking and even medication. In rare cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition like asthma or tuberculosis. Cough and wheezing can be irritating, whether dry or wet. Constant cough not only makes our throat itchy and painful, but also causes pain in the chest, stomach and head. Moreover, it becomes relentless or persistent at times with no sign of recovery, even after taking repeated doses of cough medicines. However, the good thing is that there are some natural remedies that are very effective in warding off cough.
6 Ways To Get Quick Relief From Cough
Holy Basil
Basil is very effective in treating cough naturally. Not only is it regarded as a sacred plant by the hindus, it is full of medicinal properties. It is being used in many ayurvedic cough syrups, lozenges, tablets and expectorants due to its ability to mobilize the mucus that causes cough.
It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antioxidant properties that provides relief to the throat that may become sore due to cough. Boil some tulsi leaves in water for ten minutes, add some honey in to it and drink it as a herbal tea.
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Ginger
According to a research done by the Maryland Medical Center, ginger has been used since ages to cure cough, cold and flu, headaches, etc. Instead of suppressing cough, it works as an expectorant. It relieves the congestion in the chest by releasing the excess mucus present in the air tubes. Apart from essential oils and antioxidants, a medical component called oleoresin present in it is known for is antitussive properties.
Another reason why ginger is effective in soothing coughs is the contents present in it like gingerols, shogaols and zingerone. Keep small pieces of raw ginger in the mouth and chew them very slowly, so that its juice keeps soothing the sore throat. Alternatively, you can also make a ginger tea by boiling it with water and a few grains of tea leaves.
Garlic
Garlic is full of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is extremely beneficial for treating mild as well as prolonged cough. Besides, it is especially effective for dry cough as it works as an expectorant by thinning and releasing the excess mucus.
The sulfur present in garlic, which is a a mineral, supplies oxygen to the whole body including the throat which helps in treating cough. It is best to eat raw garlic as cooking oxidizes the sulfur in it. Eating a small piece of raw garlic at regular intervals provides relief from cough, gradually.
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water is very important if you are suffering from cough.It not only helps in thinning and flushing out sticky mucus from the throat, but also soothes the sore throat against inflammation.
Mix normal water and hot water in a glass in equal quantities and add a pinch of table salt into it. Gargle with this solution several times in a day, especially after every meal, until the soreness pacifies.
Honey
Honey soothes the throat by relaxing the cough reflex. Its sweetness increases salivation in the mouth, which helps in thinning the mucus and reducing the inflammation and itching in the throat. Due to these medicinal properties, it is used in many ayurvedic cough syrups, lozenges and tablets for cold and cough
Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of hot water, tea or lemon juice and drink it. However, avoid giving honey to children under 1 as it may cause infantile botulism.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is popular not only for the unique flavor that it gives to food, but also for its medicinal or therapeutic properties. It is enriched with iron, manganese and dietary fiber. It acts as a home remedy for a number of illness and medical conditions like cough, cold, toothache, indigestion, urinary infection, etc.
Black peppers help in opening the chest congestion and loosening the mucous membranes. Take a handful of black peppers and a table spoon of sugar and grind the two in a grinder. Put a pinch of this power into your mouth every time there is a irritation in the throat.This will soothe the inflammation and stop the cough.
