Are chilly and foggy winters giving your throat a hard time? Are you spending sleepless nights because of cough and itchy throat? Try these home remedies to heal your cough and sore throat.
As temperatures drip, there’s hardly a saviour from cold. Cold comes with nasal congestion and irritation in the throat leading to wet or dry cough. The cold might go away in 3-4 days but cough sticks to you like glue for a while. To get rid of that, these natural remedies will aid you.
Home Remedies For Seasonal Cough
Rather than taking cough syrup, one can rely on these staple food ingredients, which are handy in your kitchen. Here are some study backed natural remedies to help you treat cough.
1. Ginger
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Ginger contains bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for your health. According to the National Institute of Health, US, the content of antibacterial compound, gingerol, in ginger helps fight bacterial and viral infections. It is highly beneficial to consume ginger when you’re coughing in this foggy, chilly climate. Ginger soothes pain, burning and itchiness in the throat. Known as an immunity booster, ginger also relieves sore throat. Ginger when consumed with lemon and warm water, can help break phlegm and give relief to wet cough. It also helps to recover from dry cough. Mix ginger with honey and take 1-2 spoons, it will relieve your cough.
2. Honey
According to a review by Cochrane Library, a collection of medicinal databases, honey has various antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful in relieving cough. A number of studies have called honey better than some medications for treating acute cough in children. The National Institute of Health, US, stated in a study, “Most prescribed and over-the-counter preparations for cough in children are not effective and might carry the risk of adverse events. A single dose of honey before bedtime was shown in recent studies to diminish cough and the discomfort experienced by children and their parents.” Hot water with honey and lemon in it can help diminish the cough and phlegm. If you’re unable to sleep at night because of cough, just consuming a spoonful of honey will give you instant relief and good quality sleep.
Also read: Do You Love Honey? Discover Why It's Your Winter Wellness Essential
3. Peppermint
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Peppermint contains menthol which is an active decongestant. It breaks down the phlegm, thins the mucus and soothes the cough. It also helps in soothing sore throats and dry cough. Not only consuming peppermint leaves is advantageous but its oil has great health benefits. When peppermint oil is inhaled, it creates a cooling sensation which eases the cough and throat irritation. Taking steam of peppermint oil added in hot water can provide relief from cough.
4. Turmeric
Traditionally, turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for many years and it aids various health problems. A study by the National Institute of Health also states that turmeric treats cough and other respiratory disorders. Turmeric has enormous healing properties and is rich in antioxidants that lowers the risk of infections. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving cough and irritation in the throat. It heals sore throat as well. Having a warm turmeric milk with ginger would give comfort to your throat.
5. Pineapple
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which contains anti-inflammatory properties. These properties thin the mucus and help reduce cough. Bromelain also heals swelling and irritation in the throat. Drinking 100 ml of pineapple juice twice a day will help you relieve throat inflammation.
Also read: Nagging Cough: What Causes It And Home Remedies That May Help
Bottomline
The aforementioned remedies will alleviate or heal your cough if done consistently. But if your cough doesn't go away for more than three weeks, get in touch with a doctor. Cough sometimes can be a symptom of an underlying disease.