Ingredients In Your Kitchen That Can Help Relieve The Symptoms Of A Cough

Coughing is a reflex action of the body that helps in clearing the airway of any irritants. Generally, the cough does not cause any discomfort and is healthy.

Therefore, treatment is only required if the symptoms cause uneasiness or interfere with your sleep and daily activities.

# Consume honey

Honey can be used to lower the frequency and severity of cough, thereby aiding uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, it does not have any side effects.

- Boil a mug of water and mix the juice from half a lemon into it. Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey, and consume this drink while still warm.
- For children above 1 year of age, give them a 2.5 ml dose of honey before bedtime.

# Use licorice

Licorice root boiled in water is often used to improve cough and bronchial problems.

Licorice lozenges are found to be effective in lowering post-operative sore throat and cough among smokers.

Additionally, gargling with licorice significantly lowers the incidence of sore throat and decreases mucus production to help treat cough.

How to use: Boil half a teaspoon of licorice in one cup of water for ten minutes and consume the warm tea.

# Drink coffee

The instant coffee powder obtained from Coffea arabica beans can act as an antitussive and cough suppressant, depending on the dose.

Additionally, coffee with honey can be employed as an alternative treatment for persistent post-infectious cough.

How to use: Add 1 teaspoon coffee and 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water, and consume this drink to help relieve cough symptoms.

# Use marshmallow root

The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) has been long used for treating the symptoms of dry cough.

A study suggested that a combination of A. officinalis and other plant extracts can be used for treating respiratory ailments such as sore throat and cough.

How to use: Add ¼ cup of marshmallow root in a pint-sized jar, and fill it with lukewarm or cold water. Allow it to stand for four hours, strain the liquid, and consume this drink once a day.

# Consume apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been anecdotally used to treat cough for long. Moreover, using ACV along with honey in teas improves its efficacy. However, scientific research is required to establish the use of this remedy.

How to use: Mix one tablespoon of ACV and 1 tablespoon of honey in one cup of hot water and consume.

# Try Thyme

Thyme has various active constituents, such as thymol, which possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, spasmolytic, and antioxidant properties that can help improve a cough.

How to use: Boil a few thyme leaves in a cup of water to make a tea. Add one teaspoon of honey and consume. There are also many thyme extract-based medications available for treating cough.

# Drink ginger-lemon tea

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, along with the taste of lemon make this tea an effective remedy for cough symptoms.

How to use: Add one teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to one cup of hot water and allow to stand. After ten minutes, strain the tea and add one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and honey or sugar to sweeten the tea.

# Gargle with warm saltwater

Gargling with warm saltwater helps remove mucus and soothes the throat.

How to use: Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of lukewarm water and use it for gargling. Repeat this remedy up to three times a day.

# Use peppermint leaves

Peppermint is generally used to help treat cold symptoms. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of peppermint leaves for cough, it has been used anecdotally in the form of tea or a steam bath for extracting the benefits of menthol.

# Apply menthol vaporub

Vapor rub is popularly used to help relieve the symptoms of cough. OTC menthol rubs can be applied to the chest or feet for relief.