Some Recommended Natural Cough Remedies

By Christine Barnes


Coughs make a clear throat. It occurs when viral, fungal, and bacterial infections obstruct the nerve endings in the airways between the throat and the respiratory tract. The individual's tendency to cough is high when the body fights against these irritants.

Rare cases occur when the individual willingly carries out the action, an action known as the voluntary action. Coughs are caused by improper ventilation in rooms and places. Prolonged cases may lead to a disorder known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD]. Allergies, asthma, acid reflux, pneumonia, obstructive sleep apnea are also various reasons why people experience the condition. Some health experts and professionals have recommended natural cough remedies for these problems.

For instance, natural honey has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of coughs. It contains a sugary fluid from the nectar. The sweetness of honey can be attributed to simple sugars from the plant. The bees are responsible for the production of honey which acts as suppressants for coughs. It must also be noted that the antibacterial qualities in the fluid help to fight against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other micro-organisms.

Peppermint is also regarded as a means to cure the ailment. The oil and flavor have a tremendous impact on the health of the individual. Apart from coughs, it has been said to relieve headaches. The botanical name for peppermint is Mentha piperita. It is the hybrid plant from the cross between the water mint and the spear mint. The stimulative and antibacterial qualities make it useful in toothpaste, candies, and other products sold in the health stores. People are advised to chew the leaves or prepare it as tea. It must also be noted that the peppermint contains methanol which works as a decongestant and clears the throat.

The oil from thyme can be used to the problem as well. Patients suffering from acute bronchitis have been advised to include this substance in their diet. Research has also proven that sipping a cup of thyme tea can help alleviate the problem. Even thymol, which is one of the essential constituents of thyme, has been seen to reduce the germs and infections in the mouth and prevents tooth decay. It also contains carvacrol made up of flavonoids, an important antioxidant for the body.

Knotted and underground stems such as ginger have many medicinal uses. Apart from being the healing agents for the condition, gingers can work effectively in the stomach and intestines to fight against conditions such as nausea and inflammation. It can also be combined with hot water and other citrus fruits to work against dry throats or eaten raw when sliced or peeled.

Garlic is an herb from the onion family. It is useful in keeping the throat and mucous membrane moist. It also contains supplements that boost the immune system and guards against respiratory infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Apart from relieving coughs, it has also been proven very useful in reducing the chances of stomach upset and rectal cancer.

Grapes are also effective natural sources for the ailment. The juice from grapes acts as mucolytic expectorants. Mucolytic expectorant lightens the phlegm and makes an individual cough out a congested accumulation of debris. Grapes contain rich sources of vitamin A, B and C and are beneficial for relieving cold.




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