Cold and flu season is still upon us with allergy season following close behind. That can mean a lot of coughing for some of us. There are, however, some home remedies that you can use to help relieve those coughing fits.
Home Remedies for Coughs
Honey
Honey can be used to soothe a sore throat and can also help to relieve coughing. Honey is also antibacterial which means that it can help to get rid of any germs that are hanging out in the back of your throat. You can simply take a spoonful of honey or you can add a teaspoon of honey to your favorite mug of tea. Remember not to give honey to children younger than one-year-old.
Peppermint
You can use peppermint tea or peppermint oil to help soothe your throat and calm your cough. The menthol soothes the throat and also helps to break down mucus and work as a decongestant if you happen to have a runny nose too. If you are not a fan of the flavor of peppermint tea you can add peppermint oil to your bath water or to a bowl of steaming water that you breathe in. You will need 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil for every 150 mL of water.
Thyme
Thyme has chemicals called flavonoids in it that relax the muscles in your throat and decrease the inflammation which can reduce the urge to cough. To make a simple thyme tea simply take 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme into one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes and strain before sipping. You can also add some honey to the tea for flavor and some extra cough stopping power.
Onions
Onions may make you cry when you cut into them, but did you know that the strong odor that is released can also help to prevent you from coughing? Cut an onion into quarters and place it on a plate beside your bed. Many people consider this to be a very old wives tale but many people swear by its effectiveness.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air in your home, especially in your bedroom at night, can make a cough worse. Using a humidifier can help to add some moisture into the room and make it easier to breathe while decreasing the urge to cough. Some humidifiers can have essential oils added to them like peppermint that may also help make it easier for you to breathe.
Salt Water Gargle
Gargling with warm salt water may be one of the most well-known treatments for soothing a sore throat and calming a cough but that is because it works. All you need is a glass of warm water and ¼ to ½ a teaspoon of salt. You can gargle with salt water several times a day if you find that it works for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can help to thin mucus and ease a cough. You can also add a little bit of honey and or lemon juice to the mixture for an extra boost.
Stay Hydrated
You may have noticed that most of these home remedies involve drinking something and that is no mistake. Coughing a lot can leave your throat raw and irritated which can make you cough even more. Drinking frequently can keep your throat moist, wash bacteria down your digestive tract where it will be destroyed by stomach acid, and reduce the urge to cough.
These are just a few home remedies that you can try to treat a cough at home and hopefully find some relief. Coughing a lot can be exhausting and leave your chest muscles sore so even a brief respite can make a huge difference in how you feel overall.
