Cough is very common during the winter season because this time of year is often called the “cough season.” Cold weather weakens the body’s natural defenses, and viral infections like the common cold and flu become more active. These infections spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, talking, or close contact, which is why cough becomes so widespread in winter.
A cough is something your body does naturally to protect you. It pushes air out quickly through your throat and mouth.Before you cough, you often feel a tickle, itch, or scratch in your throat. That feeling makes your body react right away. Coughing helps clear irritation and keeps your airways clean.
Source of the information :
The information presented here is based on credible medical and scientific references, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). It also draws insights from renowned institutions like PACE Hospitals and reputable health platforms such as WebMD and Medical News Today.
Quick Summary :
Cough is commonly treated at home using simple and natural remedies. Honey helps calm the throat and reduce irritation. Ginger, garlic, and turmeric support the body in fighting infection and reduces cough symptoms. Almonds, along with peppermint, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil, help strengthen immunity, clear congestion, and improve breathing.
What is the purpose of a cough ?
The main purpose of a cough is to protect the airways. It helps remove foreign substances such as dust, smoke, germs, and allergens that enter the respiratory system. Coughing also clears mucus from the lungs and air passages, which helps the body get rid of bacteria, viruses, and other irritants that can cause infection.
What are the natural remedies for cough ?
Cough is a natural process that helps protect our throat from viral infections. It usually takes about 3 to 7 days for the body to recover.Natural remedies can help relieve symptoms and improve the throat more quickly. In this discussion, we will focus on natural remedies for cough.
1. Ginger
One of the most widely used natural home treatments for sore throats and coughs is ginger. Ginger contains an active compound called gingerol, which helps soothe cough by reducing inflammation and fighting germs.
How to use :
There are various efficient ways to utilize fresh ginger for relieving sore throats and coughs. To relieve persistent coughing, sore throats, and congestion in the chest, make a herbal drink by boiling crushed ginger in water three to four times a day. Taste and efficiency can be enhanced by adding a small amount of honey or lemon juice.
Another simple option is to chew small pieces of fresh raw ginger throughout the day to reduce coughing. Ginger can also be combined with Tulsi for added relief, or consumed as warm ginger tea, which helps calm the throat.
2. Honey
Honey is a traditional remedy that is affordable and easy to find, making it worth trying. It can be more effective in relieving cough than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines that contain suppressants like dextromethorphan.
How to Use :
Dry cough can be relieved by adding honey to hot milk, which also helps reduce chest discomfort caused by continuous coughing. Mixing honey with warm lemon water or herbal tea is also helpful in calming cough and soothing a sore throat. For extra benefits, a teaspoon of plain honey taken on an empty stomach can help clear mucus and provide relief to the throat due to its pain-relieving properties.
These home remedies can help relieve different cough symptoms gently and naturally, without the side effects often associated with medicines and cough syrups. However, if a cough continues for more than two weeks or becomes severe, it should not be ignored.
3. Garlic
Garlic is a natural remedy known for its many health benefits. It is used to help prevent and manage problems like the common cold, cough, asthma, lung infections, wound infections, malaria, and more. Garlic boosts the immune system and can reduce symptoms of cold and flu, including cough. It also has anticancer properties.Most of garlic’s benefits come from a compound called allicin, which helps fight colds and related symptoms.
How to Use :
Garlic can be used in several effective ways to help relieve cough. Fresh garlic cloves can be chewed directly or swallowed with a little honey to make it easier on the throat. You can also prepare garlic tea by boiling crushed garlic in water for a few minutes and adding honey or lemon for added soothing effects. Including garlic in soups, stews, or warm milk can provide gentle relief and support immunity.
4. Tumeric
Turmeric is well known for its healing properties, especially in relieving coughs, including dry coughs. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help soothe the throat and reduce irritation.
How to Use :
. A simple and effective remedy is a warm glass of milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.Another option is to make a turmeric drink by boiling one teaspoon of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of black pepper in half a cup of water. For added flavor, cinnamon sticks can be included. Once boiled, add a tablespoon of honey and drink this mixture daily until cough symptoms improve.
5. Almonds
Almonds are rich in nutrients that help reduce cough symptoms and support recovery. They contain healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system, soothe throat irritation, and help the body fight infections that cause coughing. Almonds also provide energy and nourishment when the body feels weak during illness.
How to Use :
A common remedy is to soak five to six almonds in water for 8 to 10 hours, peel them, and grind them into a smooth paste. This paste can be mixed with a teaspoon of butter or honey and consumed two to three times a day until cough symptoms improve.
6. Pepperment
Peppermint leaves and eucalyptus oil are commonly used for their natural healing effects. Peppermint contains menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant. It helps calm a sore throat and clear thick mucus, making it easier to breathe. Drinking peppermint tea or breathing in peppermint steam can give fast relief from cough and blocked nose.
Eucalyptus oil:
Eucalyptus oil is also very helpful for reducing cough. When mixed with coconut oil and beeswax to make a gentle ointment, it can help open the breathing passages, reduce chest blockage, and ease ongoing coughing. Together, these natural remedies provide safe and effective support for better breathing and throat comfort.
7. Onion
One of the easiest home cough cures is to use onions. Coughing can be reduced by inhaling its heavy smells. Combine honey, green tea, and baked onion juice to make a cough syrup. If you have a dry cough, drink this every day. Another option is to combine one teaspoon of honey with half a teaspoon of onion juice. To ease your throat and reduce coughing, consume the remedy at least twice a day.
8. LavenderOil
Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia L., Lamiaceae) calms and soothes nerves. It helps with whooping cough, bronchitis, laryngitis, asthma, colds, halitosis (poor breath), and throat infections. Lavender oil also works well to treat migraines, headaches, and sleeplessness. Steaming lavender flowers releases a vapor that can be inhaled to treat coughs and colds.
How to Use :
Lavender oil can be used in a few simple and effective ways to help relieve cough and throat discomfort. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to hot water and inhaling the steam can help calm the airways, reduce irritation, and promote relaxed breathing.
9. Jaggery
Jaggery remedies might help relieve coughing and congestion. A buildup of saliva can make the chest and respiratory tract feel congested; coughing and congestion are relieved when it is cleared. .
How to Use :
Add a few chilies to water and boil for around 20 minutes. Add a small amount of cumin and jaggery and sip. Cut one quarter of an onion, put a tiny bit of jaggery in the middle, and chew on it to help clear the throat.
Best Fruits for Cough Recovery
There are some natural fruits that are easily available in fruit and vegetable shops. These include grapes, pineapples, and lemons.
10. Pineapple and Grapes
Pineapple is commonly known as Ananas. Its main enzyme is bromelain, which is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes, also called proteases, that help break down proteins.Bromelain is well known for its capacity to remove heavy mucus in the throat and relieve coughing. Additionally, it relieves nasal inflammation and allergy-related sinus issues, which frequently result in congestion and coughing. Because of these benefits, pineapple may be beneficial for those with coughs brought on by mucus production.
Grapes
Grapes have natural expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract. As mucus is removed more quickly, coughing reduces faster. Grapes can be eaten fresh or taken as juice. Drinking fresh grape juice mixed with a spoon of honey can provide soothing and effective relief from cough.
Conclusion:
Cough is one of the most common health issues, especially during the colder months, and is usually caused by viral infections or throat irritation. Simple home remedies such as honey, ginger, garlic, turmeric, almonds, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil can help provide relief. These natural ingr natural ingredients soothe a sore throat, reduce irritation, loosen mucus, and gently support the immune system.edients soothe a sore throat, reduce irritation, loosen mucus, and gently support the immune system.
