Continuous coughing may be irritating, but it can help the body eliminate allergens and viruses. While the most common causes of cough are the common cold and flu, there are cases when a cough has nothing to do with the lungs. For example, GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can also result in coughing. Moreover, several over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be used to treat coughs brought on by colds, allergies, and sinus infections.
In addition, most coughs go away on their own without treatment. There are also several effective natural cough treatments available that are available in most households. But, it’s crucial to emphasize that not all natural remedies provide relief. Besides, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t govern the use of herbs and supplements.
Remember that using natural home remedies for cough may be risky for consuming inferior products and pollutants. So, it is important to determine the sources first and research before using natural remedies to treat cough. It is especially because certain herbs and supplements could interact unfavorably with certain medications, resulting in harmful side effects.
Some of the remedies for cough that are accessible at home are the following:
Honey
In a 2021 study, researchers examined the effect of using honey to treat coughs in upper respiratory infections. The researchers found honey more effective than conventional medicine at suppressing the cough and lessening the need for antibiotics. This natural home remedy helps in removing mucus that blocks the airways.
Researchers also compared honey to the popular cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DM). They discovered that honey and dextromethorphan both effectively reduced coughing. However, in one trial, honey worked somewhat better than dextromethorphan, whereas, in another, it performed similarly.
A teaspoon of honey can be consumed or combined with a hot beverage, such as herbal tea, to treat the condition. Aside from curing a cough, honey is also one natural remedy for sore throat.
Mix two teaspoons of honey, herbal tea, and lemon in warm water. The honey calms, while the lemon juice could help with congestion.
Additionally, taking two teaspoons of honey or putting it on bread as a snack is another way to relieve cough. On the other hand, don’t give honey to a child under one because of the danger of baby botulism, a rare but severe kind of food poisoning.
