10 Natural Cures for Coughing

 A persistent cough is treated with a variety of natural methods.

It's important to remember that some of the following treatments don't have much evidence to support their use, even though they might help some people. This indicates that a person may or may not experience success with the treatments.

1.       Honey

A cough can be eased by honey. Researchers examined the efficacy of using honey to treat upper respiratory infections coughs in a review of studies published in 2021. Honey outperformed standard treatment, according to the researchers, when it came to suppressing the cough and reducing the need for antibiotics. In a 2021 study, researchers compared honey to a common cough suppressant called dextromethorphan. Honey and dextromethorphan, according to the study, both reduced coughing. In one trial, they noted that honey scored about the same as dextromethorphan and slightly higher. A spoonful of honey can be taken in or added to a hot drink, like herbal tea, to use this remedy.

2.         Ginger

Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help dry coughs and asthmatics. Additionally, it may ease pain and nausea. Ginger's effect on coughs has only been the subject of a few older studies. Ginger was one of ten natural products examined in a 2015 study that looked at how they were used in traditional Asian medicines. The researchers discovered that honey, ginger, and other remedies have been used in traditional medicines for a long time. Even though a long history of use can have a big impact, the researchers said that their study might give other researchers a place to start when looking into natural cough remedies. Ginger is frequently used in dishes and tea. They ought to be aware that ginger tea can occasionally cause heartburn or upset stomachs.

3.         Warm Liquids

A 2008 Trusted Source study demonstrated that drinking liquids at room temperature may alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing, despite the lack of recent research. Warming up their beverages, on the other hand, may help those who are experiencing additional symptoms of the cold or flu. According to the same study, drinking hot beverages helps alleviate additional symptoms like a sore throat, chills, and fatigue. The relief from symptoms occurred immediately and persisted even after the hot beverage was finished. Some comforting hot beverages include:

            Lucid Broths

            Herbal Drinks

            Black Tea Without Caffeine

            Hot Water

            Warm Juices of Fruits

4.         Steam

Steam may help with a cough that makes mucus or phlegm, also known as a wet cough. If you want to try this, you should take a hot shower or bath and let the steam fill the bathroom. They ought to remain in this steam for a few minutes until their symptoms go away. Afterward, they can hydrate themselves with a glass of water to keep cool and avoid dehydration. A steam bowl can be made as an alternative. To accomplish this, one should:

1.	Put a lot of hot water in a big bowl.
2.	Include rosemary or eucalyptus as well as other herbs or essential oils. Congestion may be eased by these.
3.	Put a towel over the head and lean over the bowl. This holds the steam in place, allowing the person to inhale it.
4.	For about ten to fifteen minutes, continue to inhale the steam.

Steaming can be beneficial for a person when done one to two times per day. Although many people believe that steam will alleviate cough and other symptoms, not all evidence supports this claim. A Trusted Source study conducted in 2017 examined the use of steam to treat symptoms of the common cold and found that it did not significantly improve symptoms.

5.         Root of Marshmallow

Coughs and sore throats have been treated with marshmallow root for a very long time. Due to its high mucilage content, the herb can alleviate coughing-related irritation. The throat is covered in a thick, sticky substance called mucilage. A small, older study found that a herbal cough syrup with marshmallow root, thyme, and ivy effectively relieved coughs caused by respiratory tract infections and common colds. 90% of participants rated the syrup's effectiveness as good or very good after taking it for 12 days. The coating effect of marshmallow root extract was also noted by researchers in a 2020 study, according to Trusted Source. They discovered that the root extract was as effective as diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, in relieving pain and oxidative stress. In vitro testing was used in the study.

Marshmallow root can also be purchased as a tea in a bag or as a dried herb. Either should be added to hot water and consumed immediately or allowed to cool first. The amount of mucilage in the beverage will increase the longer the marshmallow root steeps in the water. Stomach upset is one of the possible side effects, which may be mitigated by drinking more fluids.

6.         Gargle with Saltwater

Gargles made of saltwater have been used for a long time to alleviate cold symptoms and sore throats. It might help loosen mucus and make some pain go away. But it probably won't help lower the viral load. Researchers compared various antiseptic mouthwashes to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in a 2021 study, according to Trusted Source. They discovered that a saltwater solution made in a laboratory did not effectively kill the virus, despite the fact that several commercial brands helped reduce the viral load. A saltwater gargle can be made by:

1.	In a cup of warm water, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt until it dissolves.
2.	Before using the solution to gargle, allow it to slightly cool.
3.	Before spitting it out, let the mixture sit at the back of the throat for a few moments.
4.	Until the cough stops, repeat this several times a day.

 Those with high blood pressure and young children should steer clear of saltwater gargling.

7.         Bromelain

Pineapple enzyme bromelain can be found in pineapples. The fruit's core contains the most of it. It may also have mucolytic properties, which means it can break down mucus and remove it from the body. It has anti-inflammatory properties. To prevent coughing and reduce the amount of mucus in the throat, some people drink pineapple juice every day. However, the juice may not contain enough bromelain to alleviate symptoms. There are bromelain supplements available, which may alleviate coughs more effectively. However, before trying any new supplements, it's best to talk to a doctor. Bromelain has the potential to irritate the skin, and it may also interact with medications and cause side effects. Bromelain should not be taken by people who are taking certain antibiotics or blood thinners.

8.         Thyme

Thyme is a common remedy for bronchitis, cough, sore throat, and digestive issues. It also has culinary and medicinal uses. In a 2017 meta-analysis of several studies, researchers noted that thyme preparations may have helped people with their cough symptoms. However, they noted that further research is required to demonstrate its overall effectiveness. A more recent study from 2021 demonstrated that people who used a combination of thyme and ivy drops experienced an improvement in their quality of life, cough, and bronchitis symptoms. Additionally, they noted that the drops had few adverse effects on users.

9.         Changes To One's Diet for Acid Reflux

Coughing is commonly brought on by acid reflux. One of the best ways to manage acid reflux and reduce its accompanying cough is to avoid foods that can do so. There may be a variety of reflux-related triggers that should be avoided by each individual. If you don't know what causes your reflux, you can start by cutting out the most common triggers from your diet and keeping an eye on your symptoms. The most common foods and drinks that cause acid reflux are:

Alcohol	Wine, beer, and spirits all contain alcohol, which makes them intoxicating. Because it is a depressant, it slows down the body's systems when it reaches the brain.
Caffeine	Caffeine is the drug that people use the most, and it is a stimulant. Millions of people use it to feel more awake, less tired, and have better focus and concentration every day.
Chocolate	You might not have to feel so bad the next time you eat some chocolate. This delicious treat may have a number of health benefits, despite its bad reputation for making people gain weight.
Fatty and Fried Foods	-
Onions and Garlic	Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely used in cooking as a flavoring, but it has also been used as a medicine throughout history, both ancient and modern; It has been used to treat and prevent numerous diseases and conditions. In addition to chives, garlic, and leeks, onions are a member of the Allium family of plants. These vegetables have some medicinal properties in addition to their distinctively strong flavors.
Mint	The mint, or mentha, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes peppermint and spearmint among approximately 15 to 20 plant species. It is a well-liked herb that can be used in a variety of dishes and infusions, either fresh or dried. Mint oil is frequently utilized by toothpaste, gum, beauty products, and candy manufacturers.
Spicy Foods and Spices	-
Tomatoes and Products made from Tomatoes	-

 10.       Elms that Slide

The slippery elm bark was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat coughing and digestive issues. Slippery elm is similar to marshmallow root in that it has a lot of mucilage, which is good for coughing and sore throats. By adding one teaspoon of the dried herb to a cup of hot water and letting it steep for at least ten minutes before drinking, slippery elm tea can be made. Before making a tea or taking another supplement, it's important to remember that slippery elm can make it harder for medications to be absorbed.

What To Do to Avoid Coughing

A person may desire immediate relief from a cold or other respiratory tract infection. While some of the aforementioned treatments, like steam or honey, may be more effective immediately, others take longer to take effect. The following are some additional measures that a person may find helpful in reducing their cough:

i.	drinking tea or other warm liquids like broth
ii.	abstaining from dairy
iii.	avoiding drinking
iv.	consuming humidified air from a humidifier or shower steam

 Over-the-counter medications, such as cough drops containing dextromethorphan, may also provide some relief. These can help you cough less.

Summary: A person's cough may be alleviated in some way, either directly or indirectly, by a number of natural remedies. Although many of them have at least some scientific backing, not all of them may be effective. Additionally, not everyone can rely on natural remedies to be safe. Before trying any new supplements or home remedies, people who are taking medications or have certain health conditions should talk to their doctor.