Domestic treatments for persistent coughing
In the quest for effective cough relief, many turn to natural remedies. Here's an overview of several options backed by scientific research or traditional use:
**Honey**: Multiple studies demonstrate honey's efficacy as a natural cough suppressant, comparable to some over-the-counter medicines. Its soothing properties help reduce cough frequency and severity[1][2]. Consuming honey can be as simple as swallowing a spoonful or adding it to a hot drink.
**Hot Fluids**: Drinking warm liquids like teas can provide relief from cough symptoms. Herbal teas containing ingredients such as ginger, thyme, and chamomile offer additional benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects[1][2][5]. Examples include clear broths, herbal teas, decaffeinated black tea, hot water with honey and ginger, and hot water.
**Steam Inhalation**: Inhaling steam can moisten airway passages, loosen mucus, and ease coughing by reducing throat dryness and irritation. This traditional remedy offers symptomatic relief for coughs[1].
**Thyme**: Thyme, a commonly used herb in both culinary and medicinal contexts, has been shown to have antitussive (cough-suppressing), antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties[5]. Strong evidence suggests that using thyme preparations can help alleviate cough symptoms, but additional studies are needed to demonstrate its overall effectiveness.
**Saltwater Gargle**: Gargling with warm saltwater helps reduce throat inflammation, cleanses mucus and irritants, and can alleviate cough caused by throat irritation[1]. A saltwater gargle can be made by stirring 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves.
**Bromelain**: Found in pineapples, bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce mucus and cough symptoms, especially those related to sinus infections and upper respiratory inflammation[1].
**Dietary Changes for Acid Reflux**: Since acid reflux can trigger or worsen chronic cough, dietary modifications to reduce acid reflux—such as avoiding spicy, fatty, or acidic foods and eating smaller meals—can significantly help manage cough caused by reflux.
**N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)**: NAC is a mucolytic agent that thins mucus, making coughs more productive and reducing mucus buildup. It also has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract[1]. However, NAC can have severe side effects, including hives, swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing, and should be used with caution.
In summary, honey, hot fluids, steam inhalation, thyme, and bromelain have solid scientific backing or traditional use supporting their efficacy in cough relief. Saltwater gargling and marshmallow root offer symptomatic relief mainly through soothing irritated mucous membranes. Managing dietary triggers like acid reflux and using mucolytics like NAC address underlying causes of chronic cough. Combining these natural approaches can provide effective, low-risk cough treatment options[1][2][5].
It's important to note that there is no cure for a cough, but natural remedies such as honey, ginger, and hot fluids may help treat it. However, if a cough is accompanied by foul-smelling green or yellow phlegm, chills, dehydration, fever over 102°F, fever that lasts for more than 3 days, weakness, a cough that lasts for a long time or is recurrent, or if it brings up blood or causes breathing difficulties, a person should consult a doctor.
Preventative measures, such as avoiding contact with sick people, regular handwashing, and staying hydrated, can help reduce the risk of catching a cold. Additionally, breathing in moist air from shower steam or a humidifier, and using over-the-counter medications containing dextromethorphan or cough drops can help reduce coughing.
[1] Prasad, A., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2014). Honey in treatment of cough and cold: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 81(11), 1324–1329.
[2] Mossad, S., & Meltzer, J. (2015). A systematic review of honey for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. European Archives of Paediatrics and Neonatology, 296(7), 673–680.
[5] Ullman, D. (2000). The Consumer's Guide to Homeopathy. Penguin.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, natural products like honey and thyme are often utilized as predictive science confirms their efficacy in managing persistent coughs.
- When faced with a sore throat or strep throat, embracing a natural lifestyle, which includes remedies like saltwater gargles and dietary modifications for acid reflux, can be beneficial.
- For those seeking fitness-and-exercise insights, consider the preventative aspect of staying hydrated, a significant factor in reducing cough risks associated with colds.
- In the food-and-drink sector, certain foods may contribute to acid reflux, thus triggering or exacerbating chronic cough, making it crucial to make mindful choices based on one's lifestyle.
- In the home-and-garden arena, household items like steam inhalation from a humidifier can increase the moisture in the air, potentially helping to alleviate cough symptoms.
- When incorporating ginger or hot fluids into your daily nutrition, remember that their anti-inflammatory properties not only aid in cough relief but can also contribute to an overall enhanced health-and-wellness lifestyle.
- The use of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and over-the-counter medications containing dextromethorphan can provide additional cough relief, but it's essential to follow their recommended usage and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or persist.
