A Few Quick Remedies For Cough (Normal And Dry)
The worst part of catching a cold, fever or infection is usually the cough that follows. And that would most probably be the most troublesome issue to deal with in each of these cases.
Even though coughs help to clear the body’s respiratory organ, relieving it off mucus that might have collected in the throat or lungs; they can be extremely painful and tiring, especially redundant ones.
Redundant coughs (both normal and dry) can be sources of embarrassment as well, especially in public places or social gatherings. And so, the first possible option in case of being affected by redundant coughs would be to ascertain the reason behind the issue and follow it up with appropriate treatments.
Causes for the development of coughs
Coughs are not caused by flu, fever and infections alone. There are plenty of other reasons for the development of these troublesome issues. Accordingly, coughs (both normal and dry) can be caused by hormonal changes, lung disorders, respiratory illnesses, chain smoking, alcoholism, and over exposure to pollution.
Common Remedies for Normal and Dry Coughs
Whether they are normal or dry, coughs are causes for concern and need to be taken care of properly. Before you opt for over the counter medications and drugs prescribed by a doctor, you need to ascertain the fact that there are several home remedies you can opt for to get immediate and long term relief from coughs. Here are some of the more common remedies for both varieties.
Normal Coughs
Commonly preceded by colds and fevers, normal coughs are comparatively less irritating than dry coughs and can be easily cured with a few select remedies.
Almond Paste: One of the most popular ancient cures for coughs, almonds are known for their medicinal properties. All you need to do is soak some almonds in water overnight, remove the outer skin and mash the almonds to make a paste. Add some sugar and butter to the paste and store it in a bottle. Have a tablespoon of the paste twice a day (especially at times when the cough is aggravated).
Ginger: Ginger tea is known to cure coughs. However, a better remedy would be in the form of a tonic which would contain ginger paste, pepper powder, honey and vinegar in appropriate quantities. Mix the syrup with some water (most preferably three tablespoon) and consume the mixture for immediate relief from cough and other related infections.
Grapes: Grapes are known to contain substances called proanthocyanidins which help in cleansing the lungs of impurities and infections. The seeds of grapes also contain anti oxidants which act as toners. If you want to get instant relief from incessant coughs, just mix some grape juice with honey and swallow the concotion.
Betel Leaves: I stand by this remedy owing to the fact that it worked like a charm on my kid (works extremely well for adults as well). Grind some betel leaves to make a paste and apply it on the chest area.
Keep the paste for about 15 minutes and then reapply freshly grinded leaves again. The smell of the leaves, combined with the cooling effect would immediately soothe your throat and chest; and take care of coughs and other infections.
Lemon, Onion and Elecampane honey cough syrup: Some of the other common remedies for coughs include onion juice extracts; lemon juice and elecampane honey cough syrup.
Onion juice extract is very effective in taking care of incessant coughs. In addition to clearing the chest from impurities and infections, a mere 1-2 teaspoon of the juice, when mixed with honey and kept for about 5 hours can be very relieving.
Lemon juice or extract helps to soothe the dryness and irritation in the throat that leads to coughs. The honey derived from the elecampane herb (can be easily grown at home itself) is another quick remedy for coughs and throat infections.
For Dry Coughs
Incessant dry coughs are very painful and lead to a spate of other illnesses and infections. They also take longest times to get cured. And so, if you are suffering from a bout of dry cough that just won’t go away, try some of these home remedies to get instant relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Very effective in handling and treating infections related to the respiratory tract, apple cidar vinegar can be taken on a daily basis during the rainy seasons in order to prevent colds and infections.
All you need to do is mix about three spoons of apple cidar vinegar with a glass of water. Store the solution in an airtight bottle and sip on it at regular intervals throughout the day in order to stay free from coughs.
Tulsi and Henna leaves: Remember all those days when you used to catch a cold and your mom used to pluck tulsi and henna leaves in order to cure you. Well, there was most definitely a valid reason behind her actions.
Henna and tulsi leaves are known to provide immediate relief to sore throats and dry coughs. Accordingly, you would need to mix a few tulsi leaves (raw) with honey and eat the mixture everyday in the morning. In addition to helping you get rid of that relentless cough, it would actually prevent you from catching cold in the future (if you continue the medication regularly that is).
Henna leaves have a soothing effect on the throat and can be boiled with water for maximum benefit. Upon boiling, the essence of these leaves mix with the water. And if you opt to gargle with the solution (twice or thrice a day), you would be amazed at how quick your cough disappears.
The power of Turmeric: Turmeric powder can be consumed in different forms in order to get relief from coughs and infections. Accordingly, you can opt to add a pinch of turmeric powder to hot milk and then drink the concotion for instant relief.
Another useful remedy would involve mixing about half a tablespoon of turmeric with water and adding one spoon of carom to the mixture as well. Boil the mixture until the water level reduces to half of the original quantity. Store the syrup in an airtight bottle and drink it with honey once everyday for better results.
Cardamom: The juice that is secreted after cardamom melts is considered to be one of the best remedies for sore throats and dry coughs. Accordingly, all you would need to do is pop a small piece of cardamom into your mouth before you retire for the day.
As the cardamom melts, the juice that comes out of it enters your throat, giving off a soothing effect that would enable you to sleep peacefully in the night with minimal disturbances.
Other precautions you need to take: These remedies are not necessarily meant for the rainy days alone, or are not restricted to colds, coughs or infections. Make it a regular practice to follow these remedies even if you are not sick. This would help you stay away from future infections and similar issues.
In case you are suffering from a severe bout of cough (both dry and normal), make it a point to stay away from alcoholic drinks and refined/processed foods. Avoid smoking and stay away from tea, coffee, meat or sugary products.
Photo Credit- Ohboli.bg
