6 Home Remedies To Relieve Coughs

Coughing is a defense mechanism of the body to eliminate foreign agents from the airways. If the cough becomes bothersome, we suggest home remedies to alleviate it.

The cooler days begin and the cough appears without us calling it. The most common causes are colds and flu that irritate the upper respiratory tract and produce mucus that must be expelled in some way.

In fact, coughing is an important defense mechanism of the body.

But, if the cough becomes very annoying, we offer you some home remedies to alleviate it.

Cough is a defense mechanism

The cough is usually bothersome, especially if it is severe. However, we should be grateful for this symptom. Why?

Basically, because coughing is a mechanism the body uses to clear the airways. In other words, coughing helps remove “dirt” from the airways. This is stated in this study from the National Library of Medicine of the United States.

Some coughs are dry, while others are productive. A productive cough is one in which mucus is shed. Also called phlegm or sputum, mucus can contain germs that cause respiratory illness. If the cough is productive, it should not be stopped.

Acute cough usually starts suddenly and is often due to a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection. It usually goes away after three weeks.

If the cough persists for more than two weeks, or you excrete bloody saliva, you should see a doctor immediately.

Why does the cough originate?

• It can be bronchitis, a cold, asthma, or pneumonia.
• It may also be that the body is working to expel dusts, chemicals, irritants, or microbes.
• Sometimes it occurs when a foreign object gets stuck in the throat: food, liquid, a fragment of something, etc.

The best home remedies for a cough

The following recipes can help you when your cough is persistent and is caused by flu, colds, or sore throat.

1. Honey syrup

Honey soothes the throat and is a powerful antibacterial, according to this study from KPC Medical College and Hospital (India). Therefore, when we are sick the first thing they recommend is to consume tea with honey.

Next, we give you the recipe for a cough suppressant with honey.

Ingredients

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of honey (25 g)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (15 g)

Preparation

• Squeeze the lemon and pour the juice into a container
• Then add the honey and coconut oil
• Finally, mix well and consume twice a day

2. Garlic and sugar soup

Garlic is an excellent antibacterial (according to this Washington State University study) that will help you on those days when your cough becomes unbearable. In addition, this recipe is especially suitable for the flu that appears in winter.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons of sugar (30 g)

Preparation

• First, peel the garlic cloves and chop them very fine
• Then, put the water in a container and heat with the garlic and sugar
• Let it boil for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
• Finally, when it reaches a bearable temperature, consume a teaspoon
• Repeat several times a day.

3. Anise infusion

With a distinctive flavor, anise is an excellent remedy for relieving a sore throat and cough. This is stated in this study carried out by the National Research Center of Egypt. Consume this infusion three times a day, as hot as possible.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of anise seeds (20 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Grind the anise seeds a little and place in a pot
• Then, pour the water and when it breaks the boil, let it infuse for 15 minutes
• Remove from the heat and let it rest for another 5 minutes.
• Finally, filter and consume (you can sweeten with honey).

4. Fig tea

This rich fruit has countless anti-inflammatory properties (as this study by Kebangsaan Malaysia University assures) and provides us with a good amount of nutrients. Eating hot figs is an old recipe recommended by grandmothers.

Ingredients

• 3 figs
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Peel the figs and remove the pulp
• Then, put the water in a pot and cook for 10 minutes
• Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes
• Finally, strain and drink as hot as possible
• Preferably, consume this infusion in the morning and at night.

5. Onion soup

As with garlic, onion is a highly recommended antibacterial. This is stated in this study from Yeungnam University (Korea).

In addition to consuming it raw in salads, you can enjoy a delicious soup.

Ingredients

• 2 liters of water
• 1 kg of onions
• 8 tablespoons of honey (200 g)
• 2 cups of sugar (400 g)

Preparation

• Put the water in a pot and bring it to a boil
• Meanwhile, peel the onions and cut into julienne
• Then add the onions, honey and sugar to the boiling water.
• Cook 15 minutes and remove from heat.
• Let cool and strain
• Finally pour into a jar or glass bottle with a lid
• You can take up to three tablespoons per day.

6. Ginger and cinnamon tea

Both seasonings are known for their flavors and aromas. Ginger, mainly, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, according to this study from Isfahan University (Iran). In this case, they are combined with cinnamon (according to this research by the Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, with antibacterial properties) to form a perfect tea to relieve coughs.

Ingredients

• 250 ml (1 cup) of water
• 10 g (1 tablespoon) grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) ground cinnamon
• 25 g (1 tablespoon) honey
• 1 tablespoon (10 g) cloves

Preparation

• First, heat the water.
• When it comes to a boil add the ginger, cinnamon and cloves.
• Then, let the decoction take place for 15 minutes and remove from the heat.
• Finally, strain and sweeten with the honey.
• Drink in the morning and evening (maximum two cups a day).