There are many kinds of cough medicine available in the pharmacy. However, since these are all chemically engineered and manufactured in a laboratory, it is likely that they also have some negative effects on our overall health. A home remedy made from natural ingredients is still the best way to treat a cough because you are sure that it does not contain any artificial chemicals that may be harmful to your health. Here are just some natural home remedies you can try for your cough.
Lemon and honey. Squeeze the juice of a small lemon and mix it with 2 tablespoons of honey and warm water. To keep the respiratory tract hydrated and to soothe the throat throughout the night, you may drink this concoction right before bedtime.
Oregano. Steep 4 to 6 tablespoons of dried oregano in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water for 5 minutes. Strain the leaves and add honey.
Peppermint. Peppermint can be drunk as a tea or inhaled as a vapor when added to a steam bath. To make a steam bath, you'll need to add 3 to 4 drops of peppermint oil in 150 ml of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and position yourself right above the hot water. Take deep breaths.
Thyme tea. Make your own homemade thyme tea with 1 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves. Cover the cup for 10 minutes and then strain.
Sage tea. Steep a handful of dried or fresh sage leaves in about 4 cups of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Feel free to drink up to 3 cups of sage tea per day. Also, you can use it as a gargle if you have a throat infection.
Water gargle with salt. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Use this as a gargle to relieve a cough and soothe an inflamed throat.
Fresh ginger. You can either directly extract the juice of the ginger and add it to a honey to make a homemade cough syrup or you can make it as a tea. To make tea, simply boil fresh ginger in water for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Raw garlic. Keep a glove of raw garlic in your mouth and ocasionally take a bite to release some juice in order to control your coughing bouts. The only downside to this is your garlic breath.