How to Cure Cough Naturally

Cough is one of the most common conditions experienced by people all over the world. It is categorized into dry and wet cough. As the name suggests, wet cough is associated with the formation of mucus or phlegm. Dry cough, on the other hand, is not accompanied with phlegm. Dry cough might be experienced at the onset of a respiratory infection. Irritation in the lungs, allergies, smoking, asthma, post nasal drip and acid reflux disease are some of the common causes. Lung diseases, cold, chest infections, bronchitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, pneumonia and upper respiratory infections are some of the many factors responsible for causing chest congestion. Scroll down to find information on how to cure cough naturally.

How to Treat Cough

Coughing is our body's natural reflex to the presence of irritants in the throat. This forceful exhalation of air is the body's way of removing mucus or foreign bodies to clear the air passageway. The treatment of wet cough generally involves the use of expectorants that help in getting rid of the phlegm accumulated in the lungs. Sometimes mucolytics or medicines that help in the expulsion of phlegm by thinning it down might also be recommended by the doctors. Antihistamines or antibiotics might also be prescribed for treating infections, but at times, home remedies have been seen to be very beneficial. For those of you who suffer from this condition, here are time-tested remedies for treating cough.

• Those of you who often suffer from excessive phlegm in throat will surely find relief after drinking thyme tea. For making thyme tea, add a teaspoon of dried thyme herb in a cup of boiling water. Cover it and wait for about twenty minutes. Drinking this herbal tea will surely help in loosening the mucus.
• One of the best ways to treat this condition is to use honey and lemon. Take half a cup of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of juice squeezed from a fresh lemon and 3 tablespoons of honey.
• Those suffering from a persistent dry cough should chew small pieces of fresh ginger mixed with salt. If you don't wish to chew ginger, you can try another remedy. Boil chopped pieces of ginger in a cup of water. Turn off the flame when only half of the water is left. Strain it and add a little honey to it. Drink this twice to get relief.
• If you have dry cough, add a few basil leaves and 2 teaspoons of honey to a glass of water and boil. Strain it and drink twice a day.
• You can also use almonds for treating dry cough. Soak 7-8 almond kernels overnight. Peel and grind them to make a paste. Add a little honey and butter to it. Grind it again. Have this paste two times a day.
• Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to about 30 ml of warm milk. Have it before going to bed.
• Those suffering from recurrent coughing should include grapes in their diet. Grapes being a natural expectorant help in clearing the phlegm accumulated in the lungs.
• You can also take 2 teaspoons of elderberry extract twice a day.
• Add a tablespoon of poppy seed powder and honey to 10 tablespoons of coconut milk. Have one tablespoon before bedtime daily till the cough subsides.

These were a few remedies for treating cough. If the symptoms persist even after trying these home remedies, it would be best to consult a doctor.