Natural Cough Remedies

Coughing is forceful exhalation of air, to clear the air passage from secretions, foreign particles and microbes. In humans, coughing occurs voluntarily and involuntarily. Frequent cough indicates the presence of a disease or infection. Bacteria and viruses benefit from frequent coughing as they spread to other hosts through cough. In most cases people suffer from cough due to a throat infection. But factors such as asthma, smoking, air pollution and post nasal drip also trigger cough in most cases. Here, natural cough remedies come into picture.

In many cases heartburn is also a potential cause of cough. Since olden times, coughing has been treated by homemade cough remedies. The reason many people prefer them is because they are 100% natural and will have no side effects on your health. They will relieve you from the irritating symptoms of cough in an effective way.

Home Remedies for Dry Cough
A dry cough is often without phlegm and may occur due to excessive smoking, environmental pollution or it comes after a sore throat. During cold seasons consumption of cold foods and drinks affect your body's temperature and cause a rough throat which leads to dry cough.

• Inhaling steam from a pan filled with hot water mixed with aromatherapy oils is particularly helpful for persons suffering from dry cough.
• Mix equal quantities of Aloe Vera juice and orange juice. Add 1 tbsp honey, mix well and drink every morning.
• If you don't like Aloe Vera juice you can sprinkle some apple cider vinegar on your pillowcase before you sleep.
• Chop a garlic clove and place it in a small bowl, add 2 tbsp honey and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leave it overnight. In the morning take 1 tbsp, then throughout the day as needed. This honey ginger combination acts as a good natural cough suppressant.
• Add 2 tsp of vinegar in a glass of water and keep beside your bed. As soon as you feel the tickling sensation in your throat, take few swallows. Vinegar dissolves the mucus in your throat and reduces inflammation.

Cough Remedies for Adults
Coughing is body's way to remove foreign materials and mucus from throat and lungs. It's a common symptom in adults where the air passage becomes tight. Now let's see its cure in natural way.

• Take half a lemon and add some black pepper powder and salt and suck it to ease the intensity of the cough. This acts as an effective home remedy
• Simple cough problems can be solved by eating grapes for a number of days.
• In a teaspoon of pure honey add a pinch of grounded white pepper and drink it for 4 to 5 days. This is one of the most recommended natural cough remedies for adults.
• A combination of honey with grape juice is highly beneficial for dry cough and sore throat.
• In winters eating garlic at dinner twice a week, will provide relief from cough.
• Gargling with warm spinach juice is a very well-known cough remedy.

Cough Remedies During Pregnancy
For most of us when a cough develops, we usually grab a medicine in order to suppress or counter the cough. But what about pregnant women? Pregnant women searching for cough remedies should give importance to natural cures. You have to be very careful about taking medications because some artificial medicines could harm your unborn child.

• Our own homemade chicken soup and other broth soup can provide cough relief. Also other fluids such as water, herbal teas and juices at room temperature act as natural cough remedies for pregnant women.
• Adding lemon and honey in herbal teas can cut down mucus secretions and also give your throat relief. Pregnant women should opt for herbal teas as most of them are caffeine free.
• Introduce a little steam inhalation in your daily routine by having a hot shower and by using a humidifier. For quick relief, you can add a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to your bathing water.
• Some doctors claim sleeping upright or at an incline helps to reduce nighttime coughing.

These ancient remedies are enough to cure your cough in a week, but if the cough still persists, it is advisable to consult a physician.