Old-fashioned Cough Remedies

Coughing is a reflex action, necessary for clearing the sputum, secretions and foreign particles from the respiratory passage. The reflex action of cough is one of the best defense mechanisms, which is triggered by the obstruction or irritation of the respiratory tract. Cough is accompanied by a typical noise that results from the act of exhaling air suddenly for clearing the phlegm or blockage. It is one of the most common symptoms of certain viral infections such as influenza, pneumonia and bronchitis. Asthma, allergies, smoking and stress are the triggering factors for cough. Many over-the-counter medications are available for the treatment of cough; but they can cause certain side effects, if used for a longer time. Therefore, use of old-fashioned remedies is the best option to relieve cough. These natural remedies are simple, easy to use, and safe. Read on to know about some effective old-fashioned cough remedies.

Old-fashioned Cough Remedies

Old-fashioned cough remedies have been used since olden times. These remedies help to relieve the irritating symptoms of cough without causing any side effects. There are a number of traditional home remedies that can be used for the treatment of cough.

Use of honey is one of the most common, traditional cough remedies. Consumption of 1 teaspoon of hot honey every one-quarter hour will help to relieve the cough symptoms. It will also give relief from severe spasms of asthma. Continuous use of honey is helpful for throat health.

The turmeric root is quite effective for treating a dry cough. Roast the root and prepare its powder. Consume about 3 gm of turmeric powder twice a day.

Grapes are considered as one of the most efficient natural cough remedies. Grapes act as an expectorant, by toning up the lungs. A cup of grape juice mixed with a teaspoon of honey can relieve a simple cold and cough within a couple of days.

Another important old-fashioned cough remedy is the use raw onions. Finely chop a raw onion and extract its juice. Mix one teaspoon of the onion juice with one teaspoon of honey and keep it for about 4-5 hours. Consume this excellent cough syrup twice a day. Another home remedy with onions is to crush a raw onion and add juice of one lemon. Add one glass of boiling water to this mixture. You can also add honey for better taste. Consume this mixture 2-3 times a day. This preparation is helpful in treating phlegm.

One more natural cough remedy is boiling coltsfoot leaves in water along with brown sugar and garlic. You can also prepare a cough syrup by boiling coltsfoot leaves with equal amounts of honey and plantain leaves.

Almonds are useful for the treatment of dry cough. Soak the almonds in water overnight and remove their skin in the morning. Grind the almonds making a uniform paste. Add about 20 gm of sugar and butter to the almond paste. This mixture should be taken twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Belleric myrobalan is an excellent herb used for treating cough. Prepare a mixture of 2 gm of belleric myrobalan pulp, ½ teaspoon of long pepper, ¼ teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of honey. This mixture should be consumed twice daily. You can also use the dried fruit of belleric myrobalan. Roasted dried fruit covered with wheat flour can be helpful for cough relief.

Aniseed is a good remedy for dry cough. Regular consumption of aniseed tea helps to break up the mucous.

Another excellent cough remedy is to consume a sauce made from raisins. To prepare this sauce, grind about 100 gm of raisins with water. Then add about 100 gm of sugar and allow this mixture to heat. Consume about 20 gm of this sauce everyday at bedtime.

Ginger tea is known for its soothing effect. Make a mixture of 1 inch of grated fresh ginger root, 1 clove garlic, ½ fresh, sliced lemon and 2 cups of water. Keep this mixture on the gas and bring it to boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Ginger tea helps to open the nasal passages.

In case of severe cough, you should have plenty of water and orange juice, until the symptoms are reduced. In addition to juice fast, you should adopt an all-fruit diet for about 2-3 days. Follow a balanced diet that includes raw or lightly cooked vegetables, fresh fruits and wholegrain cereals. Avoid consumption of meats, pickles, condiments, processed foods, sugar, coffee, tea, soft drinks and all products that are prepared from sugar and white flour.