How to Get Rid of a Cough

Did you know that a chemical found in chocolate, known as theobromine, is believed to help in relieving persistent cough? If the related research and studies are carried out successfully, we can have a tastier version of cough medicine.

Cough is the first reaction of the body when any foreign particle enters the respiratory tract and causes irritation. It can be of varying types depending on its cause. It can be dry, mucus producing or even of hacking type that occurs when one suffers from whooping cough.

Cough is the primary, yet, the most significant symptom of common cold, strep throat and influenza (flu); and of other respiratory diseases like bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other disorders of the lungs. Allergy of any kind (mostly aerobic allergies) and smoking also lead to constant coughing.

You can treat cough with products that are easily available at home. Remedies mentioned here are age-old methods that are applicable even today. It is wise to consult the doctor before going for any home remedies, in case you suffer from any chronic condition.

Having hot drinks like ginger tea or chicken soup, is one of the best remedy for treating cough. Ginger tea is made like regular tea (with milk). You simply need to add 1-2 pieces of chopped ginger while boiling tea and strain them out later. You can have ginger tea once or twice a day.

Lemon and honey are natural products with anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. Honey, specifically, is a cough suppressant. It is also one of the major ingredients of cough syrups. Add 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon lemon in a glass of lukewarm water and have it once or twice a day. Honey is not to be administered to babies without consulting the doctor.

Uses of turmeric are extensively found in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. Turmeric contains antiseptic properties that help in getting rid of dry cough. You can add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot or lukewarm milk and have it once a day. This mixture is helpful in treating cough and also prevent it from recurring.

Gargling with salt water is also an age-old, but, effective method of treating cough and sore throat. You should add ½ teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water and gargle 2-3 times a day. Gargling helps to treat mucus-producing cough, dry and scratchy throat, and cough that arises out of it.

Red onion mixed with honey also helps in getting rid of cough easily. You should finely chop 1 onion and add 1 tablespoon of honey to it. Leave the mixture overnight in an air-tight jar. Next morning, have 1-2 teaspoon of juice that is formed in the jar.

Taking medicines is still considered as the fastest way of getting rid of chronic cough. There are several cough drops (lozenges) and syrups available in the market. You may also get cough syrups and sprays that are equally effective. However, these sprays should not be used in case of infants and babies.

Most of these products can be obtained over the counter. It is advisable not to have strong medication or antibiotics to treat minor cases of cold. It is strongly recommended to use medication only on consulting the doctor.

When suffering from cough, one should drink a lot of fluids (water) as it helps in loosening mucus and clearing the congestion in the body. Also, taking complete rest is the best method of treating cough. Lastly, note that it is recommended to consult the doctor before using any medication, sprays or home remedies.

Disclaimer: This information is meant for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for doctor's advice and treatment.