With the winter setting in, many of us are victimized by flu which is accompanied with a long lasting annoying cough. Broadly, cough can be two types; one in which phlegm that is lodged in the lungs is expelled by the body and dry cough that does not have accumulated phlegm. Dry cough can be caused due irritants in the air ranging from dust to chemicals.
HOME REMEDIES TO HELP YOU GET RID OF DRY COUGH
Some easy and effective home remedies that can help you get rid of dry cough are
1 . Honey
-Research suggests that honey was found to be more effective in treating dry cough than medicines.
-The thick, sticky and anti-bacterial nature of honey helps in coating the mucous membranes at the back of the throat and reduces the irritation that triggers dry cough.
-You can take one teaspoon of raw honey 1-3 times a day or whenever you get a coughing fit.
2 . Ginger
-Ginger acts as a natural expectorant bringing out phlegm and also calms down the irritation of the throat that triggers cough.
-Boil around 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger in 4 cups of water and store the syrup after it cools. Take spoons of this syrup multiple times a day to relieve dry cough.
-You can also add 1 cup of honey to this mixture after cooling it to get the double benefit of honey and ginger.
3 . Turmeric
-Turmeric contains curcumin which is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It is highly effectively in relieving cough.
-To a cup of boiling water, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. You can also add honey and black pepper to this solution for further effect.
Also Read: Turmeric Benefits
4 . Gargles
-Gargling with warm water and salt is an age old remedy for cough. It helps in expelling phlegm too.
-The salt causes water to flow out of the cells due to osmosis and helps to reduce the irritation.
-Mix one teaspoon salt in a glass of water and gargle, preferably at night before going to sleep.
5 . Steam
-Not many people would be aware of how effective steam can be as a remedy for cold and cough.
-Adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil can further enhance the effectiveness of steam. Boil half pot of water and transfer to a bowl from which steam can be easily inhaled.
-Add a few drops of the essential oil and breathe in deeply. You can hold a towel around your face and over the bowl to trap the steam better.
So, go ahead and replace the cough syrup from the pharmacy with these home remedies for your family. Stay Happy, Stay Healthy!