Did you know that not all cough syrups work the same? Yes, that’s right! Especially when it comes to herbal cough syrups, this holds true. This is because there are a plethora of herbs available but it’s only the right combination of herbs that can create some magic on your respiratory system.
Cough is broadly of two types- dry cough and wet cough. Dry cough can be the result of environmental pollution and allergies whereas wet cough can be due to a bacterial or viral infection. Every cough has its own characteristics and its own “needs”. The goal is to match the right kind of herbal combination for the type of cough that you are suffering from.
Home Remedies For Cough
The herbs listed below are some of the classic Ayurvedic herbs which only to protect the respiratory airways and expel mucus but also boost your immune system. These are some of the ingredients that make up an all-natural, herbal cough syrup and are good for both dry and wet cough. Let’s have a look:
Tulsi: The leaves boost the production of antibodies thereby preventing infections. It also helps soothe the respiratory airway by helping you cough out the sticky mucus. Chew 4-5 tulsi leaves the first thing in the morning or make tulsi tea to get rid of cough naturally.
Mulethi: It is a natural herb used by Ayurveda to treat chronic bronchial conditions. A cough syrup with mulethi will soothe your throat and give immediate relief. Add a pinch of mulethi powder to a glass of water or milk and drink it at least twice a day to reap its benefits.
Soonth/Sunth/Sukku: Dry ginger popularly known as sukku or soonth has a long tradition of numerous health benefits and is one of the main ingredients of herbal cough syrups as it helps to reduce phlegm (mucus) produced. Soonth, when taken with milk, acts as a soothing remedy for cough and cold.
Giloy: It is an effective immune modulator and helps build a strong immune system. Giloy helps to get rid of cough caused due to allergic reactions to pollution, smoke or pollen. It also helps to get rid of cold and tonsillitis. To fight cough at home, take two teaspoons of giloy juice with warm water in the morning.
Saunf/Fennel seeds: This is one of nature’s finest expectorants. A cough syrup with saunf will not only soothe your throat but will also help dissolve phlegm (mucus) and make it possible to cough it out. It is also good for a dry cough and to reduce hoarseness in the voice.
Lavanga/Clove: It boosts immunity and will help you get rid of phlegm if you happen to catch a cold. Just add a few cloves in your morning cup of tea to enjoy a congestion-free day. A cough syrup with added clove if taken before going to bed can help alleviate spasmodic coughs in case of bronchitis.
Pippali/Long pepper: This spice is used in Ayurvedic medicine and effectively treats cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It helps to rejuvenate the lungs by expelling out the mucus from the respiratory tract. Drink pepper tea early in the morning for added benefits.
Pudina: It is cool and has a very strong odor. It acts as an expectorant and helps in the expulsion of phlegm thus helping you to recover faster. One simple way to stay away from cough, cold and asthma attacks is to plant a mint plant in your garden area because according to Ayurvedic doctors, this can help keep the diseases at bay. To get rid of cough, add 1/2 teaspoon of fresh/dried mint leaves to a cup of boiling hot water. Let the mixture steep, strain and drink when mildly warm.
Honey: With antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, honey is not only heavenly for your taste buds but also helps ease sore throat pain. It is also an effective cough suppressant. Take a teaspoonful of honey before going to bed at night to reduce the severity of cough symptoms. The ideal dosage would be 1 tablespoon of honey, 2-3 times a day. You can also add a few drops of honey to a glass of warm water along with some lemon juice to fight cough.
Dalchini/Cinnamon: This sweet spice is loaded with many health benefits and one of them is relief from cold and cough. It not only helps to relieve the congestion commonly experienced with a cold but is also great for a sore throat. Make cinnamon tea (add a pinch of cinnamon powder to a glass of hot water) or consume cinnamon powder along with honey to fight cough.
Still worried about your lingering cough? Don’t be any more as herbal remedies are nature’s best friends and extremely safe for your health. Include these superfoods in your daily diet regimen to fight winter cough in a natural and healthy way. However, if your condition still remains the same or if your condition becomes worse, then book an appointment with your doctor to get it treated. Stay healthy this winter!
Recommended Reads:
Types of Cough Medicines for Wet and Dry Cough
9 Reasons Your lingering Cough Is Not Improving