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You know the drill.
You come down with a cough, and you rush to the pharmacy for your go-to medicine. But what if there were other—possibly more natural—options available to you?
In this article, we will share some of the best natural cough remedies. From honey to essential oils, we’ve got you covered. So before you reach for that bottle of cough syrup, take a look at our list and see if one of these remedies might work.
Benefits of using honey
One natural cough remedy that’s been shown to be quite effective is honey.
Honey has long been used as a folk remedy for coughs, and there’s some evidence to suggest that it can help.
For starters, honey can help reduce nighttime coughing and improve sleep. And as a bonus, honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties which may help speed up healing.
Using humidifiers and steam for cough relief
If you are struggling with a cough, you might want to try using a humidifier or taking a steam bath.
A humidifier can help loosen chest and nasal congestion, and adding moisture to the air can help with cold symptoms. You can either use a cool-mist humidifier or a vaporizer. A warm bath can also be a great way to relax and get some relief from a persistent cough.
Essential oils to help reduce coughing
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Essential oils are natural compounds that have many benefits for the body.
One oil that is especially beneficial for reducing coughing is eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil contains cineole, which has antimicrobial effects. This means that it can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough.
Another excellent option is thyme oil. Thyme oil has carvacrol and thymol, which are both antimicrobial compounds. They can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough, as well as reduce inflammation.
Peeps looking for a more floral essential oil can try rosemary. Rosemary oil contains rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the throat and protect the cells from further damage.
Lavender oil is also a good choice for reducing coughing. It contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are both calming compounds that can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
And finally, we have cinnamon oil. Cinnamon oil has cinnamaldehyde, which is an antimicrobial compound. It can help kill the bacteria or virus that is causing the cough, as well as reduce inflammation.
When to seek medical advice for your persistent cough
If your cough has lasted for more than a week and is accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, or fever, it’s time to seek medical advice. These could be signs of something more serious, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So make an appointment with your family doctor to get it checked.
As we close, try out some of these natural remedies and see if they work. If they don’t, be sure to talk to your doctor about other possible remedies. Remember, it’s always wise to consult with your doctor before trying out anything new, especially if you have a back history of allergies.
