Got an irritating cough? Before
you ask for an over-the-counter solution, try one of these natural remedies.
Blend almonds to remedy a cough.
Some ancient traditions believe
almonds help relieve bronchial problems, including coughs. They recommend
blending a few teaspoons of finely ground almonds with a cup of orange juice
and sipping it for relief.
Brew black pepper tea for a wet cough.
This natural remedy is originated
in two very different traditions: New England folk medicine and traditional
Chinese medicine. The rationale behind it is that black pepper stimulates
circulation and mucus flow; honey is a natural cough reliever and mild
antibiotic. To make the tea, place 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
and 2 tablespoons of honey in a cup. Fill with boiling water and let steep,
covered, for 15 minutes. Strain and sip as needed. This remedy works best on
coughs that produce mucus and isn’t suitable for dry coughs.
Steep some thyme to relieve a cough.
Thyme is an officially approved
German treatment for coughs, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and
whooping cough, with good reason: Those tiny leaves are packed with
cough-relieving compounds. Thyme flavonoids relax tracheal and ileal muscles, which
are involved in coughing, and also reduce soreness. To make a tea, mix 2
teaspoons crushed leaves in 1 cup boiling water, cover, and then steep for 10
minutes and strain.
Fight a cough with flax, honey, and lemon.
Boiling flaxseeds in water gives
you a thick, soppy gel that soothes the throat and the bronchial tract. Honey
and lemon act as mild antibiotics, and make this syrup super-soothing. For this
natural remedy, boil 2 to 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds in 1 cup of water until
the water becomes thick. Strain, then add 3 tablespoons each of honey and lemon
juice. Take 1 tablespoon as desired.
Suck a lemon for fast-acting cough relief.
This isn’t for the faint of
heart, but it is a commonly used traditional remedy: Quarter a fresh lemon,
sprinkle it with lots of black pepper and salt, and suck on it for quick
relief.
Sip some warm milk to help a cough.
Another popular traditional cure
for a cough is to drink a cup of hot milk sweetened with honey.
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