How To Get Rid of a Cough Naturally

Coughing is a reflex that keeps your throat and lungs clear. Although it can be annoying, coughing helps your body heal or protect itself. Coughs can be either acute or chronic. They begin suddenly and usually last no more than two to three weeks. It is imperative to treat a cough before it gets worse and becomes a significant issue. Here, we will be discussing the various measures that can be taken to stop coughing, the home remedies that can be taken, the over-the-counter medicines that can be taken, and the changes that can be made in the lifestyle to prevent coughing and to avoid the side effects of coughing. Knowledge of the various types of coughs and their causes is the best way to start towards treatment and control. Learn how to get rid of a cough naturally, improve your respiratory health, and enhance your overall quality of life.

Common Causes of Cough

It is also important to know the typical causes of a cough in order to address the issue properly. Here are some of the primary reasons you might be experiencing a cough:

Cold and Flu

Acute cough is most often associated with a viral infection that can also cause other symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, and fever. It tends to irritate the upper respiratory system and this causes a cough because the body is trying to expel the virus.

Allergies

The presence of allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, and dander from pets can lead to coughing. It leads to inflammation and irritation of the airways hence leading to a cough that is persistent.

Asthma

Asthma is a medical condition that results in the constriction of the airways as well as inflammation, which causes breathing problems and coughing. It usually causes a dry cough that persists for a long time and may worsen at night and during exercise.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

The stomach acid that flows up could erode the lining of the oesophagus, which in turn could trigger a cough. This type of cough is aggravated by eating or lying down and is usually worse at night.

Smoking

Smoking has an inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract and impairs the cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures that are supposed to sweep mucus out of the respiratory tract. Results in a persistent cough, referred to as smoker’s cough, that is usually more severe in the early morning.

Respiratory Infections

These infections lead to inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, which results in a severe cough. It may be dry or may produce mucus, and it can be associated with chest pains, fever, and breathing difficulties.

Environmental Irritants

Airborne substances such as dust, smog, toxic gases, chemicals, and even strong smells can cause a cough. It stimulates the respiratory tract, and this leads to the formation of a reflex cough to get rid of the irritants.

Postnasal Drip

Sometimes the nasal passages produce too much mucus, which may drain to the back of the throat, causing coughing. This often results in tickling in the throat and coughing that never seems to end but rather worsens.

Effective Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Cough

Honey For Dry Cough

Honey has antibacterial and wound-healing properties. It can also help to coat the throat, which reduces irritation, pain, and inflammation, so it is very useful for both daytime and nighttime coughs. You can try taking honey by the teaspoon several times a day, or add it to tea or warm water to drink. But here, you should remember one thing. Never give honey to a child under one year old, as honey can cause rare complications called infant botalism or floppy baby syndrome. It is due to the ingestion of bacteria toxin, which can be present in honey.

Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water is one of the simplest and most effective home remedies. The salt here helps to pull out the mucus from your swollen and inflamed tissue. Saltwater gargling helps to relieve discomfort and a scratchy throat. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to lukewarm water. Do the salt water gargling several times each day.

Humidifier For Cough

Using a humidifier can be an effective way to relieve a cough, especially if it’s caused by dry air or respiratory conditions. Turn on the coal mist humidifier to increase the moisture in your room. And if you don’t have a humidifier, you can still get relief by taking a hot shower. The steam from a warm shower loses the mucus and can moisturise and soothe your sore throat. You can also get steam from hot water in any container.

Ginger

Ginger is very beneficial for a dry cough. It can suppress the cough reflex by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which relieve pain and discomfort. Studies have reported that ginger a chemical compound in fresh ginger is able to suppress the airway, which can trigger symptoms of asthma, including cough. Ginger can be found in many teas as an ingredient  You can also make ginger tea from ginger root by steeping the peel or cut root in warm water. Adding honey may make it even better and beneficial for a dry cough. However, you should remember that consuming too much ginger may cause stomach upset, heartburn, or diarrhoea.

Thyme

Thyme contains a compound called thymol that is believed to have antispasmodic effects. It can help relax the smooth muscles of the throat. Thyme is safe for occasional use only. You can make thyme tea by infusing three to four teaspoons of the dried herb in 250 ml of boiling water. You can add honey for an extra cough relieving benefit but here is one thing i would like to mention: You shouldn’t consume thyme essential oil, it can cause a serious drop in blood pressure.

Marshmallow Roots

Marshmallow is a type of herb. It’s used in cough syrup and in lozenges to soothe a dry cough. A study found that it’s an effective treatment for soothing the throat and reducing the irritation caused by a dry cough. Marshmallow roots also have antibacterial properties. Drink marshmallow root tea or take it in capsule form, following the dosage instructions on the package.

Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol, which helps to numb nerve endings in the throat that become irritated by coughing. This may provide pain relief and reduce the urge to cough. Peppermint also helps to reduce congestion. You can take peppermint lozenges or peppermint tea. If you are dealing with a nighttime cough, then you should be drinking peppermint tea, before bedtime would be very helpful.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Control Coughing Naturally

It is important to note that adopting some changes in your lifestyle can greatly assist in the prevention and control of coughing. It is essential to stay away from irritants like smoke and air pollutants and prevent exposure to common allergens like pollen and dust mites. Smoking cessation and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly reduce the frequency of chronic coughs.

Humidifying indoor air to a range of 30–50% through the use of a humidifier helps to keep the airways moist and hence not irritated. Drinking a lot of water, tea, and warm liquids also helps to thin the mucus, which is easier to cough up, and soothes the throat. These strategies not only treat existing coughs, but they also help prevent the occurrence of coughs.

Preventive Measures for a Cough-Free and Healthier Respiratory System

There are some preventive measures that can be taken to ensure that you do not develop cough and generally have a healthier respiratory system. It is also important to get vaccinations for illnesses like the flu, and whooping cough because they can cause coughing. Eating a healthy diet that is comprised of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods strengthens the immune system hence reducing the chances of one getting infected. Exercise also helps to build up the strength of your immune system and enhance the health of the lungs. In order to prevent getting sick, you should wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with infected persons to minimize chances of getting an illness that may lead to coughing.

Conclusion

Cough management and prevention are critical to overall respiratory health and quality of life. It is important to know the causes of coughs and the natural ways of treating them, which include drinking water, taking honey, and steam inhalation. Over-the-counter drugs also help in soothing the throat, preventing coughs from occurring in the first place, and using a humidifier, avoiding irritants, and eating healthy also help. By following these steps, you can minimise the occurrence and intensity of coughs, thus improving your respiratory health and overall quality of life.