Cough can be fought with various home remedies. Mostly, these are herbal essences that are used as remedies. The effectiveness of many of these remedies has now even been scientifically proven.
What helps against cough?
The ingredients contained in onion syrup can relieve cough symptoms. In general, when choosing the right cough remedy, it must be remembered that the particular type of cough is treated properly. A dry, irritating cough requires a different remedy than a congested cough. Inhaling chamomile counteracts inflammation and soothes irritated mucous membranes. Important: Inhalation should be started at the first signs of a cough. Essential oils can also be used, but should never be used on children, asthmatics or allergy sufferers. Dry irritating cough is relieved by a cup of warm milk with honey. Milk has a soothing effect on irritation, honey works against the irritation of the cough. Children under one year of age should not be given honey. A well-known home remedy is warm potato compresses. For this, potatoes are boiled and mashed and wrapped in a linen cloth. This wrap is placed on the chest and/or back, where it stimulates blood circulation. Well-known should also be the onion juice, which has a particularly expectorant effect. The onions are chopped and boiled with sugar or honey. After cooling, the pieces are pressed through a cloth. Cough remedies can also be prepared from medicinal herbs. Thyme, anise and cowslip are good helpers against cough. Ribwort, ivy and mallow can also be made into tea. However, the teas must contain the appropriate herbs for the particular type of cough. In addition, teas must not steep too long, then the active ingredients partially evaporate.
Quick help
Quick help promises cough juices or cough drops, which should be present in every medicine cabinet. They contain concentrated extracts from various medicinal plants, such as ivy or thyme. Some of these juices are also suitable for children and combat all types of cough. Other remedies help to loosen mucus and contain acetylcysteine. Such agents are often not suitable for very young children and for pregnant women. A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted about this. A sip of water can often help quickly, because moistening the mucous membranes relieves irritation. Unsweetened tea can also help. It is important to increase the amount you drink every day, as this improves circulation to the mucous membranes and helps infections to subside more quickly. Gargling has proven to be very effective. Here, an additive of chamomile or other soothing plant essences should be added to the gargle. A cold bath also supports the immune system enormously, the essential oils contained in it not only act against coughs, but also against other cold complaints. Those who have the opportunity should treat themselves to a quiet walk in the fresh air, because dry heating air has a negative effect on the mucous membranes and therefore irritates to cough.
Alternative remedies
Naturopaths and homeopaths know about the power of natural remedies as well as alternative medicines. Different treatment options are considered for different types of coughs. Bryonia is used to combat a dry, irritating cough that is accompanied by chest pain and worsens when the sufferer moves from outdoors to indoors. Silicea is suitable for a dry irritating cough in which the sufferer feels that he has a foreign body in his throat. This remedy is also given when other cold complaints occur, such as sinusitis or discomfort when swallowing. These complaints are also relieved by Mercurius Solubilis. Those who suffer from a cough so severe that they gag or vomit should try Ipecacuanha. Lachesis is the remedy of choice when a spasmodic cough occurs and shortness of breath sets in. This shortness of breath does not even have to be objectively present; the subjective feeling of such a problem is enough. The remedy acts against the swelling in the throat. All compresses – onion, potato and curd compresses – are also counted among the alternative cures for cough.
