We all get coughs from time to time, but it’s essential to know when to worry and when you can fix it with a few simple home remedies. Read on to discover some simple and effective herbal remedies for cough relief.
You may be tempted to reach for over-the-counter medications or even antibiotics. Still, there are plenty of naturally occurring herbs that have been shown to relieve cough symptoms almost as well as traditional drugs, and are by far much better alternatives to paracetamol.
There’s also the added benefit of making your own cough medicine at home to avoid chemicals or additives found in store-bought brands.
This article looks at five tried and tested herbal remedies for coughs that work, including how to use them and what other ingredients you can combine for an even more effective treatment.
Kratom Tea
Kratom leaves can treat coughs and colds. Kratom leaves have been used for their medicinal purposes by Southeast Asian communities for thousands of years, and when you make kratom tea with it, you can enjoy similar benefits.
Kratom tea is a liquid that contains both water and the alkaloids present in kratom leaves. This liquid can be consumed to relieve various symptoms of coughs and colds, including blocked nasal passage, sore throat, and even chest congestion.
You can steep kratom leaves to make Kratom tea in hot water or milk. It can also be combined with herbs that promote respiratory health, such as chamomile, mint, and lemongrass.
Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the most potent herbal remedies for a cough.
Eucalyptus oil’s properties are exceptional. The oil has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent remedy for infections that lead to coughs.
Eucalyptus oil’s a natural decongestant and helps break up congestion and relieve cough symptoms.
The best way to use eucalyptus oil is to add ten drops of the oil to a pot of hot water and inhale the steam as it evaporates. Alternatively, you can add eucalyptus oil to your humidifier or vaporizer at night to sleep better without coughing.
Honey
Honey is a natural cough suppressant, and it can help soothe the throat when you are coughing. Plus, it has antibacterial properties that help fight cold-causing infections in the body.
A 2012 study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews reported that honey could reduce nighttime coughs and improve sleep quality in children with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs).
Consuming one tablespoon of honey at bedtime helps relieve the irritation in your throat caused by coughing. You can also add one teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water and drink it once daily to alleviate the discomfort caused by a dry cough.
You can add one teaspoon of lemon juice and honey to a glass of warm water. Drink this once or twice daily.
Another option is to mix two tablespoons of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and take one teaspoon of this mixture every four hours.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a flower that comes from the daisy family, and it’s one of the most popular herbal remedies in the world. You can use chamomile topically or consume it to reap its benefits.
Chamomile tea is often used to treat an upset stomach, and it’s been used for centuries as an anxiety remedy. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties and help with cold symptoms like a cough.
The active ingredients in chamomile are an antioxidant called apigenin and an anti-inflammatory compound called bisabolol.
A study found that chamomile extract can be as effective as dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) for suppressing coughing fits.
Chamomile tea is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed hot or cold. You can also add honey or another sweetener to taste.
For cough relief, you can take 2 to 4 milliliters of chamomile extract each day or drink up to 4 cups of chamomile tea per day. If you’re pregnant, you should speak with your doctor before taking any chamomile supplements.
Consuming chamomile tea can also help relieve a sore throat and nasal congestion.
Marshmallow root
Marshmallow root is a traditional herbal remedy used for more than 2,000 years. The root is rich in nutrients, including amino acids and minerals. Marshmallow is also loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage in the body.
Marshmallow root can be consumed as an herbal tea and has a distinct flavor that makes it a great addition to other teas and hot chocolate. You can also find marshmallow root in supplement form.
To relieve coughs, consume marshmallow root tea at least once per day. You can even make your own by boiling some dried marshmallows in water and adding lemon juice or honey for flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from a cough and want some quick relief, these herbs are your best bet. They are entirely natural and can be found in your kitchen or supplemented through herbal teas. Herbs have been used to relieve coughs for centuries, so they’re worth a shot when nothing else is working!
