Cough is a very common problem that everyone face time to time. Specially when the season is changing, or you got wet in rain, or you catch cold from someone around. Sometimes the cough is dry and sometimes its wet with mucus. Both can be really annoying. Keep coughing in office or at night can disturb sleep and even others around you.
There are many home remedies for cough which can give good relief without taking too much medicine. Lot of these remedies are old, from grandma’s time, and people still use it because they work really good in many cases.
In this article, we talk about what causes cough and some best home remedies to try when you’re coughing too much.
What Causes Cough?
Cough is mostly a reaction by your body to clear out irritants from your throat or airways. Sometimes it’s because of infections, sometimes allergies, and even dry air can do it.
Some common causes:
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Common cold or flu
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Dust or allergy
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Asthma
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Pollution or smoke
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Acid reflux (yes, even that can cause cough)
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Post nasal drip (mucus dripping from nose to throat)
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Covid (still happens, don’t ignore long cough)
If cough is more than 2-3 weeks or getting worse, you should check with doctor. But if it’s just a normal seasonal thing, home remedies can help.
Types of Cough
Before trying remedies, it help to know what kind of cough you have:
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Dry cough – no mucus, throat feels itchy
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Wet cough – there is mucus or phlegm
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Night cough – usually worse at bedtime
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Allergic cough – happens with dust, pets, etc.
Each type need slightly different care, but many home remedies work for both.
Best Home Remedies for Cough
Now let’s look at some of the top home remedies for cough. Most of these are natural and don’t have side effects like heavy medicines.
1. Honey
Honey is the most popular home remedy for cough. It coats the throat and reduce irritation.
How to use:
Take 1 spoon of honey before bed. Or mix in warm water or tea. Add a bit of ginger or lemon for more effect.
Don’t give honey to babies below 1 year old!
2. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial power. It helps relax throat muscles and fight infections.
How to use:
Boil fresh ginger slices in water for 10 mins. Drink it warm. Add honey if you like.
You can also chew small piece of raw ginger with salt.
3. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi is a magical herb in Indian homes. It helps boost immunity and great for cough and cold.
How to use:
Boil few tulsi leaves in water, drink as tea. Or just chew raw leaves.
Can also mix with honey and ginger juice for extra power.
4. Steam Inhalation
Steam helps to loosen mucus and clear airways. Also gives relief to dry irritated throat.
How to do:
Boil water and inhale the steam by covering your head with towel. Add few drops of eucalyptus oil if you have.
Do 1-2 times a day for best result.
5. Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and fights infection. It also help you sleep better.
How to make:
Add ½ tsp turmeric in warm milk. Drink at night before bed.
Also good if your body feel weak or you have sore muscles.
6. Salt Water Gargle
Simple but very effective. Salt helps kill bacteria and soothe throat.
How to use:
Mix ½ tsp salt in warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Do 2-3 times a day.
Don’t swallow the water, just spit out.
7. Black Pepper and Honey
Black pepper stimulate circulation and helps in clearing mucus.
How to use:
Crush some black pepper and mix with honey. Take small spoon 2-3 times in day.
Strong but works well.
8. Onion Juice and Honey
Sounds weird but many people swear by it. Onion is good for wet cough specially.
How to use:
Grate onion and squeeze juice. Mix 1 tsp with 1 tsp honey and take once or twice daily.
Smell is strong but good for chest congestion.
9. Liquorice (Mulethi)
Mulethi helps in soothing throat and reducing cough. Also help with hoarseness.
How to use:
Make tea with mulethi root. Or chew small piece (if it’s clean and edible type).
Not for people with high BP (can raise pressure).
10. Amala (Indian Gooseberry)
Rich in vitamin C, good for immunity and clearing throat.
How to use:
Eat fresh amala or drink juice in morning. Mix with honey if juice is too sour.
Also helps long-term if you have regular throat problem.
Foods to Avoid During Cough
When you have cough, some foods make it worse:
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Cold drinks or ice cream
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Very spicy or oily food
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Too much sweets
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Fried snacks
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Milk for some people (increase mucus)
Better to eat warm, soft, non-spicy meals. Drink plenty warm fluids.
When To See Doctor?
If cough doesn’t go in 1-2 weeks or gets worse, better visit doctor. Also go if:
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You have high fever
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Blood in cough
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Pain in chest
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Difficulty in breathing
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Cough lasts more than 3 weeks
Sometimes it can be bronchitis or something serious like pneumonia or TB.
Tips To Prevent Cough
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Avoid sudden weather change (carry sweater or scarf)
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Stay away from people who are sick
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Drink warm water throughout day
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Wash hands regularly
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Don’t smoke or stay near smoke
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Use mask in dusty area
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Strengthen immunity with good food and sleep
Final Thoughts
Cough can be really disturbing and painful if not taken care in early stage. Luckily, with simple home remedies like honey, ginger, tulsi, steam and turmeric milk, you can manage it well without strong medicines.
Everybody’s body is different, so try few remedies and see which one suits you best. Natural things take little time but they help from inside and don’t harm.
Hope this article helps you understand home remedies for cough in a simple and friendly way (with few mistakes too – just like we all do ). Try and feel better soon. Share this with anyone who’s coughing all day!
Stay warm, drink ginger tea, and keep your throat happy!