Don’t suffer from a stubborn cough. These six home remedies can help you get rid of it
1. Honey.
Maybe you don’t know honey would be just as good at suppressing a cold as dextromethorphan. The Mayo Clinic claims 2 teaspoons of honey will work just as well as the over-the-counter cough syrups containing dextromethorphan at soothing the nagging cough.
2. Chicken noodle soup.
Dr. Oz and WebMD both agree that chicken noodle soup is great for soothing a cough. It helps keep the mucus moving, and the steam helps thin the mucus. The spices in it help break down the phlegm, so it’s easier to cough out.
3. Lemon and honey.
This is another age-old remedy you should never ignore. Try using warm lemon water with 2 teaspoons of honey for a cough. The lemon helps break up the phlegm, while the honey soothes the cough.
4. Peppermint.
Try simply drinking peppermint tea and inhaling the steam from it to help open the sinuses at the same time, or you can make a steam bath by adding 3 to 4 drops of peppermint essential oils to 150 milliliters of hot water.
5. Salt water.
You all have probably heard the old-fashioned remedy of gargling salt water, but you may have dismissed it as just an “old wives’ tale.” Gargling salt water actually helps relieve the symptoms of a sore throat and may help prevent further infection. Here’s a common recipe for a saltwater gargle: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
6. Pineapple cough syrup.
The cough syrup won’t harm you and the honey in it is known to help. Here’s one recipe: 1 pineapple cut and cored, 1 tablespoons honey, 1 lemon juiced, 3 inches of ginger root peeled and chopped, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Blend all of this together until smooth and use the syrup as needed.
The next time a cold decides to descend upon you or your family, grab some honey and lemon, and make yourself an elixir. You can save yourself a trip to the store, and know that it’s healthy at the same time!
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Dr. Oz and WebMD
