Remedies For Cough
Why do we Cough? A cough is a sudden and generally repetitive occurrence of the natural defense reflex which helps to rid the breathing passages of foreign particles, microbes, irritants and excess secretions. The cough reflex consists of three phases—inhalation, a forced exhalation, and a violent release of air from the lungs following the opening of glottis. It may happen voluntarily or involuntarily, although most coughs are involuntary.
If there is frequent or severe coughing it could indicate the presence of disease caused by viruses and bacteria. A cough may last from less than three weeks to a chronic condition when it lasts up to eight weeks. Inflammation of the throat tissues may make it difficult to swallow solid foods. Smoking and pollution are common causes for coughs. Coughing can also be set off by common cold, pneumonia, pertussis, and tuberculosis.
What are the Remedies for Cough? There are plenty of cough medicines available; however, nature proffers the best remedies for cough. The simplest cure for cough is humidity in the air. You can use a vaporizer or have a steamy shower to great effect. Drink extra fluids to help thin secretions and ease a cough.
If your cough is accompanied by a cold, you can try garlic juice made by adding a few drops of garlic oil to a teaspoon full of onion juice. Dilute it in a cup of water and drink up. Ginger is an effective remedy for a cough. You can use a teaspoon of ginger paste and half a teaspoon of pepper and heat them in a cup of water till piping hot but not boiling. Strain the liquid and add honey. Then drink the concoction to relieve your cough and cold.
You may keep a few peppercorns in the mouth and chew them slowly to decongest the nasal passage. If you find this too bitter, you can add half a teaspoon of fresh pepper powder, a pinch of turmeric, and a teaspoon of honey to a glass of hot milk. This will help in reducing your cough and ease breathing. You may chew black pepper with a few cumin seeds and a pinch of salt to make it more palatable.
Cloves are also effective in curing cough. You can boil half a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water and use it for gargling. You can apply a paste of betel leaves on your chest to alleviate your cough. Chicken soup is another excellent remedy for a cough. You may add cumin seeds, pepper, salt, and turmeric while making the soup. You can soak almonds in water for an hour or so and remove the brown skin. Make a paste and add butter and sugar and consume this twice a day to relieve a dry cough.
The best remedy is to go on a fruit juice fast to flush the body of toxins. You should avoid cold foods as these can aggravate cough. Drink warm water throughout the day to soothe the throat. Avoid cucumbers, green bananas, papayas, and watermelon as they cool the body a little too much. Avoid oily foods and increase your intake of foods rich in fiber.
