Allergies, colds, and other respiratory problems are all accompanied by a cough. We cough in order to remove irritating substances from our airways. Although coughing is the body’s way of expelling irritating substances, too much coughing can keep you awake, and make it hard to relax. There are people who have had severe coughing attacks and have broken ribs. Although coughing can be a good way to keep germs and other substances out of our bodies, it can become a nuisance.

Respiratory tract infections like allergies or colds produce a mucus filled cough, which is a productive cough. When mucus builds up in the airways and makes it hard to breathe, the body acts to remove it by coughing. However, airborne irritants, smoking, dust, or inhaling fumes will result in what is known as a dry cough.

Although most coughs except for a more severe health condition will go away within a week to ten days, but in the meantime, here are some remedies to try.

Cough Home Remedies

Go to a drugstore and get something called slippery elm lozenges. These lozenges are filled with a substance that helps to soothe the throat and reduces coughing.

According to the Doctors Book of Home Remedies, add 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder or liquid to 2 cups of hot water. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar, add a sprinkling of cinnamon, and drink it down.

Make a cup of ginger tea and sip it. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is a widely used herb for people with throat problems.

Some studies point to the fact that sucking on zinc lozenges can be beneficial in soothing a scratchy throat. You should get a Doctor’s permission before trying this one.

Drink plenty of water. Drinking the recommended amount of water, which is eight 8-ounce glasses each day, will help to moisten the tissues in the throat therefore, easing the cough. Keeping the tissues in the throat moist also gives good protection and viruses that may be trying to invade.

Although there is no cure for the common cold, most agree that taking vitamin C is beneficial. Taking this vitamin at the first sign of trouble could help lessen the severity of coughs and other symptoms associated with the cold, or flu.

Echinacea is another herb that is beneficial to those suffering from cough related problems. Echinacea is readily available in many health food stores, and most drugstores. Echinacea helps the immune system to fight off cold viruses, and reduces the duration of coughs and other symptoms.

Drinking hot liquids is also recommended. Hot liquids are soothing to the throat. A nice hot cup of lemon-grass tea is just what the doctor ordered. Adding honey as a sweetener to the tea is also great, because honey have a soothing effect on the tissues and cough receptors in the throat.

Garlic contains a chemical compound that helps hinder cough-causing viruses in the respiratory tract. Eating raw or lightly cooked garlic can help deliver a knockout punch to colds and other respiratory infections caused by viruses. Garlic is a well-known and powerful antibiotic herb.

Add plenty of hot and sharp spices like pepper, garlic, and curry powder to chicken or some other type of light soup. These spices are known to break up mucus in the lungs, and aiding the body in expelling it.

Use a humidifier once or twice a day.

Stop smoking, or stay away from cigarette smoke. Smokers or people who continually inhale second hand smoke will always suffer from coughs. Smoking irritates the throat and causes the body to produce mucus to help with the irritation.

Use over-the-counter cough suppressants.

Coughing can also be caused by heartburn. The stomach acids that cause heartburn can also set off coughing fits. This is a result of the acid irritating the esophagus or airways. Stomach acids are to blame if you mainly cough at night, after a meal, or lying down. If you suspect that stomach acids are the cause of the problem you can find out how to stop the burn by clicking the link below.

Get some rest. In today’s hustle and bustle world, people are always on the go. This way of living will only break down the body in the long term. People with colds or flu like symptoms should get adequate rest. The body does most of the healing when we sleep; therefore, getting enough sleep will help with cold and flu like symptoms including coughs.