Home remedy for cough

Home remedy for cough

There are several home remedies for cough which are effective in soothing the throat but the one I prefer most is using ginger, garlic and honey mix. A study has shown that honey can relieve nocturnal cough more effectively than over-the-counter drugs that contain dextromethorphan (cough suppressant).

Cough

Cough is the most common symptom of respiratory tract infection however, it is a very common symptom observed in other diseases. In addition, it is an airway defensive mechanism which protects the lower airway from sucking in foreign particles. Cough can be classified as productive (wet) and non-productive (dry) and based on duration of coughing, it can also be acute mostly associated with common cold (less than 3 weeks), subacute (3 to 8 weeks) or chronic (persists for more than 8 weeks).

Triggers of Cough

There are many causes of cough but common triggers include: virus for colds and flu, asthma,  allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, irritants such as cold air, smoke and strong perfumes.  Cough can be treated using over-the-counter drugs such as suppressants and expectorants. Normally it is better not to suppress cough except when it is debilitating or disturbs your sleep in case of elderly people. For more persistent cough, it is always advisable to see your physician for further investigations.

Prevention of Cough

Cough can be prevented by avoiding triggers, removing allergens from home, staying hydrated, taking home remedies including hot drinks and lozenges.
Maintain a good personal hygiene:
- Cover your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze to avoid infecting others.
- Wash your hands frequently especially after coughing.
- Remove dust from all the surfaces and corners in your home.
- Keep your beddings clean and wash weekly using hot water and dry using a dryer not on a
  clothesline.

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a root or an underground stem (rhizome) which is widely used as herb and food flavouring agent. Traditionally it is used to cure some ailments including cough, common cold, nausea, vomiting and inflammation. It has also been reported to have  anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant and anti-fungal activities. The anti-inflammatory substance, gingerol contained in ginger can soothe the scratchy pain and irritation of a sore throat which stimulates coughing.

Ginger root

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is worldly regarded because of it medicinal and culinary value. Garlic has the properties of empowering immune systems and its active substance 'allicin' has also shown anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant abilities. It lowers glycemia, cholesterol and has anti-tumour agents, however can lacerate the stomach when taken excessively. Garlic mobilises immune system  to defend the body against infectious diseases.

Garlic bulb and cloves

Honey 

Honey is a sweet viscous liquid with a complex chemical composition. It is a by product of nectar and bee which is concentrated through dehydration process. For centuries in traditional medicine, it has been used due to its therapeutics effects. Numerous researches have shown that natural honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-bactericidal activities.  The World Health Organisation has identified honey as a demulcent, a substance that soothes, relieves irritation and inflammation of the mucus membrane by forming a protective film.

Honey

WARNING: Do not give honey to children less than 1 year of age due to their poor immunity against Clostridium Botulinum (a contaminant in honey which is an important source of Infant botulism)

Materials:

1 part of ginger root. 

2 cloves of garlic.

1 desert spoonful of any brand of honey.

Procedure:

- Wash a part of fresh ginger root and 2 garlic cloves, peel off their skin.

- Crush your ginger and garlic separately and set aside.

- Measure 200ml of clean water into a kettle and bring to boil at 100°C. 

- Add the ground garlic and ginger into the already boiled water.

- Allow it to stand for 10 - 15 mins and decant the water using a filter paper.

- Drink the water while hot.

- You can drink up to 4 times in a day as you want.

You can repeat the remedy for 3 days if the symptoms persist, consult your doctor. This can as well serve as a healthy and normal tea even when there is no symptom of cough.