A cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants. Coughing to clear the throat is typically an infrequent action, although there are a number of conditions that can cause more frequent bouts of coughing here is best home remedies for cough.
In general, a cough that lasts for less than three weeks is an acute cough.
A cough that lasts between three and eight weeks, improving by the end of that period, is a sub-acute cough.
A persistent cough that lasts more than eight weeks is a chronic cough.
Most cough episodes will clear up, or at least significantly improve, within two weeks. If you cough up blood or have a “barking” cough, talk to your doctor. Any cough that hasn’t improved after a few weeks may be serious and you should see a doctor.
What Causes a Cough?
Viruses and Bacteria
The most common cause of a cough is a respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or flu. Respiratory tract infections are usually caused by a virus and may last from a few days to a week. Infections caused by the flu may take a little longer time to clear up.
Smoking
Smoking is the second most common cause of coughing. A cough caused by smoking is almost always a chronic cough, with a distinctive sound. It’s often known as “smoker’s lung” or “smoker’s cough.”
Asthma
The most common cause of coughing in young children is asthma. Typically, asthmatic coughing involves wheezing, making it easy to identify. Mild cases of asthma may just be observed, but more severe cases will require treatment using an inhaler. It is possible for children to grow out of asthma as they get older.
Home remedies for cough (Home-Made Cough Syrup)
Cough Syrup 1
Add ¾ cup raw organic honey, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil and juice of 3 lemons to a small pot over medium heat until steaming. Remove from the heat & let it cool. Place it into a mason jar or other container with a tight fitting lid. Store it in the fridge for 3 months, or on the counter top for 1.5 months. This is very effective among all home remedies for cough.
Tips:
- Use by the teaspoon or tablespoon, as needed.
- Stir & warm before using
- Use as soon as you feel a cold coming on.
- Also great for allergies
Cough Syrup 2
Mix 8 tbsp of honey with 3 tbsp of warm tap water. Add in thyme, pepper and ginger (add 1.5 tsp of each). Whisk quickly for roughly two minutes or until the texture is even and consistent.
This can keep this home remedies for cough good for several weeks in a cool, dry location and in a well-sealed container. The quantity above will get you through a few days and after that you can make another batch if needed.
Cough Syrup 3
Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp water, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp ground ginger in a small jar and shake to combine. Leave at room temperature for a few days or place in the refrigerator for longer storage. Shake well each time, before using. The spices will not dissolve into the liquid. It will not be a thick syrup, it should remain watery. Take as needed.
Cough Syrup 4
Combine 3 tbsp raw honey, 2 tbsp unrefined coconut oil, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp cinnamon powder until well mixed. (Do not heat your honey. Heating destroys the beneficial enzymes. If you must heat your honey, do so at the lowest temperature possible). Take 1-2 teaspoons, 3 to 5 times a day at the first sign of a cold or cough.
Cough Syrup 5
Crush 1 garlic cloves (no need to peel) and add them to a saucepan with 1 ¼ cup water. Bring to boil and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Reduce it to ½ cup water which will be a decoction. Add the juice of ½ lemon and 2 tbsp honey and simmer on very low heat for another 2 minutes. Allow the syrup to cool slightly and strain into a glass jar or bottle. This homemade cough syrup will keep for two to three weeks in the fridge.
- These are best home remedies for cough.
