Coughing is an action of the body to get rid from the substances that irritate the air passages and create problem while breathing. It is a reflex to clear your throat and airways. It is a symptom, not a disease and usually last for more than 2 weeks. Cough can be classified on the basis of its duration, quality, and timing.
It can be caused due to several reasons including air pollution, tobacco smoke, irritant gases, particulate matter, and dampness in the living area. However, herbs have shown positive results in expelling the irritating cough problem. They effectively sooth your wind pipe and clear the passage of air. Here are some herbal remedies that shall alleviate coughing problem.
Herbal Remedies For Cough
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, also known as Eucalyptus globulus, is an herbal remedy that is often used to treat various health-related problems including cough problem. It is helpful to break up phlegm and prevent congestion problem. Eucalyptus oil is used to rub on the chest or you can also inhale the vapours to get rid from congested cough and stuffy nose. It is found in cough syrups, vapour bath, and lozenges throughout the States of America and Europe. Add a few (2-3) drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowel filled with hot water. Cover your head with a towel and try to inhale the steam for effective relief. Avoid the intake of eucalyptus oil orally without consulting your doctor.
Lobelia Inflata
The herb is also known as Indian tobacco and used as an expectorant to prevent chronic coughing problem. It helps to alleviate the blockage occurred in the chest and further aid to remove the mucus that clears the airways. It can be taken in a tea form or liquid extract. For effective result, drink few drops of it mixed in juice or water. Homeopathic lobelia is easily available over-the-counter. But it is recommended to consult your practitioner for confirming the exact dosage of this her.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), has a medicinal value to that is used to treat various health conditions including cough. It contains menthol, which act as a decongestant that helps in thinning the muscus to prevent dry cough and sore throats. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that prove to be beneficial to cure coughing. Peppermint oil can be rubbed over the chest to get relief from congestion problem related to cough. Moreover, you can also take steam by mixing 3-4 drops of peppermint oil in hot water 2-3 times a day.
Thyme
Thyme is a traditional herb that is often used for medicinal purpose to cure cough. It may help to cure bronchitis and best known for treating cold symptoms and cough. Thyme acts as an expectorant to clear the congestion in the lungs and also as an antitussive that may help to calm coughing spasms. It has antispasmodic property that may relax the bronchial tubes and prevent coughing fits. Thyme oil contains antibacterial, expectorant, and antiseptic properties that is commonly used in many cough syrups. Prepare a cup of thyme tea to aid bronchitis cough. Boil 1 tablespoon of dried thyme leaves mixed with water for 5 minutes and then add honey, ginger and lemon before drinking it.
Or you can also add 1 tablespoon of thyme oil in 2 cups of boiling water and then lean over the bowel to inhale the steam through your nose by covering your head with a towel. It will definitely provide you relief from cough and congestion.
Licorice Root
Licorice root, which is also called Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly used to relieve cough and other symptoms associated to it. Licorice root also acts as an expectorant that helps to clear the congestion blockage from the bronchial tubes and lungs. Licorice root is found in different forms such as capsules, tablet, dried powder, and liquid extract. Adults can take 2-4 ml of liquid extract of licorice root or 1-4 grams of licorice root powder to get rid from cough.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel is a seed like aromatic herb that is used to treat various health conditions including cough. It is also known as Florence fennel, sweet anise, and finocchio. Fennel is best known for its culinary properties and its essential oil contains chemicals that may help to loosen congestion. It also helps to calm the dry and hacking cough of bronchitis. It is available in capsule form and also as a dried herb. You can also drink fennel seed tea for more benefits. Boil 1 litre water in a bowel and add 4-5 teaspoon of fennel seeds. After this, cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowel to inhale the vapours to get rid from coughing.
Ginger
Ginger is often used as an herbal remedy that is used to cure different health problems. It helps to prevent coughing and soothes sore throat, caused by common cold. It also help to cleanse and health the respiratory system and even eliminates mucus from the lungs responsible for causing cough. Drink ginger tea 2-3 times a day to get rid from coughing problem. Or you can rub ginger oil on the chest and back of the person to cure cough problem. Ginger is also known as natural muscle relaxer that provides relief from spasms caused by intense coughing.
Mix half teaspoon of ginger powder into one cup of boiled water, add lemon and honey before drinking it 2-3 times every day. You can also take a steam by adding few drops of ginger oil in a bowel filled with boiled water. Lean over the bowel and cover your head with a towel to inhale the vapours to get rid from coughing.
White Pine Tea
The inner bark of the white pine herb is quite helpful remedy to treat cough and congestion caused due to cold and bronchitis. Pine needle tea is beneficial to remove phlegm caused by congestion of coughs. It helps to loosen the mucus from the lungs. Take some pine needles and remove the papery brown coverings and chop them into half inches. Then, mix one tablespoon of chopped needles in a cup of hot water. Wait for 10 minutes before adding honey into it. Drink this mixture for desired result.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
