Cough is the last thing you want to make to break the silence in a room. Coughing is a natural phenomenon that gives nuisance not only to the person who coughs but also to other members nearby. It creates an uncomfortable feeling all around. Cough can be persistent or occasional, and dry cough or productive cough. Productive cough is one that is accompanied with phlegm and mucus. Your body drives you to cough up the mucus from the lungs or chest region. It is not good to suppress productive cough and doctors often prescribe expectorant to loosen the mucus.
Dry cough is basically caused by allergies, irritants and exposure to dry and dusty atmosphere. You will have to take pills or syrups that contain diphenylhydramine or dextromethorphan for reducing dry persistent cough.
You can get rid of cough with simple ingredients straight in your kitchen and some of which are given here.
1. Honey
Irritated mucus membrane of your throat can be quickly calmed down with a spoon of honey. It is better than over the counter syrups and drugs. Owing to its sticky nature it coats the irritated throat giving soothing effect. Honey is a natural antibacterial agent and hence highly recommended for infectious cough. Children and adults can take honey for getting rid of honey. Drink one tsp of honey before bedtime to get uninterrupted sleep. You can also take honey added with herbal tea or plain warm water, 3-4 times a day to control cough. Repeat this simple remedy for a week or until you have cough.
2. Licorice Root
Licorice root acts as a demulcent and expectorant to ease cough. It can effectively loosen the mucus thus removing the congestion from the lungs. Inflammation in and around the mucus lining of the throat can also be treated with licorice root. The component called glycyrrhizin is several times sweeter than normal sugar and hence should be used in small proportion. One should not exceed dose of 30 mg/ml of licorice powder as per the warning issued by the WHO. People living with steroid medications or kidney problems should totally avoid taking licorice. You can prepare tea with licorice tea by adding 1 tsp of licorice root powder to a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for 10 minutes. You can get relief from any kind of cough by drinking this tea 2-3 times a day.