Autumn and winter are seasons of increased risk of illness due to viral and bacterial infections. One of the most common and extremely tiring symptoms is a bothersome cough. It can last from a few days to even weeks, which in the latter case means a chronic cough that requires a visit to the doctor. But sometimes you just have to wait it out. You can also try to speed up healing with natural tricks. Below are the most effective home remedies that will help alleviate and even cure this tiring ailment.
Coughing is simply a physiological defense reflex – this is how the body clears the respiratory system. It is divided into acute (lasting up to 3 weeks) and chronic (8 weeks). During a normal infection, it lasts only 7 to 9 days. The type of cough is also important:
- Dry – that is unproductive. It is characterized by a feeling of irritation of the trachea. It sounds like a bark and does not cause coughing, which makes it more tiring than the wet variety. It can be both a signal of the beginning of a cold (then it turns wet after 2-3 days), but also mean asthma or allergies. It is also sometimes associated with heart failure.
- Wet – that is productive. Then there is a sticky discharge, yellow or white in color. This type of cough is definitely helpful in fighting infection, because it removes secretions from the throat, larynx and trachea with dead and live microorganisms that are the cause of the disease. In the treatment of this type of cough, preparations that thin and facilitate expectoration are useful.
The basic principle in fighting cough is to drink plenty of fluids, but there are also other methods of dealing with this ailment:
- Garlic and onion – i.e. natural antibiotics that have antiviral and antibacterial properties. They have disinfecting properties due to the content of allicin.
- Inhalation infusions – especially those from marshmallow and comfrey, which dilute the residual secretion and support its removal, which is especially helpful with a dry cough. Hot water inhalation without any additives can also bring relief!
- Honey – this golden treat is known for its soothing properties. Added to tea or milk, it moisturizes a dry throat and inhibits coughing. However, it is forbidden to give honey to children under 1 year of age!
- Warming spices – i.e. ginger (with antibacterial properties) and chilli. Both spices warm the body and stimulate the body to clear the throat, larynx, etc.
- A solution of salt and water – one of the cheapest and most effective ways to reduce throat swelling, flush out bacteria and other irritating factors, thin secretions. It is recommended to rinse three times a day. This method also works for throat infections.