Like the cure, the treatment for cough depends on the established diagnosis and the determined cause. Therefore, if the underlying condition is treated, the cough is likely to disappear.
For healthy people, there are some measures to be taken at home that relieve discomfort and usually resolve the problem in a few days. However, it is worth mentioning that certain homemade recipes are not scientifically proven.
Therefore, if the symptoms persist for more than five days, consult a doctor .
In cases of cough caused by bacteria, the doctor is likely to prescribe an antibiotic. Codeine cough suppressants or syrups may also be prescribed.
Home treatment includes:
Contents
Stay hydrated
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day facilitates the movement of mucus over the lash layer. It is the best treatment when the cough affects children under 4 years.
Another tip for children is warm water or apple juice. You can also take other fluids to moisturize your throat, but avoid alcohol, sodas, black tea, mate tea and coffee.
Consume honey
Honey soothes the sore throat and mucous membranes. It is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, in addition to intensifying the lubrication of the upper respiratory tract (pharynx, larynx and mouth).
It also has in its composition vitamin C and flavonoids (analgesic and antiviral function). It is indicated mainly during the night, when the cough is disturbing the sleep. You can use it with tea and ginger .
Take care not to ingest in excess, due to its high caloric content.
Attention!
Do not give honey to children under 1 year old, as their immune system still does not protect them from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum , which can be found in honey.
Inhaling
The vapor of essential oils helps to increase its benefits. Use tea tree oil , propolis and eucalyptus, which calm the airways and open the air passage, in addition to helping to fight bacteria and viruses. It is important to avoid this practice if the cough is caused by asthma .
Preparation method :
Put boiling water in a bowl and let it cool for 1 minute. Add 2 drops of one of the oils and mix. Approach the head of the bowl and cover yourself with a towel to trap the steam. Inhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
Another tip is to inhale hot water, as it helps to loosen the congestion of the nose.
Humidify the air
Increase the moisture content of the air with humidifiers, vaporizers or even by placing wet towels or basins with water in the rooms. Hot baths with the door open also help to increase the humidity of the air, distributing the steam.
When humidifiers are not cleaned properly, they can do more harm than good, even transferring fungi and bacteria into the air.
Gargling with salt water
The practice relieves sore throats, reduces swelling and displaces mucus.
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 240mL of hot water, dissolve and gargle for 15 seconds. Spit and repeat until the water runs out.
Cough teas
Avoid cold drinks and gargle, as very cold foods and drinks can increase throat irritation. Opt for teas such as chamomile, lemon and honey, lemongrass, fennel and juices.
Check out some recipes that can help calm the airways, loosen mucus, relax throat muscles and / or reduce inflammation:
Licorice root tea
Place 2 tablespoons of dry licorice root in a mug with 240mL of boiling water. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink 2 times a day.
This home remedy is not indicated if you are taking steroids or have a kidney problem. If glycyrriza (active substance present in the root) causes you any side effects, buy deglycyrrhized licorice in health food stores.
Eucalyptus tea
Place 1 teaspoon of chopped eucalyptus leaves or 3 to 6 drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a cup of boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink 3 to 4 times a day.
Thyme tea
Crush 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried thyme and place in a cup with boiling water. Let stand for 2 minutes. Strain before drinking.
If you want, add honey and lemon.
Saffron tea
Place half a teaspoon of saffron powder in a cup of hot milk and mix. Another tip is to put a spoon (soup) of the powder in 4 cups of boiling water.
Let it rest and strain.
Echinacea tea with ginger and honey
Add 2 teaspoons of the echinacea root or leaf and 5cm of fresh ginger in 1L of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Strain and drink warm.
Mint tea
Add 1 teaspoon of mint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes, strain and drink.
Peppermint and ginger tea
Dissolve peppermint and powdered ginger in lemon juice. Ginger helps to loosen mucus and, together with peppermint, suppresses throat irritation.
Another tip is to add 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger and 1 tablespoon of peppermint to 4 cups of water. Boil the water and keep it on the fire until you reduce the water a little. Strain, let cool and add a spoon of honey. Take a tablespoon whenever possible.
Tea can also be made with ginger only.
Other homemade recipes
Guaco juice with carrot
Bronchodilator, relieves cough with phlegm.
In a blender, blend 5 guaco leaves, 1 carrot and 2 peppermint sprigs. Strain and sweeten with honey. Drink several times a day.
Orange and lemon juice
Mix 1 squeezed orange, 1 squeezed lemon, 1 spoon of honey and 3 drops of propolis extract. Drink the solution.
Honey with lemon and propolis
Mix 8 tablespoons of honey and 8 drops of propolis extract to the juice of 1 medium lemon. Drink 3 to 4 times a day.
Carrot and honey
Centrifuge 4 medium carrots and add the juice to 1 cup honey. Store in a covered container and take 1 scoop 3 to 4 times a day.
Oregano and honey
Mix 1 spoon (soup) honey with 1 spoon (coffee) oregano and heat for a few seconds in the microwave. Take the warm syrup 3 to 4 times a day.
Garlic and elderberry syrups are also known for their effectiveness.
