Cough: Natural Remedies, Causes, and Prevention

Chesty cough with phlegm. Dry cough without phlegm.We must start from here, a fundamental distinction, to understand the remedies more suitable for soothing coughs. Without having to waste money on unnecessary and nonessential medications. Continuous sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and coughThis last ailment is undoubtedly among the most bothersome seasonal ailments. Caused by irritation of the respiratory tract, coughing itself isn't a disease, but it can cause complications, especially if it's particularly severe: from insomnia to vomiting to subconjunctival and nasal hemorrhages. It's a condition that sometimes causes anguish: for 61 percent of those who suffer from it, it turns into real fear because it's considered a symptom of other, more serious ailments. This often incorrect prediction opens the door to waste of unnecessary and expensive drugsIt is much better to prevent cough and fight it with natural remedies, starting from rest and come on fumigations.

Index of topics

Cause

La cough may be fat or dry and irritates the oropharyngeal tract causing discomfort and burningA defense system implemented by our body to prevent germs and bacteria from reaching the lungs. Among the main causes of coughing are:

Air that is too cold or too hot and dry
Allergy
Stress
Ingestion of particular substances
Inhalation of gases, fumes and perfumes.

The three stages of cough

Cough is controlled by a specific center in the central nervous system. Numerous receptors are located along the airways that trigger the coughing process. Once activated, the receptors send signals to the cough center, which restores normal breathing. This occurs in three phases, called the three phases of coughing.

A quick inhale
Closing the space between the vocal cords and contracting the abdominal muscles and rib cage to increase chest pressure
The opening of the glottis to release a high-speed jet of air

Natural remedies

If it is not a particularly strong discomfort for which we recommend you contact your doctor immediately, here are some simple tips for Relieve the disorder naturally with remedies handed down by grandmothersBut first, let's start with the basics:

To counteract the cough reflex, hot drinks are recommended as they have an emollient effect.
Water reduces coughing, while those who drink little suffer from this disorder twice as much as those who manage to stay sufficiently hydrated.
To prevent phlegm from thickening, drink plenty of water.
Do not smoke and do not expose children to second-hand smoke.

Natural remedies for dry cough

To calm the dry cough you can do the fumigations with bicarbonate and coarse saltIt's important to ensure that the air in your bedroom doesn't become excessively dry: this could irritate your mucous membranes. To solve this problem, simply attach traditional ceramic humidifiers to your radiators.

Natural remedies for a chesty cough

The first of all natural remedies, honey, can stimulate mucus secretion and promote its dissolution. It can also soothe irritation in the oropharynx. Preparing an infusion or herbal tea and adding honey is an excellent way to soothe a chesty cough.

Natural remedies for children's coughs

To naturally calm and soothe coughs in children, there are two very effective remedies: the humidifier and the fumigations. Both in case of cough and cold fumigations They're an excellent natural remedy for children. For little ones, it's a good idea to follow these simple tips:

If the cough is occasional it is better not to abuse the usual syrups
Make sure your little ones drink warm drinks: they have an emollient effect that helps counteract the cough reflex.
Children, like adults, need to drink a lot to prevent phlegm from thickening.
Use steam inhalations but without adding balsamic substances which may be irritating
Do not expose children to secondhand smoke

Natural remedies for a tickly cough

For a tickly cough that won't go away, you can try mallow tea, which helps soothe the pain thanks to the plant's anesthetic effect.

Natural remedies for coughs during pregnancy

Steam inhalations with baking soda and essential oils are one of the most effective ways to soothe a cough during pregnancy. Follow these steps: prepare an infusion of water and baking soda to soothe the throat and promote expectoration. Breathe in the steam. Repeat several times a day until your health improves.

Natural remedies for acute and chronic cough

Our natural remedies will certainly be effective in eliminating the cough, but if they don't, it's essential to consult a doctor. A cough that doesn't go away and persists has three definitions: acute, subacute e chronicIn the first case it persists for less than three weeks, in the second for a period of time between three and eight weeks, with a chronic cough however it lasts longer than two months, or eight weeks.

Herbal teas for coughs

A cough, when mild, can be considered completely transitory. It's a very common seasonal ailment, for which it's not necessary to immediately venture into the maze of available medications. However, it's possible to treat classic seasonal ailments with completely natural remedies, made at home with just a few simple ingredients. In particular, coughs, whether wet or dry, can be effectively treated with: herbal teas (when there are no specific pathologies), avoiding the use of medications from the very beginning. Let's see together what the best herbal teas to treat cough:

The herbal tea made with 5g of ivy which has expectorant and mucolytic properties; 30 grams of thyme (the aerial parts), which has anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties; 10 grams of eucalyptus, which is similar to thyme; 40 grams of licorice root, which flavors the herbal tea and has expectorant properties; and finally, 15 grams of poppy petals, which contain codeine and dextromethorphan, which are antitussives. After obtaining all these ingredients, the herbal tea is prepared by pouring 150 ml of water for each tablespoon of the mixture. Then, let it steep for about ten minutes. The herbal tea should be drunk hot, three times a day, to have a calming effect on coughs. However, it should not be consumed for long periods, especially if you have intestinal problems or other illnesses. In these cases, it is best to consult your doctor.
One of the most recommended herbal teas for dissolving the phlegm that causes cough is the one with honey and lemonHoney is a natural soother, while lemon is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and effectively combats infections. Boil water in a small saucepan, then add half a lemon slice. Let steep for about ten minutes, off the heat. Add a teaspoon of honey, even whole honey, to the tea, then strain and drink until your throat feels better. Avoid overdoing the honey, as it's high in sugar and can raise blood sugar levels.
Even the herbal tea of sundewThis small carnivorous plant is an antitussive and antispasmodic, effective against coughs. Prepare a cup of boiling water and add 1 g of this plant. Let it steep for five minutes and drink two to three cups a day. It is not recommended for people with gastritis, heartburn, or indigestion. If you have these or other conditions, it is best to consult your doctor.
Here's another great one emollient herbal tea against coughGet 30g of flowers of mullein, 20 gr of flowers coltsfoot, 25 gr of flowers hyssop, 10 g of flowers wild thymus, 15 grams of mallow flowers and prepare an infusion to drink no more than three times a day, between meals, perhaps sweetened with honey. This herbal tea is prohibited for pregnant women because it contains coltsfoot, which contains small amounts of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Those who suffer from dry cough can try taking this herbal tea made up of two level spoons of marshmallow root, 1 tablespoon of mallow is one of limePrepare 150 ml of water and add the level tablespoons of marshmallow. Then add the mallow and linden and let them steep for ten minutes. Sweeten with honey and drink up to four cups a day.
The herbal tea with 10 gr of chamomile and 10 g of borage It's prepared by steeping the plants in boiling water for about ten minutes. Drink up to three cups a day, always between meals.

Fennel against cough

A natural remedy that works well against cough and phlegm is represented by fennel seedsSimply take a decoction of fennel leaves and seeds one to three times a day, between meals: it will help loosen phlegm and relax the bronchi. How do you prepare a fennel seed decoction? A dose equivalent to one teaspoon per cup of boiling water is sufficient. Let the seeds steep, covered, for about 10 minutes.

Prevention

A cough, unless it's a symptom of other conditions, is a common seasonal ailment. It can be avoided with small measures of prevention.

- Avoid smoking and environments where you are exposed to secondhand smoke.
- During the winter, cover your feet and hands well. And choose layered clothing: with the climate emergency, sudden heat can arrive even in the winter months.
- Try not to subject your body to sudden changes in temperature.
- Humidify the environments where you live and work.
- Sleep improves the immune system and is therefore also useful as a cough prevention.
- Stay well hydrated and drink often.