Do you have a sore and irritated throat? See what are the best natural remedies for sore throat and dry cough that you can find in your kitchen.
Generally speaking, coughing is quite normal. Coughing can help clear your throat of mucus and other irritants.
However, continuous coughing can be symptomatic for a range of conditions like sore throat, allergy, viral infection or bacterial infection.
Sometimes coughing is not the result of anything related to your lungs. Likewise, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause coughing.
Cough due to colds, allergies and sinusitis can be treated with a number of drugs that are sold without a prescription. Bacterial infections will require antibiotics.
However, for those who like to avoid chemicals, we’ve listed a few of the best home remedies that can help relieve sore throat and cough naturally.
The best natural remedies for sore throat and expectoration
1. Honey
Honey is a prized remedy for sore throat. According to one study, honey can also calm cough more effectively than over-the-counter drugs that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough reliever.
You can create your own medicine at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.
Honey has a soothing effect, while lemon juice can help with difficulty breathing. You can also simply eat honey on a spoon or spread it on bread for a snack.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a multitude of health benefits. Although coughs do not relieve directly, they help balance the gastrointestinal flora. Gastrointestinal flora are bacteria that live in your gut.
This balance can support the function of the immune system throughout the body. One study also suggests that Lactobacillus, a bacterium in dairy products, may reduce the likelihood of colds or flu and susceptibility to certain allergens, such as pollen.
Enriched milk is an excellent source of Lactobacillus. You can also buy probiotic supplements at most health food stores and pharmacies. Each manufacturer of supplements can have a different daily intake. Probiotics are also added to some types of yogurt and are present in miso soup and yeast dough bread.
3. Bromelain
When talking about a natural cough and sore throat remedy you usually don’t think of pineapple, but that’s probably because you’ve never heard of bromelain.
There is evidence to suggest that bromelain – an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapple – may help suppress cough as well as expel mucus from the throat. To enjoy the greatest benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 2 dl of fresh pineapple juice three times a day.
It is also claimed to help relieve sinusitis and allergy-based sinus problems, which can contribute to coughing and mucus. However, there is not enough evidence to support this. It is also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain supplements should not be taken by children or adults taking blood thinners. Also, be careful with bromelain if you are also on antibiotics such as amoxicillin, as it can increase the absorption of antibiotics.
Always talk to your doctor before taking unfamiliar or new dietary supplements.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint leaves are well known for their healing properties.
Menthol in peppermint soothes sore throat and acts decongestantly, helping to break down mucus. It can be used by drinking mint tea or inhaling mint vapors from a steam bath.
To make a steam bath, add 3 or 4 drops of mint essential oil for every 150 milliliters of hot water. Cover the towel over your head and take a deep breath directly above the water.
5. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is made from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that blooms in summer. The leaves and roots of the plant have been used since ancient times to treat sore throat and suppress cough. There are no well-controlled studies to substantiate these claims, but the plant is generally considered safe.
The marshmallow plant contains mucus, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get marshmallow root in the form of tea or in the form of capsules. Hot tea can soothe the cough that accompanies sore throat. Marshmallow root is not recommended for children.
6. Thyme
Thyme is used by some in respiratory diseases. One study suggests that a decoction extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy may help relieve cough as well as short-term bronchitis.
The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the muscles of the throat that reduce sore throat and coughing.
You can make thyme tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, leave for 10 minutes and strain.
7. Gargle salt and water
Although the drug may seem relatively simple, gargling salt and water can help calm the scratches in your throat that cause pain and coughing.
Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt with 2.5 dl of warm water can help relieve irritation.
Keep in mind that children under the age of 6 are not particularly good at gargling. It is best to try other drugs for this age group.
How to prevent cough and sore throat
In addition to learning how to treat cough and sore throat, you may also want to learn how to prevent them.
To protect yourself from the flu, take care of the annual injection of the flu, which usually begins in October. Other steps you can take include:
- Avoid contact with others who are sick. If you know you’re sick, avoid going to work or school so you don’t infect others.
- Cover your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Often clean the common areas of the house, work or school. This is especially true for desktops, toys or mobile phones.
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom or caring for someone who is sick.
With allergies, you can reduce the occurrence of attacks by identifying allergens that affect you and avoiding exposure to them.
Common allergens include trees, pollen, mites, animal fur, mold and insects. And allergy injections are useful and can reduce your sensitivity to allergens. Talk to your doctor about which plan is right for you.
When to seek medical help
Seek immediate medical attention if the sore throat is stronger than usual, if the cough affects your ability to breathe, or if you cough up blood. Respiratory tract infections include body pain and fever, while allergies do not.
Talk to your doctor if you experience the following symptoms in addition to coughing:
- frostbite
- dehydration
- temperature higher than 37.5 ° C
- Malaise or weakness
- a productive cough that produces thick, green or yellow-colored phlegm