Natural Remedies for a Persistent Cough

Coughing is not usually called an illness but is very common and people can get coughs at any time of the year. You can get a cough with flu and colds but also with allergies and lung problems. Coughing is the bodies reaction to an irritation of the respiratory tract. A cough can be the single most annoying symptom we experience when we get sick and it may keep us awake at night. Coughs can be so bad that they make our chest ache and make us feel dreadful all over. Relieving a cough is often the key to getting a restful night’s sleep.

Natural remedies for coughs

You do not have to buy expensive cough remedies that are packed with powerful drugs and which also may have some nasty side-effects. Opt for some totally natural remedies instead. You can make them yourself and save money. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make effective and natural cough remedies.

1. Onion remedy

You can make your own highly effective onion-based remedy for fighting coughs. Onions have antiseptic and disinfectant properties. They are a cough-suppressant as well as an expectorant, and contain enzymes which allow oxygen to stick to cells and this promotes healthy breathing.

Onions are rich in trace elements and minerals, like magnesium, calcium, chlorine, phosphorus, iron, iodine, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and others.  They are also an abundant source of vitamins A, B, C and E.

There are two ways in which you can use onions to make a natural cough remedy.

Natural onion cough remedy one

This method is simple but a little more time consuming. First you must peel an onion and cut it into small pieces then place it in a bowl and add the juice from one lemon plus a little bit of honey. Mix all the ingredients together and let it set for approximately 6 hours. It is then ready to use. You can take 3 tablespoons of the remedy to help your cough. You can take the remedy up to three times a day until your cough is gone.

Natural onion cough remedy two

Cut the onion into slices and place them on a plate next to your bed. It is that simple! You don’t need to do anything else. As the onion juice diffuses into the air, you will breath it in and it will get to work on your respiratory passages. Soon you will be fast asleep and that troublesome cough will be a thing of the past.

2. Garlic remedy

Just like onions, garlic has several properties that make it useful for fighting respiratory diseases. It is also useful for digestive and cardiovascular disease. It is a wonderful germicide and acts on the causes of the cough – respiratory pathogens. Garlic is a safe and natural product.

Method

This method will make a garlic-based syrup. Blend a few cloves of garlic with some thyme and olive oil. As soon as the mixture is thick you can take it. The normal dose is one tablespoon before breakfast for greater effect. Take the remedy daily until the cough has gone.

3. Expectorant juice

This is probably the most palatable of all the natural remedies detailed here. It has a pleasant taste and smell. The remedy relies on the healing properties of grapes and celery. Grapes contain vitamins and antioxidants and have the ability to lower blood pressure.  They are also great at detoxifying the body.  Celery has relaxing properties. It dilates the blood vessels and allows blood to flow freely.  It also acts as a powerful body fluid regulator – it helps to rid the body of any excess fluid.

Method

The method for making an expectorant juice is simple. You will need one small bunch of grapes, celery stalks and however much water you like. Chop and wash the celery and then blend with the grapes and water until smooth. Drink the juice at night if you get woken up by your cough.

Are they effective?

Natural, homemade recipes can be very effective, but their ultimate success depends on you.  Try to eat citrus fruit and stay hydrated whilst you have a cough and stay indoors. Avoid smoky and dusty environments. If your cough does not improve in one or two weeks you should see your doctor.