Coughing is your body’s response to irritants in the airways and throat. The muscles of the diaphragm try to expel the irritation by contracting. That is why coughing is beneficial for the body as it is the body’s natural mechanism to expel the mucus out.
Accumulation of mucus in large quantities causes incessant cough which is very uncomfortable for the person affected as it makes sleeping difficult, particularly at night. It also disrupts work and other functions during the day.
If an instant relief is what you look for, there are various home remedies which are good cough suppressants. But the best remedy is a concoction of Honey and Lemon.
Given below are the benefits of honey and lemon and how you can use them at home to get rid of cough.
[Also Read: Treat Cough Naturally]
Honey has antibacterial properties that help in fighting and getting rid of bacteria causing cough(1)
Honey is loaded with vital nutrients such as potassium. It also contains calcium, manganese, phosphorus, and copper. All these vitamins provide the necessary minerals needed for normal and healthy functioning of the body. The existence of such nutrients in honey helps stimulate and repair tissue growth. These nutrients also serve as antioxidants and eliminate the harmful free radicals from the body.
Given below are some of the recipes that can be easily prepared at home to get rid of cough.
[Also Read: 11 Home Remedies to Cure Cough]
You can take one tablespoon of this mixture, two times a day for cough once during the day, and once before going to bed for undisturbed sleep.
This mixture can be stored in a refrigerator and used for a month.
Ginger in combination with honey and lemon helps to get rid of a chronic cough. It contains antioxidants and a special cough suppressant called oleoresin which gets rid of cough almost instantly. (3).
Drink this concoction once daily till your cough subsides.
The combination of lemon juice and honey with garlic works best for treating congestion in the chest. Garlic breaks down the phlegm that causes congestion and helps to clear the chest, making breathing easier(4).
Drink this mixture once daily for instant relief from cough and chest congestion.
Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants, antiviral and antibacterial substances. It also provides immunity to the body (5). It decreases the length and severity of illness.
[Also Read: Health Benefits of Coconut Oil]
Take one tablespoon of this concoction twice daily till the symptoms of your cough subside.
You have to reheat this mixture before every dosage as the coconut oil hardens quickly.
The above-mentioned concoctions of Honey and Lemon with other ingredients can be given to babies but only after consulting a doctor.
Adults and teenagers can use all the recipes mentioned above. They do not have any side effects and are safe to use.
All the above recipes can be used by pregnant women. They can take these either in the form of liquids or popsicles. This will benefit both the mother and the child and keep them away from viral infections.
Honey and lemon are very safe. Elders can take it as they help in boosting the immune system and fight against infections. They are natural ways to subside a cough and clear chest congestion.
All the recipes mentioned above are very effective in treating a cough. They have antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which not only help get rid of cough but also boost the immune system. They provide you almost an instant relief.