Home Remedies for Cough

Everyone has suffered from a cough occasionally and we still do. Most people use cough syrup to help treat their cough but there are more natural ways we can use to ease our cough.

Vicks Vapor Rub

A common medicine for coughs, colds, and congestion that we use to rub on our chests and neck. The oils in Vicks Vapor Rub are the main reason this stuff works so well. Menthol is, of course, one of the ingredients and is also found in cough drops. Thymol is another ingredient and has a good reputation for fighting a cough.

Most of us usually apply Vicks to the throat and chest but did you know that you can rub it on the soles of your feet to relieve a nighttime cough? No one knows why this might work better than the normal way but many people have tried it and have had success with it.

Thyme and Sage

Another herb that fights a cough is thyme. It can be cooked in chicken soup or made with tea to ease a cough. When making it with tea use 1 to two grams of dried thyme leaves. The recommended daily dosage is 10 grams spaced over the course of a day. Sage is another great herb that can be used to treat a cough. You can also make tea with sage leaves.

Other herbs

Licorice is good for easing a sore throat and cough but it can also raise your blood pressure. If you have hypertension do not try Licorice.

Linden Flower Tea is a European favorite for cough but may be difficult to find in the United States.

Elderberry flowers are another great herb for the treatment of a cough. This herb can be collected and dried for use in tea as a homegrown remedy.

Ginger tea can be a tasty and inexpensive way to treat a cold and cough. Horehound is another herb that can be used to treat a cough and is found in certain candies. Horehound is an old product but can still be found in some country stores.

Chocolate

Chocolate is definitely a tasty treat and surprisingly it can be used to treat a cough. Theobromine, one of the essential components of chocolate is the main source for this tasty remedy. British researchers tested this remedy and found it to be a success. The correct dosage is unknown but dark chocolate is more favorable since it has 450 milligrams of theobromine.

Concord grape Juice

There is research that suggests Concord grape juice has measurable anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is unknown as to what component in grape juice may be the contributing factor. Some people say that by drinking a glass of Concord grape juice every day can treat a cough and keep it away. There is no proof but you have nothing to lose for trying it out but your cough.

If you are anything like me and you hate cough medicine and the taste of menthol, then these home remedies will be helpful for you. I hope they work as well for you as they do other people.

My source for this article is the book, Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy.