Natural Cough Remedies

Natural cough remedies use several different approaches to overcome the common cold. Winter is here and you have a cough. Is it possible to treat it without another trip to the doctor for antibiotics? Not only is it possible, but many people consider it safer to use natural cough remedies rather than continually taking antibiotics. This is because the germs and bacteria responsible for coughs build up an immunity to the prescriptions of antibiotics.

Natural cough remedies build the immune system so that the body fights the cough rather than the antibiotic doing the work.

Step 1: Zinc is great for reducing a cough. There are cough drops containing zinc that can be found at the health food stores and some drug stores. These zinc drops always alleviate coughing for me. I keep them on hand during the winter season so that at the first sign of a cough, I can pop one in. Zinc is an essential trace element that helps build the immune system too. It should always be included with your natural cold remedies.

Step 2: When I have a cold, I always take more Vitamin C, usually in the form of eating oranges or other fruit so that I get the whole food form of Vitamin C. The body recognizes food so that the nutrients are readily absorbed. In pill form, the body may not absorb the Vitamin C as readily as in the food form.

Step 3: Another herb to build the immune system is Elderberry which comes in the form of liquids and pills. It is quite often called Sambuco once it is manufactured . Elderberry is tremendous for building the immune system and can be taken long term. There are many claims of it even healing asthma. It is safe for all family members including children. I recommend taking a small amount throughout the day and for small children, I recommend a few drops each time it is taken. Adults can take 1 tablespoon twice per day but always follow the package directions.

Step 4: Echinacea is a wonderful herb for short-term use for colds. It should be taken immediately at the start of a cold and it should not be used for over 10 days at a time. Children under 1 year should not take it at all. It stimulates the immune system and I have even heard of it being used to treat poisonous snake bites with success. Many cough remedies have this herb in their product but it can also be found by itself in liquid and pills. It is often coupled with Goldenseal which is also an herb used to stimulate the immune system. Both herbs together make each other stronger. Whether taken together or separately, they can be usually be taken every 3 hours for at least the first day to ward off a cough. Always check the directions on the product you purchase.

Step 5: I also make my own cough syrup which is really a drink called a Hot Toddy. While I heat up the water, I add at least 2 heaping tablespoons of raw honey to an empty quart size jar, add about 1 ½ shots of Whiskey and squeeze 1 whole lemon into the bottle. After the water boils, I pour it into the jar, put the lid on and shake it. I will drink 1 cup full while it's warm and the rest is kept by my bed to sip on whenever I cough.

The honey coats the throat and is anti-bacterial and builds the immune system. I had a friend that severely burned his hand on a camping trip. He poured honey on it until he could get to a hospital several hours later. By the time he got to the hospital, the honey had already started healing his skin and there was no bacterial inflammation.

The Whiskey works as an anesthetic to the cough response so that you can sleep. If you can't sleep, your body can't rejuvenate itself. Whiskey is also higher in antioxidants than red wine so it fights free radicals as well. The lemon provides Vitamin C and also helps the liver to do its job to cleanse the body. Lemon also cuts the mucous which often accompanies a cold. So this cough syrup serves many purposes in helping us overcome the common cold.

Step 6: While the body is fighting a cold, it is important to have a good diet. Eating steamed vegetables and eating protein in the form of whey protein shakes or amino acids supplements, is a good way to give the body the nourishment it needs while also giving it a rest. Adhering to a partial fast of juices and water is also beneficial. Although, once the body has a cold, it will naturally begin a cleansing and so if you do a fast or a partial fast, be prepared for the possibility for the body to dump a lot of toxins. If you can stay home and in bed during this time, it would be beneficial for you.

Step 7: Diffusing essential oils in the home will clean the air of bacteria and germs. Additionally, the entire family benefits when essential oils are diffused. All of essential oils are anti-bacterial. Some of the favorite oils to diffuse during cold and flu season are: Basil, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clove, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Grapefruit, Lavender, Melaleuca, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme. They may be used separately or in combinations when diffusing.

Step 8: Always make sure to carry a small spray bottle of the mixture you use in the diffuser so that you can spray doorknobs, shopping carts, your hands, chairs, seats or anything else you may come in contact with during the cold and flu season. You can mix the essential oils with water to carry in a small spray bottle. I have a friend that sprays the air around her at intervals when she is out and about. The oils may also be applied to the bottom of the feet to get them into the body. They can be applied in the morning and evening or more often if desired.

Step 9: And always stay on your regular program of supplements such as vitamins and fish oil while fighting a cold because the body needs all the help it can get to stay healthy. Refrain from eating white sugar during this period because it does not provide nutrients to the body. Natural forms of sugar such as honey and agave syrup (from cactus) are fine to use while recovering from a cough.

Step 10: Last but not least, try to laugh while in recovery. Watching good movies or reading an entertaining book while resting greatly improve recovery time. Laughter has been proven to build the immune system. And to help create an uplifting mood, the essential oil of Orange can be diffused. It also provides an anti-bacterial property to the air so you get 2 benefits from using it.

The easiest way to overcome a cough is to start immediately with your natural cough remedies at the sign of the first symptom. Waiting for a few days gives the cough a head start and experience shows it usually takes longer for the body to fight it. Most of us have jobs and family to attend to so taking time away from our responsibilities is often almost impossible. Keep these things on hand so that they are easy to grab whenever they are needed. And keep those funny movies and books around. Laughter is always the best medicine.