Most natural home remedies for a cough work to trigger the cough, as well as thin the mucus in your chest. The reason for this is that medicines that simply quell the cough for a few hours don't really address the root of the problem. Chest congestion needs to be forced out before you can recover from a respiratory infection.
Mustard Plaster
A mustard plaster applies heat to your chest, easing pain and making coughs more productive. To make a mustard plaster, mix 1 cup of dry mustard with 2 cups of flour. Add just enough warm water to make a paste. Spread the paste over one side of a large square of cloth and fold the material in half so the mustard plaster is on the inside. Place the cloth on your chest for about 30 minutes. If the heat becomes too intense, remove it before the 30 minutes is up. Never spread a mustard plaster directly on your skin because it can cause severe burns.
Horehound Syrup
Horehound acts as an irritant, triggering the coughing reflex. It's a good remedy to try if you're fairly certain your mucus is thin enough to be coughed up. To make a horehound syrup, slice three lemons thinly and place them in a saucepan. Add about 1/2 cup of honey and a pinch of dried horehound leaves and flowers to the pan. Simmer the syrup over medium-low heat until it is thick enough to coat a spoon. Strain the syrup into a jar with a tight-fitting lid, allow it to cool and take 1 to 2 tsp. every three to four hours.
Cough Syrup
Homemade cough syrup often contains onions, which have an irritating compound that both thins phlegm and triggers coughing. This syrup can be good for those who feel their chest congestion is more anchored and thick. To make the cough syrup, combine 4 cups of finely chopped white onions, 4 cups of water, 2-1/4 cups of packed brown sugar and 6 tbsp. of honey in a medium saucepan. Simmer the mixture over low heat for four hours, then strain it into a bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Take 1 tbsp. of the homemade cough syrup as needed.
Hot Toddy
A hot toddy can soothe your aching chest and help you relax when you have a vicious cough. Pour 2 oz. of Scotch whiskey, 2 oz. of honey and 2 oz. of freshly squeezed lemon juice into a saucepan and heat the mixture over low heat until it's hot, but not bubbling. Sip the hot toddy from a mug while it's still warm. If the drink is too strong for you, add 1/4 cup of boiling water to the mix. This cough remedy is for adults only.
References
- "1,801 Home Remedies"; Editors of Reader's Digest; 2004
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; 2001
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
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