Chronic coughs can have several causes ranging from smoke to pulmonary disease. The two main types of coughs, congested and dry, have their own etiology and symptoms. Home remedies are often helpful for relieving coughs, but might not be a cure. A health care practitioner should be consulted before using herbs or other remedies.
Water
Although not often thought of as a cough remedy, water is an essential part of the body and helpful in clearing mucous from the system, according to Health 911. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily can offer relief from persistent coughing. Non-medicinal, decaffeinated teas can be counted as part of the daily water intake.
Hot Packs and Compresses
According to Health 911, hot packs or hot compresses placed on the chest can sometimes relieve chronic coughs. Moist heat can relieve dryness and tightness in the chest and loosen congestion. Add some apple cider vinegar or a drop or two of eucalyptus oil to warm water for the compress. The vinegar fumes are soothing and help relieve tickling and scratchiness in the throat, according to herbalist Jethro Kloss in his book, "Back to Eden." Inhaling eucalyptus oil breaks up congestion and helps loosen tight, dry, painful coughs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar
A mixture of honey and apple cider vinegar is another old-time remedy for chronic or acute coughs. The honey soothes mucous membranes, reducing tickling and scratchiness in the throat, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Apple cider vinegar breaks up congestion and acts as an anti-viral because of its ability to help create an alkaline environment in the body, according to authors Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young in their book, "The pH Miracle." Mix the honey and vinegar to taste and take a spoonful of the mixture as needed.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is helpful for reducing cough symptoms by increasing circulation to the throat and helping to fight infection, according to Health 911. Mix 1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper in water or warm tea for use as a gargle. Add some crushed garlic, honey and apple cider vinegar to the tea and sip it throughout the day for relief. Garlic's healing properties will contribute to the antiseptic nature of the drink. Cayenne pepper is hot, and can cause discomfort for some people. Use caution when first adding this remedy to a home arsenal for chronic coughs.
References
- Health 911: Coughs
- "Back to Eden"; Jethro Kloss; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- Medical College of Wisconsin: 200 Non-Opioid Anti-Tussives
- "The pH Miracle"; Robert O. Young, Ph.D., and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
