Natural remedies have been used for centuries to relieve coughs, whether chronic or the result of an acute ailment. Coughing is the body's response to irritation in the throat, bronchial tubes or lungs. Most natural remedies will not cure bronchial coughs, but they can help relieve symptoms and speed recovery. Herbal remedies may have side effects, so use caution and consult with a health practitioner.
Honey and Sweet Syrups
Honey and sweet syrup bases are often used to suppress dry coughs, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. These preparations are called antitussives. Although researchers do not fully understand the mechanism of how these work on the body, the evidence shows that honey and other sweet syrups reduce coughing spasms and soothe inflamed tissues of the airways and throat.
Lobelia
The herb Lobelia inflata can be used to relieve coughs either in its herbal form or as a homeopathic remedy. Mostly used as an expectorant when administered as an herb, it helps patients cough up mucous, clearing airways, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lobelia in herbal form is toxic and should only be administered under the guidance of a health-care practitioner. Homeopathic Lobelia is useful in patients with asthma or a constrictive cough accompanied with difficulty breathing, according to William Boericke in his book "Materia Medica with Repertory." There is a sensation of heaviness or weight in the chest and the patient often complains of feeling prickly all over before a coughing attack. This is a guiding symptom for Lobelia, indicating its use. The cough has a ringing sound. Homeopathic remedies are available from health food stores and online homeopathic pharmacies. Consult with a qualified homeopath for proper dosing and use of this medicine.
Homeopathic Drosera
Drosera is another useful homeopathic remedy for painful, dry coughs that appear only during the evening and become worse the moment the patient's head touches the pillow, according to homeopath Frans Vermeulen in his book the "Synoptic Materia Medica." The remedy treats coughs that are deep, loud and spasmodic, and that make the patient gag and vomit. There may be terrible chest pains with tickling in the throat, and the person may be hoarse. Seek the advice of a homeopath for dosing specifications before using this remedy.
Steam and Eucalyptus Oil
Administering steam to relieve coughing is an old-time home remedy used for hundreds of years by moms and natural healers. Many types of coughs respond to the soothing relief of steaming, especially those that are tight, dry and painful. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a vaporizer or bowl of hot water helps break up congestion and loosen tightness and phlegm, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. Care should be taken when using eucalyptus oil, because it is very strong. Do not use the oil if homeopathic remedies are being used at the same time. It can interfere with the action of the remedies, rendering them ineffective.
References
- Medical College of Wisconsin: 200 Non-Opioid Anti-Tussives
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- "Materia Medica and Repertory"; William Boericke; 1987
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
