Many may not know that coughing can help clear irritants and infections from the body, but when it persists, a dry cough can develop and become quite annoying. Some of you are probably trying pharmaceutical drugs for your cough, while some may be interested in a more natural remedy. If you’re planning on using natural remedies, it is important to remember that herbs and supplements can affect medications and cause unwanted side effects. If a cough persists for a few weeks then you should seek medical advice.
Here are a few natural remedies that you can try to kick that stubborn cough.
Honey and lemon
This combination has been a time-honoured way to soothe a sore throat. If Granny ever heard you were ill, she’d pull out the teaspoon and give you a dose. Recent research has shown that honey is the main star of the show for this natural remedy, as this simple ingredient is enough to soothe a stubborn cough. Studies have shown that honey can be just as effective as the common cough suppressant dextromethorphan, giving us a natural way to get rid of flu symptoms.
Zebapique
Before there was modern medicine, there were Grannies, and bet your bottom dollar, they had a go-to remedy for everything. Zebapique, commonly used in Trinidad and Tobago, is extremely bitter (and gross) but is said to have a number of health benefits. To help with your cough, it is suggested that you boil a few dried leaves and sip it slowly to ensure there are no side effects. Another way to use it is to soak the zebapique in puncheon for a few days. Trinidadians say that this remedy can bring up mucus and get the cold out instantly.
Ginger
Ginger is an effective remedy for infection and irritation. Conventional cough medicines can make you feel drowsy, lethargic and may be too strong for some people, so ginger tea may be a lighter alternative.
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