There is nothing quite like having a cough that just will not go away. Chances are during those dreaded winter months you have developed a cold that has turned you into a coughing and sneezing mess.
While most coughs will go away on their own in about a week or so, there are some people who may develop a chronic cough that they just cannot seem to shake.
If you have had a cough for a long period of time your best option is to visit your doctor to see what may be going on. However, if you have a simple cold that is causing your cough, you can use one of several home remedies in order to get some relief.
Candy for Coughs
Horehound candy, which is available in many drugstores can help provide you with some relief from a wet cough. Horehound is a bittersweet herb that acts as an expectorant, which can help get the phlegm up and out.
If you have any type of dry cough try sucking on any type of hard candy. This will help you increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, which will help you swallow more and suppress your coughs. Lemon drops and peppermints work especially well to help you get some relief from a cough.
Homemade Cough Syrups
Honey, lemon juice, and a dash of cayenne pepper can be mixed together to create a quick cough syrup. The honey will help coat your throat to sooth the tissues that are irritated.
The lemon will reduce inflammation and also provide you with Vitamin C that can help fight off infection. Cayenne pepper will increase the circulation to the area, which can quicken the healing process.
Another option is to mix a tablespoon of honey with two tablespoons of lemon juice and heat it until it is warm. You can add a bit of onion to provide a stronger kick.
Onions have compounds that will trigger your cough reflex to help bring up phlegm. Once warm, take as many teaspoons of the mixture as needed. You can store the syrup in a covered jar and use it every two or three hours.
If your throat is sore you may want to try mixing a cup of honey with five cloves. Place this mixture in the fridge and leave it overnight. In the morning remove the cloves and take a teaspoon of the honey. The cloves will help dull the pain in the throat while the honey soothes the inflammation.
Teas
Teas can also be a soothing substance when you have a bad cough. Thyme can help relax your respiratory tract while also acting as an expectorant. To make a thyme tea simply place 2 tablespoons of fresh time in one cup of hot water. Steep for several minutes and then strain.
Another option is marshmallow tea. Combining marshmallow with water will create a mucilage that will coat the throat and thin out the mucus in the lungs, which makes it easier to cough up. Steep 2 tsp of the dried herb in a cup of hot water.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/cough-relief-how-lose-bad-cough
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/nighttime-relief
http://everydayroots.com/cough-remedies
http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Cough-Fast
http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_cough/article.htm
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-marshmallow.html