Imagine being in a situation where you have to give a big presentation. Perhaps you are about to embark on a first date. However, you have been coughing all day long, and it does not seem to be going away anytime soon. You may have a cold, and while you cannot get rid of that quickly, there are ways to relieve your symptoms. After you take some medicine, try out some of these natural remedies to get your cough under control.
Drink Water
Most people do not even realize they are not drinking enough water. Dehydration is a common source for many health problems. By drinking enough water, you can help reduce the amount of mucus in the back of your throat. It is also good for keeping those membranes moist. Before you worry too much about your cough, simply try drinking water. Stick to water before you opt for teas or juices.
Take a Hot Shower
The steam produced by a hot shower is a good way to keep mucus in your throat and nose under control. Additionally, if you do not currently have a humidifier in your home, then you may want to consider investing in one, especially if your city has a dry climate. The one thing to keep in mind is that you want to clean your shower and humidifier often. Otherwise, they become hot spots for mold and bacteria to develop.
Gargle Saltwater
When you have saltwater on-hand, you should try gargling a small amount of it. The saline helps kill bacteria and viruses. If nothing else, it should provide some short-term relief by eliminating some of the mucus caught in your throat.
Honey
Honey is one of the best things you can eat when you have a sore throat or cough. This comes down to the fact raw honey contains antioxidants, phytonutrients, and antifungal properties. If you do not feel like eating honey by the spoonful, then try creating a beneficial beverage. Mix two teaspoons of honey, a cup of warm water, and a squirt from a lemon for a refreshing drink that will help clear out your sinuses. Another option is to spread the honey over a piece of bread for a snack.
Pineapple
Another method to try at one point is eating pineapple or drinking the juice. Pineapple is advantageous in this respect because it contains bromelain, which is a useful agent for loosening mucus and suppressing coughs. It is recommended to either eat a single slice of pineapple or drink a minimum of 3.5 ounces of juice.
Suck on a Lemon
A great cough cure is to suck on a lemon wedge. It may sound unappealing, but if you need to get rid of a cough fast, then it is worth trying. You should cut a lemon into fourths. To make it less powerful, try sprinkling a pinch of salt and black pepper onto it before sucking. If you cannot bring yourself to do this, then try squirting the lemon into a glass of water. It is an excellent way to receive essential nutrients.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
If you have a persistent cough that does not go away no matter what you do, then you may need to look at the environment you live in. Poor indoor air quality can result in significant respiratory problems. If people in your household smoke, then you should ask them to take it outside. You should also clean often to prevent dust from accumulating. It can also be good to avoid scented products when possible.
Practice Breathing Exercises
Many people who suffer from chronic coughs implement breathing exercises. Even if your cough is temporary, it can be a good idea to try it out. One popular technique is to inhale through your nose, hold it for several seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth, counting to four as you do so. It can be a good way to get your breathing under control.
While all of these can help, nothing is going to beat medicine. You should also see a doctor if your cough does not go away over time. These remedies are merely meant to help you find temporary relief so that you can go about your day feeling all right.