Home remedies for coughs – what really helps?
It's bitterly cold outside, the heating is on full blast and you have an unpleasant scratchy throat. Whether it's irritated mucous membranes due to dry winter air or annoying cold viruses – there can be various causes behind a cough. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested home remedies such as honey, onion juice and the like that can provide natural and gentle relief for dry or productive coughs.
The most important home remedy for coughs and colds: drink plenty of fluids
When we have a cold with a cough, our immune system has its hands full fighting off the pathogens that are making us ill. The mucous membranes in our nose, throat and bronchial tubes play an important role in our immune system: they produce large amounts of mucus to flush out viruses and bacteria. And this mucus consists of over 90% water. That's why the most important home remedy for a cold with a cough is to drink plenty of fluids – ideally two litres a day. This helps our body to keep the mucous membranes moist.
Medicinal teas with soothing properties
Water or tea are best for fluid intake. Teas containing valuable medicinal plants can also help as a natural home remedy for colds and coughs thanks to their soothing properties:
- Chamomile, elderflower and lime blossom have anti-inflammatory properties and thus help to soothe the throat and bronchial tubes when you have a cold.
Honey for coughs
Honey is a well-known and proven home remedy for coughs. This sweet natural product can form a kind of gentle protective film in the throat that soothes the urge to cough. Honey is particularly popular for dry, irritating coughs, as it alleviates the constant scratching in the throat. Bee nectar also contains valuable enzymes that have antibacterial properties. Hot lemon with honey is particularly popular and provides an extra dose of vitamin C.
Honey can be a real blessing for sore throats or coughs. Unfortunately, its soothing effects are only temporary. It is also advisable not to add honey to very hot drinks, as high temperatures can reduce its beneficial properties. As the sweet nectar contains a lot of sugar, it is best to use it in moderation. Honey is not suitable for infants under one year of age.
Inhalation: a tried-and-tested home remedy for coughs
Warm steam helps to loosen stuck mucus and soothe irritated mucous membranes at the same time. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, thyme or peppermint, added to inhalations or rubbed onto the chest, help to open the bronchial tubes and make it easier to clear mucus. A hot bath with eucalyptus, thyme or peppermint can also be a soothing home remedy for coughs.
Warm wraps and compresses
Warm wraps and compresses are also among the tried-and-tested home remedies for coughs: warmth simply feels good, promotes blood circulation and helps to relax the muscles in the chest area – a soothing relief, especially for dry, irritating coughs. And even with productive coughs, warmth can help to clear mucus.
Onion juice for coughs
Onion juice is also a real classic remedy for coughs. This home remedy is usually prepared in combination with honey – not least to soften the strong taste of the juice. The natural ingredients in onions can help to thin the mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. Its soothing properties also make this member of the leek family a popular home remedy for coughs.
Home remedies for coughs: a useful supplement to effective cough medicine
Home remedies such as warm drinks, inhalation or a spoonful of honey can be beneficial for coughs and help to alleviate the unpleasant feeling in the throat. They are a good support, but sometimes an effective cough medicine is also needed – especially if the cough is persistent. Herbal preparations such as Prospan with the special-ivy-extract EA 575 have an expectorant effect, make it easier to cough up phlegm and help to relieve inflammation. It is often the combination of tried-and-tested home remedies, sufficient rest and a well-tolerated, natural cough medicine that brings noticeable relief.
