Natural Cough Remedies

A cough is a symptom of chest congestion due to cold or flu viruses. Coughing may not necessarily be accompanied by mucus, but a dry throat can cause irritation and further coughing. Home remedies can be used to relieve coughing as well as soothe throat irritation. Natural cough remedies usually involve herbs and ingredients that act as bacteria killers and antiseptics.

Eucalyptus Tea

• Heat two cups of water to a boil with six eucalyptus leaves and five garlic cloves. Boil for five minutes and take off heat. Inhale the steam while the tea cools off enough for you to drink. Stir in a spoonful of honey as a natural sweetener and throat soother, to help relieve a cough.

  Eucalyptus is a natural antiseptic, while garlic is a natural antibiotic. Combining the two ingredients in home remedies will help you get rid of a cough.

Garlic and Milk

• Boil three cloves of garlic in two cups of milk for three minutes. Be careful when boiling milk so that it does not burn. Drink this cough remedy warm with a spoonful of honey for additional soothing relief.

Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation

• Inhaling the vapors from eucalyptus oil is a good remedy for relieving a cough, and can help you relieve uncomfortable respiratory conditions.

  Combine 20 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1/2 cup of olive oil. Rub this onto your chest as a topical ointment. The direct application will help relieve chest congestion and coughing while inhaling the vapors will provide a soothing relief.

  Eucalyptus oil can also be used in a hot shower, where steam can be inhaled to relieve cough and cold symptoms. Run hot water before entering the shower. The steam should fog up windows before you turn the water down to a comfortable level. Shut the drain and add ten drops of eucalyptus oil. Step into the shower and inhale the steam for five minutes. Open the drain to let the water run out and finish showering.

Salt Gargle

• A salt and water gargle is a good home remedy to help you to clear phlegm caught in the throat. Getting rid of phlegm will help relieve a cough and this remedy can be repeated several times a day.

  Mix a cup of warm water with a tablespoon of salt. Gargle for at least two minutes with your head tilted back. Rinse your mouth out with warm water.