Persistent Cough Remedies

A constant cough can be annoying for all those around you, and just plain embarrassing. Your chest muscles can become tight and sore. Nighttime coughing is the worst; it robs you of your sleep and often those in your household are disturbed as well. Everyday, common products found in your home can help rid you of your irritating cough.

Remedies

• A nagging tickle in your throat is one of the worst symptoms of persistent coughing. The tickle never truly goes away and the urge to cough is sometimes unbearable. The inhouseremedy.com website states that ginger is often helpful in reducing that annoying tickle. Add some freshly grated ginger to your favorite hot tea and drink it while it is hot. Adding ginger to warm lime juice is helpful for those nighttime coughs.

  Gargling with salt water is not a pleasant way to spend your time; but it helps get rid of the tickle from postnasal drip and allergies. Adding 2 tsp. of salt to 8 oz. of warm water and then gargling for at least 60 seconds should help. Gargling at least three times a day will be most beneficial.

  Honey is just as effective in treating coughs as dextromethorphan and other cough remedies, according to the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Journal. Using a honey that is locally produced aids in the effectiveness, particularly if the cough is a result of allergies. Heating honey slightly in the microwave will make a warm and soothing cough medicine. Use this homemade remedy as needed without the annoying side effects of over-the-counter drugs. Adding the juice of half a fresh lemon seems to be effective in cutting the mucus caused by postnasal drip as well.

  Grape juice is a healthy beverage that contains antioxidants, and Vitamin C. Drinking this juice or eating raw grapes and raisins can be an effective expectorant that will benefit your cough.

  Steam from the broth of hot chicken soup or a steam bath is helpful as a coughing remedy. Make your own steam bath by boiling a pot of water with some mint or eucalyptus leaves for about 10 minutes. Be sure to use caution and place the saucepan on a stable surface.

Considerations

• Never give honey to a baby under age 1; infants cannot handle the botulism spores that may be present. There is no danger after age 1.

  The natural sugars in honey are a consideration if you or your child suffer from hyperactivity.

  Your doctor should treat a chronic cough if it does not resolve itself within a few days. It could be a symptom of asthma, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections or other serious conditions.