Health tips
 
 
Health Tips - Coughs
 
Cough is a helpful phenomenon to expectorate – it is the body’s natural reflex or response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs. There are two basic kinds of coughs, congested and dry, with each one having different underlying causes. It is important to differentiate between the two, because the treatments are entirely different.

A common cause of coughing in the night is mucus dripping from the nose into the back of the throat. Expectorant syrups can be given to help get rid of the phlegm. A doctor should be consulted in case the cough lasts for more than 2-3 days.

 
Congested Coughs
 
The obvious causes of coughing are colds, flu, bronchial infections, sinus congestion, smoking, and the need to rid the throat of foreign matter. Rarely the heartburn is also cause cough and is recorded for about 10% of chronic coughers. Dust, pollen and chemical fumes are other sources of irritants. Also, some drugs, most notably ACE inhibitors used for high blood pressure, have coughing as a side effect in 20% of the people using them. Coughing is also a common symptom of asthma. The sound of your cough may indicate its cause.
Elevate your head while sleeping. This will help your sinuses and nasal passages to drain better and not create any block.
Breathe the steam from a vaporizer, or pan of boiling water. The moist air will soothe the airways and loosen sinus congestion and phlegm in your throat and lungs. A few drops of the oil of eucalyptus will help this process.
Stop smoking and avoid passive smoke.
Drink plenty of warm water. Water is the best expectorant and will help thin the mucus and loosen the cough.
Avoid foods that increase the mucus, such as dairy products, meat and fried foods.
Vitamins A, C and E are beneficial with conditions that cause coughs.
Aloe vera : Mix equal parts of aloe juice and honey. This is very good for a scratchy cough.
Angelica : Use a tincture of the root or leaf, or make a tea. Angelica is an expectorant. Do not use if you are pregnant.
Carrot juice : Mix with honey and a little warm water. Take a tablespoonful several times a day.
Chamomile tea will soothe the throat.
Garlic Grate one 1 tsp mix with a teaspoon of honey.
Ginger Make a tea using ginger and drink 6 oz several times a day, as needed.
Grape juice Mix a cup of grape juice with a teaspoon of honey.
Honey Mix with juice of a fresh lemon 1:1 and and sip evry one hour take as needed.

 
Dry Coughs
 
A dry cough will be raspy and without phlegm and may be due to smoking, asthma, dust, foreign matter, pollution, or come after a sore throat. Another cause of your dry cough could be a climate-controlled building. The heating and cooling systems dry the air and your respiratory membranes, too. Rapid temperature and humidity changes upon entering a building add to the problem. Chronic coughing, sneezing and a runny nose may be the result. If you work in a climate-controlled building, avoid cold drinks and food as they interfere with your body's ability to maintain its optimal temperature. During the air-conditioning season cold foods and drinks affect your body's temperature and its ability to adjust to the building's conditions; instead drink hot liquids and eat warm foods. When your building is heated, drink fluids at room temperature. You want to soothe the mucus membranes and moisturize your throat.

Inhaling steam from a pan with one of the essential oils mentioned above added is particularly helpful with dry coughs.

 
 
 
Add a pinch of salt with two pinches of turmeric powder to one glass of warm water and gurgle.
Mix equal parts of aloe vera juice and honey and take a tablespoon or two as needed. Good for a smoker's cough.
Peal a small piece of ginger and dust turmeric powder and salt . chew after every meals.
Take a spoon of honey and add a pinch of turmeric powder and use 3-4 times.
Drink black hot tea with lemon ( for 1 cup ½ lemon). Add 2 tsp of Glycerin and 2tsp of honey to 1 lemon juice. Take a teaspoon twice.
Ginger juice and honey 1:1, 3-4 times,1/2 tsp.
Fresh juice of Tulsi leaves (7-10 ml) taken with equal part honey 3 times provides relief in cough.
Put 1 or 2 teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water and keep beside your bed to use when you feel the tickling sensation coming on. Take a few swallows as needed. Vinegar dissolves mucus and reduces inflammation.
Mix ½ cup of honey with 3-4 tablespoons of vinegar. Take one tablespoon before going to bed or during a coughing fit, and throughout the day, as needed. Stir well before use.
Take a comfrey tea for dry persistent coughs. Comfrey should not be taken for long term use as it may cause liver damage.
Add a gram of turmeric powder to a teaspoon of honey for curing dry cough. Also chew slowly a cardamom/ a clove for a long time.
Mince a clove of garlic and place in a small bowl; cover with honey and cover the bowl with plastic wrap; marinate overnight. Take one tablespoonful upon awakening, then throughout the day, as needed.
 
 
 
 
 
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