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| Health
Tips - Coughs |
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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.
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Congested
Coughs |
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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.
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Dry
Coughs |
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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.
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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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