No one likes having a cough, even if most cough cases are minor. There are times when a cough can be a sign of something very serious, so if you’ve been suffering from a nagging cough for a few weeks, you should not take this lightly. If you’ve just started coughing, however, you might be able to treat the issue on your own. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that you can use to reduce symptoms, but you might have things in your pantry right now that could help. There are also cough treatments that might seem strange, but they actually work and are backed by science. Here are some of the most lesser-known treatments for a cough.
Honey
Few people know this, but honey is one of the world’s strongest antibacterial and antiviral agents and can treat all sorts of issues including coughs. Honey has been shown to reduce the symptoms of cough both in adults and children, but do not give honey to a child under the age of 12 months as their digestive systems cannot handle it yet. You can take the honey as is or add it to a cup of warm lemon water. The lemon will give the honey that extra antibacterial kick and enhance its efficacy.
If you think this is an old wives’ tale, you should know that the benefits of honey for fighting coughs, especially dark honey, have been largely documented. One study found that dark honey was even more effective at stopping cough than dextromethorphan which is one of the most common over-the-counter cough suppressants there is.
Probiotics
Probiotics are one of the best things you can take if you want to improve your immune system. They might not attack the cough directly but will boost your immune response and allow your body to fight the infection better. You can take probiotics as a supplement, or you can get foods that are fortified with them. Fermented foods and drinks like sauerkraut and kombucha and things like miso soup are all high in probiotics. Since probiotics act on the gut, it’s recommended that you take them on an empty stomach to get the full effects.
Try Kratom
If you haven’t heard about kratom, it is a new supplement that is made from the pulverized leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. The effects of kratom have been studied for years and it has been shown to improve focus, mental performance, and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. It has also shown some promise in treating flu-like symptoms.
If you want to learn more about kratom and how to pick a kratom product, get the details at kratomiq.com. Where you get your kratom from is extremely important, so make sure that you vet any supplier and see what reviewers have to say about their product.
Thyme Tea
Thyme is an essential herb in cooking and will elevate any steak or sauce, but did you know that you could also use it to treat a pesky cough? If you want to use thyme for that purpose, all you have to do is steep it and drink it as tea. You can use crushed thyme and add it to a cup of boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Two teaspoons should be more than enough for you to feel the effects.
As you can see, there are tons of different ways that you can treat a cough and they don’t all involve taking a trip to the drug store. So, if you’re dealing with an annoying cough and you want it to stop, try one or all these methods until you find something that works.
