During cold and flu season, many people look for home remedies for cough and congestion in order to avoid taking cough medicine. Pregnant women are advised not to take cough medication, and new drug labeling advises parents to not give these products to children under age six. For anyone who wishes to avoid over the counter medicine, here is how to treat coughing using natural cures.
Fresh Air as a Home Remedy for Cough and Congestion
Those who are ill typically stay at home to rest and avoid infecting others. However, just stepping outside can be a natural cure for cough symptoms. Dust, mold, cigarette smoke and pet dander in a home can aggravate existing cough and congestion. However, very cold air can tend to increase episodes of coughing in some people, so return inside if this is the case.
How to Treat Coughing Using a Humidifier
Cold and flu season seems to start when the outside temperature drops. Warm, dry air pours out of heating vents in every home, aggravating the airways of those with a cough. Using a humidifier in bedrooms overnight will help to make the dry heat easier to tolerate. Also try lowering heat overnight and using extra blankets instead.
Hot Tea as a Home Remedy for Coughing
Try this recipe for hot tea:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 herbal or decaffeinated tea bag
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Steep tea for 5 minutes. Remove tea bag.
- Add lemon and honey for those over one year of age. Honey must not be given to babies under one year due to a rare risk of botulism in infants.
- Allow to cool to where the tea is comfortable to drink.
Anyone who is unable or does not desire to take cough medication may find a persistent and lingering cough frustrating. Home remedies for cough and congestion include fresh air, using a humidifier and drinking hot tea. These natural cures will help provide relief without over the counter drugs.
These treatments are not meant to replace a physician's advice. Adults and children with a persistent cough lasting over one week or symptoms of the flu should consult a physician.
Source:
Eisenberg, Arlene; Murkoff, Heidi E and Sandee E. Hathaway, B.S.N. What to Expect: The First Year.Workman Publishing Company, 2003.
Interested in more natural treatments for illness?
Home Remedies for Cold or Flu Symptoms and How to Find Advice for Treating a Sick Child
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