Cough is a natural defense mechanism of the respiratory system and can occur for many different reasons. Respiratory infections such as colds, flu, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis or allergies can cause coughing. Cough is a reflex of the body designed to clear the lungs and airways. Sometimes, however, coughing can be uncomfortable, disrupt sleep, and interfere with daily activities. For this reason, many people who want to relieve cough and reduce symptoms quickly turn to homemade cough syrups. Homemade cough syrups are prepared from natural ingredients and are often enriched with herbal ingredients.
What are the herbal remedies for cough?
Cough is a problem that can usually be solved by herbal means. If you want to make a natural cough suppressant at home, you can consume the following products:
- Honey: Honey is a popular herbal remedy to relieve cough and soothe the throat. Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cough symptoms. You can drink a teaspoon of honey by adding it to hot water or herbal tea or consume it directly. It is important to consult your doctor before using honey on children under the age of six.
- Ginger: Ginger is a powerful herb known for its anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties. To relieve cough, you can prepare ginger tea or inhale the steam by adding ginger pieces to boiling water. It can also be beneficial to mix grated ginger with honey and consume it.
- Sage: Sage is a common herb used to relieve cough and relax the respiratory tract. Sage tea can be sweetened with honey or used as a mouthwash. Sage has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce cough symptoms.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is a refreshing herb that helps soothe a cough and soothe the throat. Peppermint tea can relieve coughing and make breathing easier. Steam inhalations with peppermint oil can also help reduce coughing.
- Thyme: Thyme is an herb with antimicrobial and cough suppressant properties. To relieve cough symptoms, you can prepare thyme tea or mix thyme oil with a base oil and massage your chest. Thyme relaxes the respiratory tract and can help clear phlegm.
Keep in mind that everyone may react differently when using herbal solutions. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions or interactions in some people. Therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before using herbal solutions. In addition, natural cough suppressant herbal solutions may not treat a serious underlying health problem, so it is important to consult a healthcare professional in case of severe and prolonged cough.
If you want to get rid of your cough without going to the doctor, there are several herbal cough syrup recipes you can try. Some of these recipes are as follows:
- Honey and Lemon Syrup:
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 glass of warm water.
Preparation: Add honey to warm water and mix. Then add the lemon juice and mix again. Transfer the resulting mixture into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator. Consume a teaspoon as much as you need.
- Ginger and Honey Syrup:
- Ingredients: 1 piece of fresh ginger (1 inch slice), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 cup of water.
Preparation: Boil water and add a slice of fresh ginger. Boil for 10-15 minutes. When the mixture is warm, strain and add the honey. Mix well and store in a bottle. You can consume a teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
- Onion and Honey Syrup:
- Ingredients: 1 medium onion, 2 tablespoons of honey.
- Preparation: Peel and chop the onion. Add the chopped onion and honey to a jar. Close the jar tightly and let it sit overnight. Strain the syrup you get the next day and store it in a bottle. You can consume up to a teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
Natural cough syrups are among the most effective cough syrups. But keep in mind that everyone may react differently when using natural cough syrups. If you have any allergies or reactions, or if your symptoms persist for a long time, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. You should also consult a pediatrician before using natural cough syrups for children.
What is dry cough syrup?
There are several herbal syrup recipes that can relieve a dry cough. Some of these recipes are as follows:
Natural cough syrup recipe for adults
Natural cough syrup recipes made at home may not be suitable for children. We can list some cough syrup recipes that adults can use as follows:
expectorant syrup recipe
Expectorant syrups are drugs that help loosen sputum accumulated in the respiratory tract and come out more easily. It is generally used to clear sputum caused by respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu or bronchitis. Expectorant syrups aim to thin the sputum and stimulate the cough reflex. In this way, they help sputum to come out more easily and relax the respiratory tract. A simple expectorant syrup recipe:
You can store the syrup in the refrigerator for a few days, but try to consume it as fresh as possible for freshness. These natural expectorant syrups can be used to relieve symptoms and soothe the throat. But keep in mind that everyone can react differently and some people may be allergic to certain ingredients. If your symptoms persist for a long time or become serious, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Herbal tea suggestions for cough
We may not always be able to completely treat cough with herbal remedies, but there are several different herbal teas that are thought to be good for cough. We can list these herbal teas and their easy recipes as follows:
- Sage Tea: Sage is known for its cough soothing effect. It relaxes the throat and makes phlegm come out more easily.
Preparation: Add 1 teaspoon of dried sage to a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 10 minutes, strain and drink. You can consume 2-3 cups a day.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is a herbal tea that is good for cough. It reduces inflammation, soothes the throat and relieves the cough reflex.
Preparation: Add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile to a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes, strain and consume. You can drink 2-3 cups a day.
- Fig Leaf Tea: Fig leaf tea is a herbal tea with cough-soothing properties. It soothes the throat and helps clear phlegm.
Preparation: Add 1-2 dried fig leaves to a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 10 minutes, strain and drink. You can consume 2-3 cups a day.
- Peppermint Tea: Peppermint tea relieves cough, relaxes the respiratory tract and helps to remove sputum.
- Preparation: Add 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves to a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for 5-10 minutes, strain and consume. You can drink 2-3 cups a day.