Natural remedies for cough

Dry or oily? Viral or bacterial? Cough is one of the most common manifestations in winter and it is not uncommon to be affected even during the change of season, when our immune system is weaker.

It is a defensive physiological response of our body to external agents such as bacteria, viruses and harmful substances and, depending on the causes, it can also be treated using natural remedies that favor a more rapid course.

So let's see which are the most suitable grandmother's cough remedies …

Dry cough or wet cough?

Cough is the ultimate manifestation of an inflammation of the respiratory tract caused by various factors. While on the one hand we have organic triggers such as viruses and bacteria , external causes , i.e. those caused by smoking or contact with irritating substances , including chemical ones, should not be overlooked.

Dry cough and wet cough are distinguished by a lesser or greater presence of mucus or phlegm in the respiratory tract . Sometimes, a dry cough develops into a wet cough when mucus or phlegm begins to move or build up.

The dry cough, however, can be appeased more easily unlike the oily one which, on the other hand, should be left to evolve to favor expectoration .

The causes of cough

The causes of dry cough can be different:

• viral infections;
• sinusitis;
• laryngitis;
• allergies;
• asthma.

Among those of fat cough , however, we find in particular

• the complications of a cold or the flu,
• bacterial infections.

It is very important to understand what is the cause of the cough by contacting your doctor as the treatment of the symptoms could be different depending on the triggering causes.

However, there are natural remedies for coughs useful to appease the intensity of coughing and to promote night rest.

Grandma's cough remedies

The propolis

Propolis is a substance derived from the buds and bark of poplars and conifers and subsequently collected and "processed" by bees as a protective substance for their hive.
The benefits of propolis are numerous and among these there is that of reactivating the immune system rather quickly, reducing inflammation of the oral cavity and fighting the pathogens that trigger cough, even in the presence of annoying sore throat .

Propolis is easily available in herbal medicine and pharmacies, in the form of tablets, vials or syrup . It is very probable that, in combination with propolis, you can find elements such as vitamin C and royal jelly , two really important components for counteracting physical weakening and restoring the normal balance of the respiratory tract and the immune system .

Honey

We can really say that bees are truly our health's best friends. Indeed, thanks to honey , we have an exceptional natural cough remedy available.
Thanks to its composition and its viscous consistency, honey creates a protective patina in the throat , pharynx and larynx, thus calming our body's attempts to expel mucus and irritants present in the respiratory system.

It is possible to add honey to herbal teas or to a good glass of warm milk : the heat and the action of the honey will certainly appease the disturbance caused by the cough, giving relief to the whole body.

This is, among other things, an excellent natural remedy for soothing coughs in children .

Herbal teas based on plant extracts

To counteract the cough (whether it is dry, oily or dry of nervous origin) it is possible to request infusions and herbal teas based on specific medicinal herbs from the herbalist's shop. Among the most used we find:

• Thyme : particularly indicated as a remedy for wet cough, it facilitates the expectoration of mucus and phlegm.
• Sage leaves : rich in vitamins and an excellent natural remedy with balsamic and anti-inflammatory properties, indicated for all types of cough.
• Marshmallow roots : one of the most effective remedies for irritable cough and, more generally, for all diseases of the respiratory system (including the common cold). Rich in emollient and soothing properties.
• Elderflowers : indicated for its anti-inflammatory properties which give relief to the respiratory system, whatever the triggering cause.
• Drosera: a magical plant with antispasmodic and bronchosedative properties, it favors the elimination of mucus and phlegm by decongesting the bronchial tubes.
• Primrose roots : a very valuable aid to deflate the throat in case of irritation and reduce spasms caused by coughing.

Other tricks

In addition to the natural remedies presented, it is always advisable to avoid smoking and exposure to drafts .

Keeping the bronchial tubes clean and at the right temperature is certainly one of the best ways to support the body in healing .

Disclaimer: this article cannot in any way replace the opinion of the attending physician who will be able to recommend the best treatment and the best remedies according to the triggering cause of the inflammatory manifestations.