The cough is actually a defensive mechanism of the body to clear off all kinds of irritants and secretions from the body. There are generally two varieties of coughs. One is tickly cough which creates mucus and phlegm from the lungs while the other variable is an itchy cough which is dry and does not produce any substance from the body.
Most people use expectorants and over the counter medicines to treat cough symptoms. These medicines do provide temporary relief but there is nothing to prove that they can effectively cure coughs. However, the right kind of foods can make a huge difference in alleviating the cough symptoms and improving body immunity to get rid of coughs.
Foods that help coughs
Fluids can act as refreshing expectorants and it is pertinent that you drink ample healthy fluids such as oatmeal water, green tea and barley water to ease the cough symptoms. Gargling with warm water and salt can clear the phlegm in the throat and ease a dry cough. Fresh fruits and vegetables can help a great deal in a mucus producing cough, but avoid foods like bananas, potatoes and other starchy edible items. Some foods have special compounds in them which can aid in easing coughs and their symptoms.
Honey
The antibacterial and antispasmodic properties of honey, aid in decreasing the incidence and severity of coughs more effectively than any other medicine. Pepper can be the best combination with homey during mucus/tickly coughs. Pepper kindles the blood circulation and mucus flow while honey is a natural cough suppressant and antibiotic agent. A cup of boiling water covered for around 20 minutes with 2 tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of freshly powdered black pepper can work best on mucus producing cough.
Vitamin C foods
The antihistamine compounds in vitamin C foods act as an effective remedy in curing the severity and frequency of coughs. Foods such as bell peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapes and fresh tomatoes can aid in improving the overall immune system of the body and reduce the severity of coughs.
A combination of honey and lemon works best for both dry and tickly coughs. This decoction of warm water with honey and lemon can aid in reducing irritants at the back of the throat.
Grapes mixed with honey can also act as a natural expectorant and relieve all kinds of coughs.
Ginger
The anti-microbial property of ginger is known to inhibit the inflammatory conditions in a body and prevent additional secretion of histamine. Coughs arising due to colds and flu can be effectively cured through continuous sucking of ginger or drinking ginger tea. A paste made by combining ground ginger, red pepper, honey and apple cider vinegar with water can cure all kinds of coughs.
Onions
The high sulfur content in the onion contributes to the antibiotic and antiseptic qualities and can work miracles on all kinds of respiratory problems like coughs and colds. Raw onion, in itself is an excellent expectorant. Another highly popular cough syrup is onion juice mixed with honey. They can help in removing the mucus from the chest and throat.
Turmeric
A powerful remedy for dry cough is the root of the turmeric plant. It possesses antibiotic properties and a molecule known as cur-cumin which is a powerful antioxidant. Add 2 grams of turmeric powder to honey and warm milk to cure coughs with a bacterial origin. Inhalation of turmeric powder added to boiling water can ease cough symptoms.
Garlic
There are many active medicinal compounds in garlic such as alliin, allicin, allinase and sulfur which contain high antibiotic, antiviral and anti-allergen properties. A drink made of fresh garlic pieces, sugar, lemon and honey boiled in water can cure dry/itchy coughs and tickly coughs.
Aniseed
Hard dry and itchy cough can be cured through consumption of aniseeds which aid in breaking the phlegm.
Overview
Coughs have been extremely difficult to cure instantly but consumption of the right combination of foods can aid in soothing the throat and reduce the accumulation of mucus in the lungs.
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