Chronic cough remedies

by dr. Shelley Narula/Prescription & Over-The-Counter Drugs

Some coughs persist for weeks to years, and make patient visit numerous physicians seeking relief from persistent coughing which may interfere with work and lifestyle. Chronic persistent cough is the cough that usually lasts for more than 8 weeks. Chronic cough should not be categorised as a disease condition rather it is a symptom of different disorders. It is reported by 10-20% of adults, commoner in women and obese individuals.

The most common causes of chronic cough in adults include smoking, postnasal drip, asthma, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). And in children, respiratory tract infections, asthma, and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease are most commonly responsible for chronic cough. Persistent prolonged cough due to infections is more likely in patients with pre-existing airway disorders.

Management of chronic cough

Management of chronic cough poses various challenges as cause for cough may be vague, so a multidisciplinary approach is often needed.

Homemade remedies for cough

Apple cider vinegar, garlic, and onions are used as natural home remedies for a chronic cough. Herbs such as horehound, marshmallow, and slippery elm are also known to ease the discomfort associated with chronic cough. Herbs such as hyssopus and althea also soothe the chest during chronic cough.
The oils from eucalyptus and juniper, when inhale after adding to steaming water, act as great help in soothing a chronic cough.

A tea made from 3 parts thyme leaf, 2 parts plantain, and 1 part mullein leaf has also been reported as beneficial remedy for chronic cough.

The bark of bay berry, when consumed in powder form, is very useful in curing throat congestions that cause the coughs. It also cures coughs caused due to chronic bronchitis.

For severe and chronic cough, make a mix with crushed 2-3 garlic and some cloves. Add this mix to a glass of milk or water. Boil the mixture till it reduces to half the original content. Filter and add some sugar to improve the taste. Drink it twice a day and continue this treatment for at least a week to experience improvement in chronic cough.

Codonopsis root used as a decoction, tincture or powder can be useful for chronic coughs.

It is known that drinking hot carrot juice can naturally ease chronic coughing.

Eat the mix of some heated jaggery and clarified butter. You can also massage the chest with a mixture of clarified butter and rock salt. It helps to cure chronic cough.