HEALTH - The Natural Cough Cure

The Natural Cough Cure

by Elysia McMahan

During this year’s cold and flu season, I was on the hunt for a reliable cough remedy that I could easily make at home. My only criteria was that  it be better than anything I could find at the store and be safe and natural. I thankfully found, there was no need to resort to visiting my doctor or the local pharmacy, because there were a number of  items in my very own kitchen that could easily provide relief from my awful hack-attack.

If you’ve ever suffered from a cough that just wouldn’t quit, then you understand how important it is to find a great homemade cure.

It’s important to note that a recent research review published in The Cochrane Library determined that there wasn’t any sound evidence for or against the efficiency of formulas such as Mucinex or Robitussin.

Natural cough remedies are known to as work well, if not better than their commercial counterparts in helping your body’s defenses to expel mucus, soothe irritated passages, and control coughing without all the drugs.

One of the most commonly used ingredients in homemade antidotes is honey. Honey helps reduce irritation and inflammation by coating the throat, which is why it is the primary ingredient in a variety of products for cough control. Lemon infused with healing herbs such as caraway, thyme (which alleviates chest congestion and supports respiratory function) and eucalyptus also lend a hand with their cough suppressive and potent infection-fighting qualities.

For reliable cough relief, try a recipe recommended by Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., director of education at the University of Arizona’s Program in Integrative Medicine.

Friends, this recipe is worth a try!

What you need:

• ½ teaspoon of thyme
• 2 teaspoons of organic lemon rinds
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Note: Dried or fresh herbs may be used
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• ½ of a lemon

Directions:

1. Pour hot water over the 2 teaspoons of organic lemon rinds, ½ teaspoon of thyme and 1 teaspoon of sage.
2. Then cover and steep the tea for 15 minutes.
3. After straining the tea, add the juice of ½ a lemon and 1 tablespoon honey.

For best results, drink two to three cups daily.