Introduction
Coughing can be irritating, interfering with your daily routine, and indicating an underlying medical condition such as allergies, asthma, or lung infections. Some people experience a nagging cough that refuses to go away, leaving them feeling drained and exhausted. It can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and embarrassing to cough continuously, especially in public places. Fortunately, several remedies can help you stop coughing instantly or at least minimize the symptoms.
Natural Remedies To Stop Coughing Instantly
If you are looking for an alternative to mainstream medicine, you can try natural remedies to ease your cough symptoms. The following are some of the effective natural remedies that can help stop coughing instantly.
Drinking Hot Tea with Honey
Drinking hot tea with honey can help to soothe an irritated throat and suppress coughing. The warm liquid hydrates your throat, while honey reduces inflammation and provides a protective barrier that eases throat irritation. To make the tea, steep a teabag of your choice in hot water for around three minutes, then add one teaspoon of honey. Drink the tea while it is still warm. You can also add a dash of lemon juice for an antioxidant boost.
Inhaling Steam
Inhaling steam can loosen mucus, soothe irritated airways, and reduce coughing. Steam helps to open the airways by increasing humidity and moistening the throat. To inhale steam, heat water in a pot until it boils, then place the pot on a table or a flat surface. Position yourself over the pot while maintaining a reasonable distance to avoid steam burns, throw a bath towel over your head to form a tent and take deep breaths through your nose and mouth.
Gargling Salt Water
Gargling saltwater is a natural remedy that can help to soothe and reduce coughing symptoms. Saltwater can help to break up mucus, ease throat inflammation, and kill bacteria. To use this method, add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water, stir until the salt dissolves, and then gargle the solution for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this several times daily until the cough subsides.
The Top 6 Cough-Suppressant Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used for a long time for their various medicinal properties that help alleviate symptoms of several ailments, including coughing. Some essential oils contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that help to suppress coughing and soothe irritated airways. Here are some of the best essential oils that can help stop coughing instantly.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil contains menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant and can help to clear the airways, making it easier to breathe. To use peppermint oil, mix three drops of peppermint oil into a diffuser with water or dilute it in a carrier oil, then apply it directly to the chest area. You can also inhale the oil by placing several drops on a tissue and holding it to your nose.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil has anti-microbial properties that can help fight infection and reduce inflammation. It can also help to open the airways, soothe coughing, and loosen mucus. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a diffuser, mix it with carrier oil and apply it to the chest area, or inhale it by boiling water and adding several drops of oil to the steam.
Lavender
Lavender oil has a calming effect that can help to reduce anxiety, ease breathing, and provide peaceful sleep. It can help to relieve cough symptoms caused by a sore throat, bronchitis, or asthma. You can add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser, apply it topically to the chest area, add it to bathwater, or inhale it directly.
Herbal Remedies To Stop Coughing Fast
Herbs have also been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including coughing. Some herbs, such as ginger and thyme, have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties that can help to relieve cough symptoms. Below are some of the effective herbal remedies to stop coughing fast.
Ginger
Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe sore throats, loosen mucus, and alleviate coughing. You can drink ginger tea by boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in water for about 10 minutes, adding honey or lemon juice to taste and drinking it while it is still hot.
Thyme
Thyme is a herb that contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that can help to fight bacterial infections in the throat and relieve cough symptoms. To use thyme, make a thyme tea by adding two teaspoons of dried thyme to a cup of boiling water, cover and let it steep for ten minutes, then strain and drink the mixture while it is still hot. You can also add honey or lemon juice to taste.
Instant Cough Remedies You Can Find At Home
Other remedies for reducing cough symptoms can be found right in your pantry. The following are some remedies that can be easily found in your home and used to stop coughing.
Drinking Hot Water
Drinking hot water can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve coughing symptoms. Hot water can provide the same benefits as tea but without the other ingredients. Drinking hot water regularly can keep your throat hydrated and help to break up mucus.
Inhaling Eucalyptus Oil
Inhaling eucalyptus oil can help to ease breathing and reduce coughing symptoms. Eucalyptus oil has a cooling effect that can help to clear the airways and make breathing easier. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and inhale the steam or mix it with carrier oil and apply it to your chest or throat area.
Using Honey
Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve cough symptoms. You can take one to two teaspoons of honey before bedtime to help with cough symptoms or add it to tea.
Science-Based Ways to Stop Coughing Instantly
If you prefer a more science-based approach, there are several treatment options that have been clinically tested and proven to work effectively in suppressing cough symptoms.
Taking Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan or codeine can help to reduce coughing by blocking the cough reflex. These medications are available over the counter or by prescription. However, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and seek medical advice before taking any medication.
Using A Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and can help to ease throat dryness and cough symptoms. Dry air can aggravate a cough by drying out the throat lining, making it more susceptible to irritation. Using a humidifier in your home or office can help to keep the air moist and relieve cough symptoms.
Avoiding Irritants
Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, pollution, or strong odors can help to prevent cough symptoms symptoms. Irritants can trigger coughing and increase inflammation in the throat lining. By avoiding these irritants, you can reduce your exposure and minimize cough symptoms.
The Dos and Don’ts of Stopping A Cough
When trying to stop a cough, certain activities may be helpful, while others may worsen the symptoms. Below are some of the Dos and Don’ts of stopping a cough.
Drinking Plenty of Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, juice, or tea can help to keep your throat hydrated, loosen mucus, and minimize cough symptoms.
Getting Enough Rest
Getting enough rest allows your body to recover, recharge, and fight off infections. Lack of rest can weaken your immune system, increase inflammation, and worsen symptoms.
Avoiding Smoking
Smoking can irritate the throat lining, increase inflammation, and make cough symptoms worse. Quitting smoking or avoiding areas where people smoke can help to reduce cough symptoms and improve respiratory health.
Conclusion
Coughing can be irritating, uncomfortable, and can interfere with your daily routine. However, natural, herbal, and science-based remedies can help to stop or reduce coughing symptoms. Drinking hot tea with honey, inhaling steam, and gargling saltwater are natural remedies that can help soothe a cough. Essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender are effective oils for cough suppression. Herbal remedies such as ginger and thyme can help to fight cough symptoms. Drinking hot water, inhaling eucalyptus oil, and using honey are instant remedies that can be found at home. Clinical treatments such as cough suppressants, humidifiers, and avoiding irritants can help suppress cough symptoms. By following the Dos and Don’ts, you can help to prevent cough symptoms from worsening. So the next time you experience a cough, try these remedies to feel instant relief.