Tag: cold

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Highly Effective Homemade Cough Syrup- A Quick Natural Solution

When it comes to flu, I try to resort to home remedies as much as i can. I don’t like over the counter medication like suppressants, expectorants or decongestants to treat my cough unless it is keeping me up all night and a doctor suggests it. 

I have seen so many people who have bad cough and stuffy nose heading straight to a drug store to pick up OTC medication for relief. The labels of these OTC cough and cold medicines are often overseen or ignored; as a result, people don’t know what these bottles contain and what their ingredients can do.

Decongestants provide symptomatic relief from congestion because they cause narrowing of blood vessels in the nasal passages and sinuses. This can help to reduce inflammation and stuffy nose but what people overlook is that other blood vessels throughout the body are not immune from the narrowing effect. It can lead to high blood pressure and elevated heart rate. People who already have high BP should always take such medication under doctor’s supervision and never self medicate.

There are growing concerns about safety and doubts about the efficacy around the use of OTC cough medicines. In fact, most studies have found no evidence that over-the-counter medicines actually suppress or stop coughing. In many cases, they’ve performed no better than a placebo.

Most viral infections anyway don’t need any medical attention. It’s best to resort to home remedies. The more medicines you take, the lower will be your immunity.

This homemade cough syrup remedy was passed on to me by grandmother. I made it for the first time some 7 years back when I had dry cough that just didn’t go away. It had been more than 15 days, the cough didn’t seem to get any better. I tried everything from saline water gargles, hydration, steam, even tried mucolytic drugs prescribed by the doctor. But nothing gave me much relief.

It was then this syrup came to my rescue and worked like a charm. Within 3 days I noticed a huge relief in my cough. The best part is I can give this to my little one without any fear of side effects.

Ingredients used and their benefits 

1) Holy Basil or Tulsi Leaves: Tulsi, the ancient herb, has positive actions on the respiratory system. Tulsi or holy basil helps to effectively liquefy the phlegm. Boiled Tulsi water helps to provide a soothing effect to people suffering from sore throat. Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Tulsi has been used as part of home remedies for cough and common cold for centuries. Its juice is also effective in bringing down fever.

2) Ginger: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help ease a cough. It can reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract and may even help to suppress the cough reflex.

3) Turmeric: Turmeric is a nutritional powerhouse and is said to contain a nutrient called curcumin, which has significant anti-inflammatory properties. It can relieve congestion and reduce coughing.

4) Black pepper: Due to the expectorant properties present in black pepper, it extends relieve from sinus, cough and nasal infection. It’s anti-viral which can break down mucus and phlegm deposition in the respiratory tract. 

5) Caraway seeds or Ajwain: Ajwain is a powerful spice that provides relief from coughing as well as clear mucus from your nose, both of which make breathing easier. It may also help to widen the bronchial tubes, which can help those with asthma.

6) Banafsha or Dried Sweet Violet Flower: Banafsha is one of the main hero ingredients in this recipe. It is medicinal plant which has a long proven history in treating whooping cough. It is highly effective in treating asthma, fever and also bodyache. It is also used as an ingredient in many herbal medicines. It expectorates phlegm from the chest and relieves chest pain and pneumonia.

7) Mulethi or Liquorice Root: Mulethi or Liquorice also known as “Sweetwood” is a traditional medicinal herb. It is widely used in Ayurvedic practice to treat respiratory and digestive disorders. It is said to contain anti-viral, anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties, which maintains mucosal health. It is also an immunity booster because of its powerful antioxidants. 

8) Cloves: Clove is rich in essential oils which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties can accelerate healing process. Many people opt for clove oil to clear blocked nasal passages too. It also has a cooling effect on nasal cavity and throat. Cloves show expectorant property that helps to discharge secretions and mucous in the respiratory tract.

9) Star anise: Star anise has been traditionally used in Chinese medicines for centuries to treat respiratory and digestive disorders. Studies indicate star anise may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, antispasmodic, and sedative properties. Be careful when it comes to star anise. Use Chinese star anise and not JAPANESE. Japanese star anise is believed to be highly toxic.

Recipe: makes 80 ml

Ingredients

  • 10 to 12 Tulsi leaves
  • 1″ ginger
  • 1″ fresh turmeric or organic turmeric powder
  • 10 to 12 Black peppercorns 
  • 1 tsp Caraway Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Banafsha
  • 1″ Mulethi
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 Star anise
  • 2 tbsps Jaggery powder
  • Water: 300 ml

Instructions

  1. Crush tulsi and ginger together. Coarsely crush peppercorn and cloves.
  2. In roughly 300 ml of water, add all the ingredients except jaggery.
  3. Let it all simmer till it reduces to almost 1/4th. Add jaggery and mix well till it melts. 
  4. Cover it and let it rest till it cools and then sieve it.
  5. Transfer it to a clean glass bottle.

Notes

  • It is safe for children. You can give this to kids above 1 year. One tsp for kids, twice in a day followed by warm water.
  • For adults about 10 ml twice a day followed by warm water
  • If not Jaggery, you can also add raw honey to it. Honey should be added when the concoction is completely cool. Honey should never be added to hot liquids as per Ayurveda. If you would like to know more about it, check out this link- Honey Rules! Why you should never cook honey. Do not give honey to children below 1 year.
  • This syrup will last you 2 days when kept at room temperature. But I prefer making it fresh everyday.
  • Drinking enough water is important with this syrup because some of the spices and herbs used are warm in nature.

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Is Thick Mucus Troubling You? 7 Foods and Home Remedies to break down Excess Mucus

Mucus has several names. Less elegantly it is known as a snot, sticky substance that comes out of your nose or phlegm that clogs your lungs. Nobody is a fan of such stuff especially when you are sick.

Technically mucus is a sticky, gelatinous material that lines your lungs, throat, mouth, nose, and sinuses. We all need mucus. We have mucus membranes lined from the nose right up to the lungs. Its main function is to trap bacteria, viruses, and allergens like dust or pollen in your nose and prevent them from spreading through your body and making you sick. You may have noticed that when you are in a place which is very polluted and later when you blow your nose or cough up mucus, it contains specs of black colour. This is because the mucus has picked up different allergens from the polluted area and your body is expelling it out. This is a good thing. Your body is doing the right thing for you at the right time. 

Mucus is also made by the digestive system, the cervix, and the urinary tract. But here we’ll be focusing on respiratory mucus.

Mucus in itself is not a problem. It is our body’s line of defence. It’s a good thing but the problem comes when your body produces excess mucus or the mucus that is thick and irritates your throat and airways. Most people swallow mucus all day long without even realizing it. The mucus passes through your throat and into your stomach, where any irritants or bacteria are disposed off. But only when it becomes thick people actually notice mucus. 

Over production of mucus in the body for a long period of time causes diseases or make it difficult for your body to heal from an infection. It keeps the bacteria and pathogens trapped inside your system and these pathogens that are attached to your organs are depriving your cells of oxygen ultimately leading to bigger problems.

Reasons why body produces Excess Mucus

  1. One of the main reasons is an infection- viral or bacterial. Infection can make mucus thicker and stickier. Infections causes inflammation causing certain airway glands to produce more mucus. That mucus can get thick with bacteria and cells that arrive to fight the infection.
  2. Allergies like dust allergy, pollen allergy can also cause your body to produce excess mucus. When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like dust, pollen, dog or cat hair and produces extra mucus.
  3. Dehydration is another very common reason which makes your body produce excess mucus. If your body is not hydrated enough, your sinuses will not have enough lubrication to produce thinner mucus.
  4. Regular consumption of processed foods that contain too much salt or sugar can mess with your gut and cause inflammation in your body. Excessive and inadequate mucus can be triggered by food additives such as thickeners, preservatives and other artificial substances added in processed foods.

7 foods in your Kitchen that can help break Excess Mucus

1) Ginger: Ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and a natural decongestant. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that are useful in drying out mucus from sinuses, nasal passage and chest providing relief and preventing infections. It contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols which give ginger its medicinal properties.

2) Cardamom: Cardamom popularly known as the ‘Queen of Spices’ is used as a flavoring agent and as a mouth freshener. It is traditionally taken after meals for aiding digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It aids easy digestion of food by protecting mucus membranes. It helps to loosen mucus and expel it from respiratory tract.

3) Fenugreek Seeds: This is one of my favourites and works like a charm. Fenugreek maintains mucus conditions of the body, mostly the lungs, by helping to clear congestion. It also acts as a throat cleanser and mucus solvent that also eases the urge to cough. In traditional Chinese medicines, fenugreek is known as ‘phlegm remover’ as it is said to break up stuck energies and cool inflammation in the body.

4) Caraway seeds or Ajwain: Another one of my favourite ingredients. Ajwain helps to reduce irregular pains of the intestines and stomach in both adults and children. It contains a compound called Thymol that helps to treat many infections. It can help expel mucous and may improve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and asthma. It is also helpful in giving relief from chronic colds and cough. If you can’t find ajwain in your area, then you can substitute it with thyme leaves. They both belong to the same family with almost similar effects.

5) Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a natural expectorant. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon can help in reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract. It may also provide relief from coughing by soothing the throat.

6) Black Pepper: Black peppercorns contains a compound called piperine, which is known to have antimicrobial properties. Black pepper also has expectorant properties, which can help in relieving congestion and expelling mucus from the respiratory tract.

7) Raw Turmeric Root: Raw Turmeric contains an active powerful compound called curcumin, which aids in the dissolution of mucus. It also improves chest congestion. It is antibacterial, antiviral and a natural antibiotic which can help in reducing inflammation from the body and fight off infections that cause excess mucus.

Brews and Remedies Effective in Expelling Mucus and help to Improve Lung Health

Recipe 1

Take 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds. Either soak it overnight or boil it in 2 cups of water. Reduce it to half. Sip it warm either on an empty stomach or any time of the day. 

Recipe 2

Boil 1 inch raw turmeric root in 500 ml water. Add 4 to 5 crushed black pepper corns to it. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin by 200%. Reduce the concoction to half. Sip it warm. 

Recipe 3

Boil 10 to 12 fresh holy basil leaves in 2 cups of water. Add 2 crushed cardamom pods. Reduce it to half and sip it warm.

Recipe 4

Boil 1/2 an inch ginger root in 500 ml water. Add 1 teaspoon fennel seeds. Reduce it to half and sip it warm 1 or 2 times in a day.

Recipe 5

Dry roast 1/2 tsp of caraway seeds/ajwain. Crush it into a fine powder. Mix it with 1 teaspoon of raw honey and consume it twice a day. 

Recipe 6

Mix 1/4th teaspoon of dry ginger powder and cinnamon powder each. Add it to a teaspoon of coconut oil or raw honey and consume it twice a day. It has drying effect making it a great natural expectorant.

Bottom line:

These remedies are very effective in getting rid of excess mucus if taken regularly. You don’t have to stick to just one concoction. You can keep changing it as you like. But please remember these remedies are not some magic pills. They alone will not help you. Yes, they do work but along with these remedies, make necessary lifestyle changes for better health. Get proper sleep, eat home cooked fresh meals, cut down on processed sugar and junk and say no to sedentary lifestyle. This ultimately will take you a long way. Cheers to good health!

Disclaimer: None of the above remedies are a replacement for medical treatment. Please review the ingredients with your healthcare expert if you have a medical condition.

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How to use Black Pepper for Cough? 5 Ways Black Pepper can be used to soothe Cough

mix of pepper seeds on wooden surface

Welcome to our health blog where we delve into the natural healing powers of everyday ingredients. Today, we’re focusing on black pepper, a common spice that could be your new go-to remedy for coughs. Let’s explore five effective ways to use black pepper to soothe your cough and why these methods work.

Understanding Black Pepper’s Healing Properties

Before we jump into the remedies, let’s understand what makes black pepper a potent tool against coughs. Black pepper is rich in piperine, a compound known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also high in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, making it ideal for combating coughs and colds.

1. Soothing Black Pepper Tea

A comforting remedy, black pepper tea is both easy to make and effective.

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup hot water

Preparation:

Mix the black pepper and honey in hot water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. This tea helps soothe the throat, reduce coughing, and the honey adds a soothing, antibacterial touch.

2. Honey and Black Pepper Tonic

This simple yet powerful tonic harnesses the antimicrobial properties of both ingredients.

Preparation:

Mix one teaspoon of black pepper powder with two tablespoons of honey. Consume this mixture three to four times a day for cough relief.

3. Turmeric and Black Pepper Milk

A traditional remedy, this milk combines the antioxidant properties of turmeric with black pepper.

Preparation:

Mix one teaspoon each of black pepper and turmeric powder in warm milk. Drink before bedtime for a restful night and cough relief.

4. Ginger, Honey, and Black Pepper Concoction

Ginger adds an extra anti-inflammatory boost to this remedy.

Preparation:

Combine black pepper, grated ginger, and honey in hot water. Drinking this mixture can alleviate throat irritation and coughing.

5. Lemon, Honey, and Black Pepper Drink

Vitamin C from lemon pairs with black pepper to boost your immune system.

Preparation:

Mix black pepper, honey, and lemon juice in warm water. This drink can be taken regularly to reduce coughing and strengthen immunity.

Why These Remedies Work

The combination of black pepper with ingredients like honey, lemon, and ginger creates a synergy that not only soothes the throat but also helps in fighting the underlying infection. These remedies are easy to prepare and use ingredients that are usually readily available in your kitchen.

10 FAQs About Black Pepper for Cough Relief

  1. How Does Black Pepper Help in Cough Relief? Black pepper contains piperine, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound. It acts as a natural expectorant, helping break down mucus and phlegm, thereby soothing coughs and easing throat irritation.
  2. Can Black Pepper Tea Really Soothe a Cough? Yes, black pepper tea can be very soothing for a cough. The warm liquid helps in loosening mucus, while the antibacterial properties of black pepper assist in fighting the infection causing the cough.
  3. How Do You Make Black Pepper Tea for Cough? To make black pepper tea, mix one teaspoon of black pepper powder and one tablespoon of honey in a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes before drinking. This tea helps to soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
  4. Is It Safe to Consume Black Pepper Daily for Cough Relief? Consuming black pepper in moderate amounts daily for cough relief is generally safe for most people. However, it’s important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
  5. Can Black Pepper Be Used for Children’s Coughs? Black pepper can be used for older children in moderate amounts, but it’s important to ensure it’s diluted and not too strong. For young children or infants, always consult a pediatrician before introducing any new remedy.
  6. Are There Any Side Effects of Using Black Pepper for Coughs? Black pepper is safe when used in culinary amounts, but excessive use might lead to digestive issues or heartburn in some individuals.
  7. How Effective Is Honey and Black Pepper for Cough? Honey and black pepper are a powerful combination for cough relief. Honey’s soothing and antibacterial properties combined with black pepper’s expectorant abilities make it an effective remedy.
  8. Can Black Pepper Help in Reducing Chest Congestion? Yes, black pepper can help reduce chest congestion. Its expectorant properties help loosen phlegm in the chest, making it easier to expel and providing relief from congestion.
  9. Is Black Pepper Tea Better Than Regular Cough Syrup? While black pepper tea is a natural remedy with fewer side effects, its efficacy compared to cough syrup can vary. It’s best used as a complementary treatment and not as a complete substitute for medically advised cough syrups.
  10. How Quickly Can You Expect Relief from Cough Using Black Pepper Remedies? Relief from cough using black pepper remedies can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the cough. Some may experience relief shortly after consumption, while others may need consistent use over a few days.

Conclusion: Embrace the Spice for Health

Black pepper is more than just a seasoning; it’s a natural remedy for coughs waiting in your spice rack. These five methods offer you easy and effective ways to harness its healing powers. Remember, while these home remedies can be helpful, they’re not substitutes for professional medical advice, especially for persistent or severe symptoms.

Have you tried using black pepper for cough relief? Share your experiences or favorite remedies in the comments below!

Blog Tags

Black Pepper Remedies, Natural Cough Relief, Home Remedies, Herbal Healing, Honey and Pepper, Turmeric Benefits, Ginger Remedies, Immune Boosting, Antioxidant Foods, and Anti-Inflammatory Spices.