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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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Combatting Coughs: Effective Home Remedies and Treatment Strategies

Coughing, while a natural reflex action to clear the airways, can be a persistent and bothersome symptom. Whether it’s disrupting your sleep or causing discomfort throughout the day, finding relief becomes paramount. AbrahamThePharmacist, a trusted voice in the medical community, sheds light on effective home remedies and strategies to alleviate coughing.

Embedded Video: How to stop coughing and cough home remedy treatment remedies by AbrahamThePharmacist

Understanding Coughs:

Coughs serve to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, and foreign particles. While most coughs resolve within 3-4 weeks, the discomfort they cause can be significant. Dry coughs, in particular, don’t produce mucus and can feel like a persistent tickle in the back of the throat.

Effective Home Remedies:

  1. Honey and Warm Water: Studies suggest that a mixture of warm water and honey can be more effective for dry coughs than over-the-counter cough syrups. This natural remedy coats the throat, reducing irritation.
  2. Ginger: Known for its therapeutic properties, ginger can help relax the airways. Consider adding ginger to the honey-water mix or brewing ginger tea for added benefits.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking ample water can keep the throat moist and reduce the urge to cough.
  4. Avoid Acid Reflux Triggers: Acid reflux can irritate the throat, leading to coughing. Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods.

Additional Tips:

  • Over-the-Counter Cough Syrups: While Abraham advises against relying solely on these, they can be used in conjunction with other remedies for relief.
  • Neti Pot Sinus Rinse: A saline rinse can help clear out irritants from the nasal passages, reducing post-nasal drip that can lead to coughing.
  • Monitor Blood Pressure: Abraham introduces the “Blood Pressure Monitor Pro” app, which can help patients monitor their blood pressure, a crucial aspect of overall health.

When to Seek Medical Advice:

If your cough persists for more than three weeks, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. Other red flags include coughing up blood, severe coughing fits, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, swollen glands, and difficulty breathing.

Final Thoughts:

While home remedies can offer relief, it’s crucial to understand the root cause of persistent coughing. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms.

Credits: A special thanks to AbrahamThePharmacist for his comprehensive insights on cough treatment. For more health advice, visit his YouTube channel and official website.


FAQs for the Post:

  1. What’s the difference between a dry cough and a productive cough?
    • A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus and often feels like a tickle in the throat, while a productive cough involves clearing mucus from the airways.
  2. How does honey help alleviate coughing?
    • Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can coat and soothe the throat, reducing irritation.
  3. Is ginger tea effective for coughs?
    • Yes, ginger has properties that can help relax the airways and reduce coughing.
  4. What are the common triggers for acid reflux?
    • Caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods can trigger acid reflux, leading to coughing.
  5. When should I be concerned about my cough?
    • If your cough persists for more than three weeks, or if you experience severe symptoms like coughing up blood or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice.

Blog Tags for the Post: cough remedies, dry cough, AbrahamThePharmacist, home remedies, cough treatment, natural cough relief, throat irritation, ginger benefits, honey for cough, acid reflux triggers.

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Dry Cough: Causes, Treatment, and Effective Home Remedies

A persistent dry cough can be more than just an annoyance; it can disrupt sleep, affect daily activities, and sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Understanding the causes and knowing effective treatments can provide relief. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of dry cough and delve into some proven home remedies as presented by Medinaz.

Embedded Video: Dry Cough Treatment | Dry Cough Home Remedy by Medinaz

Understanding Dry Cough:

A cough is a reflex action that clears the airway of irritants and mucus. Coughs can be categorized into productive (producing mucus) and nonproductive (dry). Dry coughs don’t produce mucus and are often more persistent and irritating.

Common Causes of Dry Cough:

  • Airway Hyper-responsiveness: Conditions like asthma can lead to dry cough.
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux can irritate the throat, causing a cough.
  • Postnasal Drip: Mucus from the nasal passages dripping down the throat can trigger a cough.
  • Viral Infections: Respiratory infections can lead to persistent coughing.
  • Environmental Irritants: Smoke, pollution, and allergens can cause coughing.
  • Medications: Some medicines, like ACE inhibitors, can cause dry cough as a side effect.
  • Other Causes: Whooping cough, collapsed lung, lung cancer, and heart failure can also lead to dry cough.

Effective Home Remedies for Dry Cough:

  1. Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can coat the throat, reducing irritation and inflammation.
  2. Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can pull out mucus from inflamed tissues, offering relief.
  3. Humidifier: Increasing room moisture can soothe the throat. Steam from a warm shower or a container can also help.
  4. Ginger: Beneficial for dry cough, ginger can suppress the cough reflex and offers antibacterial properties.
  5. Thyme: Contains thymol, which can help relax the throat muscles. It’s recommended for occasional use.
  6. Marshmallow Root: Used in cough syrups, it soothes the throat and reduces irritation.
  7. Peppermint: Contains menthol, which numbs nerve endings in the throat, reducing the urge to cough.
  8. Cough Medications: Over-the-counter antitussive cough syrups can reduce the cough reflex, providing relief.

Final Thoughts:

While home remedies can offer temporary relief, it’s essential to understand the root cause of a persistent dry cough. If you’re unsure about the cause or if the cough persists, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

Credits: A special thanks to Medinaz for their comprehensive video on dry cough treatment. For more health insights, visit their YouTube channel.


FAQs for the Post:

  1. What differentiates a dry cough from other types of cough?
    • A dry cough doesn’t produce mucus and is often more persistent and irritating compared to productive coughs.
  2. How does honey help in treating dry cough?
    • Honey has antibacterial properties and can coat the throat, reducing irritation and inflammation.
  3. Is it safe to use a humidifier for prolonged periods?
    • While humidifiers can be beneficial, it’s essential to clean them regularly to prevent mold growth.
  4. Can dry cough be a symptom of a serious condition?
    • While dry cough can arise from common causes, it can also indicate serious conditions like lung cancer or heart failure. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if the cough persists.
  5. Are over-the-counter cough medications safe?
    • Most over-the-counter cough medications are safe when used as directed. However, it’s essential to read the label and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.

Blog Tags for the Post: dry cough, cough treatment, Medinaz, home remedies, persistent cough, throat irritation, natural treatments, cough relief, respiratory health, cough causes.