Harmattan: 7 Home Remedies To Help You Get Rid Of Cough

The harmattan season is right around the corner, the weather can be very cold, dry and dusty.

As a result of this harsh weather, people, young and old, will begin to fight sore throats, runny noses and coughs.

Many different medications are available to help fight colds, but sometimes few items at home that can effectively relieve your cold symptoms.

Check out these 6 home remedies that may help bring your stubborn cough under control.

1. Honey: Researchers say honey contains varying concentrations of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants, It also raises levels of disease-fighting antioxidants in the blood.

Two teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water will work just as well as the cough syrups containing dextromethorphan at soothing the nagging cough.

2. Hot Soups: Hot soups preferably chicken soups helps keep the mucus moving, and the steam helps thin the mucus. The spices in it help break down the phlegm so it’s easier to cough out.

3. Ginger: Health experts commonly prescribe ginger to treat symptoms of colds and flu because of its antihistamine and decongestant capabilities.

You can make ginger tea by adding 12 slices of fresh ginger in a pot with three cups water. Allow it to simmer for 20 minutes and remove from heat. Strain, add 1 tablespoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon, and drink.

4. Lemon and Honey. The lemon helps break up the phlegm, while the honey soothes the cough.

Add lemon with 2 teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm water for a cough.

5. Saltwater. Gargling salt water helps relieve the symptoms of a sore throat and may help prevent further infection.

Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water.

6. Pineapple Cough Syrup. There is no scientific study that actually proof that pineapple cough syrup works but the good news is that the cough syrup won’t harm you and the honey in it is known to help.

Blend 1 pineapple cut and cored, 1 tablespoons honey, 1 lemon juiced, 3 inches of ginger root peeled, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper together until smooth and use the syrup as needed.

7. Hot Shower. Steam can be a cough’s worst enemy, and thus, your best friend. Steam works to soothe the airways and loosen sinus congestion and phlegm in your throat and lungs. (Although take note, WebMD warns that steam may exacerbate coughs caused by asthma.)