10 Useful Tricks To Clear Phlegm And Soothe Your Cough Overnight
Coughing is not a major disease but in some cases, it may be a symptom of fatal diseases like tuberculosis. Apart from its medical effects, there are many other ways in which a cough can play havoc with your life. A sleepless night can lead to a failed project, or a termination from job in severe cases. But there are some easy ways to clear the phlegm and soothe your cough. Some of these no-pill ways can also be used to prevent coughs during extreme seasons.
1. Gargle Salt Water
Salt reduces inflammation and swelling in the throat and helps drain throat irritants like dust particles. Salt mixed with warm water also helps to reduce the thickness of mucus and soothes pain.
2. Vaporub
From our grandma’s times, the Vaporub cream has been used to relieve coughing. Vaporub has ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol which help relieve coughing. The best places to apply Vaporub are the palms, just under the thumb, and under the foot.
3. Warm Liquid
Sipping warm liquids or taking steam is as useful for coughing as it is before going for a corporate presentation. Warm liquids loosen the mucous layers and soothe the painful throat tissues. Make sure to spit out mucous after a cough.
4. Sleep With Your Head Elevated
When you are sleeping, there are more chances of mucous to drip from the nose into the throat, and results in throat tissue irritation. Elevate your head while sleeping by using two pillows instead of one to reduce productive cough while sleeping.
5. Throat Lozenge
Zinc has been a hot topic of debate since a 1984 study revealed its benefits for different diseases. According to another research study at Wayne State University, Detroit, colds can be instantly treated up to 50% by taking zinc lozenges every two to three waking hours. Zinc interferes with sore throat progression to cough. Zinc lozenges in combination with ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus oil, honey, and peppermint oil are more effective.
6. Steam, Steam, Steam!
The direct effect of steam is to loosen mucous and to soothe painful throat tissue. But you can boost its effectiveness by complementing with throat treatment ingredients like Vaporub, a few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil, and mint leaves. Take steam at least thrice a day to cut at least 25% of coughing frequency.
7. Honey Remedy
Honey is one of the most important Chinese medical ingredients. It can be used in a number of ways to treat cough, mucous, and painful throat. Add a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm milk and drink it before going to bed. Add lemon juice and honey in a glass of boiling water and cover it. Sip it after five minutes when the water becomes warm. Add honey in ginger tea or licorice root tea to treat coughs and colds.
8. Ginger Remedy
Ginger is not only effective in clearing up the respiratory tract but it also improves the immune system. During extreme weathers, soak little chunks of ginger in salt and lemon water and eat a chunk to immediately treat colds and coughs. Boil 4 cups of water and add 3 tablespoons of chopped ginger, 1 cup honey and 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint. Cook until only 1 cup of mixture is left. Store the mixture in a refrigerator or a dry place. Eat a teaspoon of it to treat cough and mucous symptoms.
9. Garlic Remedy
An antimicrobial by nature, ginger has been accredited by The University of Maryland Medical Center as an effective treatment of cough and cold. Regular intake of garlic supplements reduces coughs and colds up to 63%. Mix 3 small cloves of minced garlic with 1 teaspoon grass-fed butter to loosen up mucous and instantly provide relief to cough.
10. Thyme Remedy
Thyme has been known as one of the strongest ingredients to treat the European Black Death plague which occurred in the 14th century. Thyme is also an essential part of Chinese treatments. Add 2 tablespoons of dried thyme in 8 cups of boiling water. Turn off the stove and keep it covered for 5 minutes. Now sip the warm tea slowly to see a miracle! Add honey or lemon if you want.
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