Coughing is common when the throat is irritated or inflamed, and when the throat or lungs have foreign material or mucus to be expelled. Allergies, colds and other viruses, and general irritants such as breathing in smoke or pollutants can cause coughing. Several natural home remedies are cough-relievers, addressing both throat irritation and sinus congestion.
Honey
A teaspoon or two of honey coats the throat and relieves a dry, nonproductive cough.
Lemon
Lemon tea or warm lemonade also is soothing for throat irritation, and adding honey can make it even better.
Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can relieve coughing spells.
Soft Foods
Soft foods such as pudding, soup, Jell-o, and ice cream can also relieve irritation and inflammation that cause coughing. Steaming soup is an effective sinus-opener too.
Saline Nasal Drops
Saline drops can relieve nasal congestion, along with the drainage which can drip back into the throat and cause coughing. Opening nasal passages also allows the person to breathe through his nose and not dry out the throat with mouth-breathing.
Humidifier
A cool-mist humidifier also can relieve congested nasal passages by adding moisture to the air. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly.
Tags: cause coughing, also relieve, nasal passages, throat irritation, when throat