5 Effective cough remedies you can make at home

As a prepper, it pays to know about various home remedies, especially when SHTF and you can no longer buy supplies from stores and pharmacies. Before disaster strikes, learn know how to make natural cures for common complaints, like coughs. (h/t to ApartmentPrepper.com)

Coughing is a normal reflex that protects your lungs and windpipe and it helps get rid of irritants like dust that you inhaled, food that went the wrong way, or mucus. The remedies that will be discussed below can help address coughs that are often triggered by colds and the flu.

When SHTF, a bad cough can get in the way of crucial tasks that require absolute quiet, like fishing or hunting. Even if you’re at home resting, a bad cough can be tiring and unpleasant. It will affect your sleep, and prolonged coughing may even hurt your ribs and stomach muscles.

If you hate cough syrup because it makes you drowsy, consider these five natural remedies that aren’t linked to any negative side effects.

Apple cider vinegar and water

Apple cider vinegar can help prevent a cold. This versatile type of vinegar may also help ease a persistent cough.

To make this remedy, add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink the mixture at least twice a day for relief.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea is an effective cough remedy. Aside from colds and coughs, ginger is often used in home remedies for common ailments like motion sickness, nausea, and an upset stomach.

To make ginger tea, peel and slice ginger root into small slivers. Add one tablespoon of the sliced ginger to a cup of boiling water. Let the mixture steep for about five minutes, then strain. Add one teaspoon of honey to sweeten the tea.

Honey and lemon

According to a study in the journal Evidence-Based Child Health, honey is more effective in relieving coughs than dextromethorphan (DM), an ingredient commonly used in cough medicine.

This remedy also contains lemon, which gives an extra boost of vitamin C that promotes faster recovery.

To make this remedy, squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into a cup of warm water. Add a teaspoon of honey. Stir then sip slowly. (Related: 3 Honey-based tonics that remedy cough.)

Peppermint

Peppermint is a medicinal herb that is used to treat different ailments like headaches and an upset stomach. Instead of buying throat lozenges to relieve a persistent cough, try a piece of peppermint candy. If you are trying to minimize your sugar intake, especially if you have diabetes, you may drink peppermint tea.

To brew some peppermint tea, take a handful of leaves then rinse off any dirt. Add the leaves to a cup of boiling water, then let it steep for five minutes. Strain the liquid before drinking, then add some honey to taste.

Thyme tea

In a study in the journal Drug Research, scientists found that the essence extracted from thyme leaves mixed with ivy can relieve coughing and short-term bronchitis. The research team explained that thyme leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation.

To make thyme tea, add two teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves to one cup of boiling water. Cover the cup, then let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking.

The next time you have a cough, try these natural remedies to relieve your condition. Consult your physician if you are not feeling any better after a week.

Sources include:

ApartmentPrepper.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Healthline.com