Phlegm Cough Home Remedies
A phlegm cough, known as a productive cough, is the body’s natural way of keeping the lungs and airways clear of mucus. Contact your doctor if you're coughing up blood or the cough lasts longer than 10 to 14 days, or if the cough is accompanied by fever, weight loss or a wheezing sound when you inhale. If it's not related to a more serious medical condition, home remedies can help break up the phlegm and quiet the coughing until the illness passes.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Honey
Honey is a popular home remedy for a cough, and with good reason. In 2007, ABC News reported that a study performed by the Penn State College of Medicine found that giving honey to children between ages 2 and 18 before bedtime caused them to sleep better and cough less than those given a traditional dextromethorphan cough syrup or nothing at all 3. Two teaspoons of honey can be taken straight or mixed into hot water or tea. Do not give honey to children younger than 1.
- Honey is a popular home remedy for a cough, and with good reason.
- In 2007, ABC News reported that a study performed by the Penn State College of Medicine found that giving honey to children between ages 2 and 18 before bedtime caused them to sleep better and cough less than those given a traditional dextromethorphan cough syrup or nothing at all 3.
Chicken Soup
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The folk remedy of eating chicken soup to cure the common cold has been proven. In the October 2000 edition of the medical journal Chest, a study performed by doctors at the University of Nebraska Medical Center suggests that the chemical properties of chicken soup does help relieve symptoms of a cold. It helps relieve coughs by thinning mucus secretions while slowing white blood cells in the immune system that stimulate an inflammatory response.
Onions and Sugar
Although it may not sound particularly appetizing, onions and sugar are part of a cure for coughing that dates to the Depression era, according to “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies.” Chop an entire onion and place it into a bowl. Cover it with 1/2 cup white sugar and allow the mixture to sit overnight. The onions soak up the sugar and make a syrup. To speed the process, simmer the mixture in a pan over low heat for about a half hour. Take one spoonful every two hours.
- Although it may not sound particularly appetizing, onions and sugar are part of a cure for coughing that dates to the Depression era, according to “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies.” To speed the process, simmer the mixture in a pan over low heat for about a half hour.
Herbal Remedies
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Herbal remedies for phlegm coughs include Echinacea and peppermint. Echinacea works on viral and bacterial infections, and is sold in tablet form. Peppermint lozenges have menthol action that helps suppress the cough reflex. Both can also be made into a tea with fresh herbs and hot water. Those with autoimmune disorders should avoid Echinacea. Peppermint shouldn't be used by people with gallbladder problems. If you have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before using herbal remedies.
- Herbal remedies for phlegm coughs include Echinacea and peppermint.
- Echinacea works on viral and bacterial infections, and is sold in tablet form.
Eucalyptus Oil
Inhaling the vapors of eucalyptus essential oil can quickly help calm a cough. Use the steam inhalation method by adding two or three drops of the oil to a steaming hot bowl of water and inhale the vapors for 10 to 15 minutes. Use caution with eucalyptus oil. It can cause severe allergic reactions if it touches the skin undiluted.
- Inhaling the vapors of eucalyptus essential oil can quickly help calm a cough.
- Use the steam inhalation method by adding two or three drops of the oil to a steaming hot bowl of water and inhale the vapors for 10 to 15 minutes.
Related Articles
References
- Home Remedies: What Works; Gale Maleskey; 1995
- Medline Plus: Cough
- ABC News Health: Honey Treats Coughs Better Than Drugs
- American Lung Association. Cough symptoms, causes and risk factors. Updated July 11, 2019.
- Mahashur A. Chronic dry cough: Diagnostic and management approaches. Lung India. 2015;32(1):44–49. doi:10.4103/0970-2113.148450
- Smith SM, Henman M, Schroeder K, Fahey T. Over-the-counter cough medicines in children: neither safe or efficacious? Br J Gen Pract. 2008;58(556):757-8. doi:10.3399/bjgp08X342642
- Zhang T, Zhou X. Clinical application of expectorant therapy in chronic inflammatory airway diseases (Review). Exp Ther Med. 2014;7(4):763-767. doi:10.3892/etm.2014.1494
- Paul IM, Beiler J, Mcmonagle A, Shaffer ML, Duda L, Berlin CM. Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007;161(12):1140-6. doi:10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140
- Korioth T. Remind families: honey can cause infant botulism. American Academy of Pediatrics. Published November 19, 2018.
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Writer Bio
Based in East Stroudsburg, Pa., Nicole Etolen is a freelance writer, blogger, and former Certified Nursing Assistant. She has been professionally writing since 1995, with articles appearing in "Lehigh Valley Bridal Magazine," "A Reader's Guide to the Underground Press" and numerous independent publications. Nicole is also the owner and sole author of Pretty Opinionated, a successful lifestyle blog for busy moms of school-age children, as well as a staff writer for several other parenting sites.