Fundamentally speaking, coughing is a normal activity. It is an activity to clean your throat from phlegm and other types of irritants. Nevertheless, a prolonged cough needs to be treated properly because it can be a symptom of health problems such as viral infection, bacterial infection, allergy, or GERD. Although there are over-the-counter medications available, you can treat a cough with the help of natural remedies. Here are the five best natural options for the treatment for cough:

Licorice root tea
Licorice root is one of the best natural remedies available to treat a cough. It is a well-known expectorant, and excellent demulcent properties can also be associated with licorice. This tea creates a soothing effect on your airways, and it also gets engaged in the process of thinning and loosening mucus. Treatment for cough becomes effective when the congestion is addressed, and the best remedies also control the inflammation effectively to reduce the throat irritation. That is what exactly happens with this licorice root tea. Two tablespoons of dried licorice root must be placed in a jug, and 8 ounces of boiling water should be poured into the jug. The water needs to cover the root completely, and you must steep it for 10 to 15 seconds before taking a full cup two times a day.

Tea thyme
Thyme has always been an excellent natural remedy for a wide range of health problems. The anti-microbial properties of thyme are excellent, and it relaxes the bronchi and trachea muscles with utmost efficiency. Opening up the airways also becomes a less complicated process with this wonderful natural remedy. First of all, you need to bruise two tablespoons of dried thyme (you can also use fresh thyme), and it should be placed in a mug. Eight ounces of boiling water should be poured over the bruised thyme, and then, you need to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. You can add some honey or lemon for taste, and this mixture has to be consumed 2 to 3 times a day as it is an effective treatment for cough.

Ginger peppermint syrup
Ginger does not need any introduction as a home remedy for a wide array of health issues including a cough. Spicy ginger is an excellent expectorant, and it loosens and expels mucus from the lungs in the best manner. Ginger is also capable of preventing the irritating and painful tickle emanating from the back of throat and peppermint also assists in relieving the frustrating tickle associated with a cough. You need to take three tablespoons of chopped ginger, and it should be added to 4 cups of water with one tablespoon of dried peppermint. This mixture must be brought to a boil, and then, the heat should be lowered to simmer the liquid. The simmering process must be stopped when the liquid is reduced to half, and you have to set aside to cool slightly after straining. Once it cools down, one cup of honey has to be added and stirred well. You can keep this mixture refrigerated for three weeks, and it needs to be consumed several times a day as it also is a great treatment for cough.

Pineapple
Many people may wonder what pineapple can do to control a cough. It is because they have never heard about bromelain. It is an enzyme found only in pineapples, and this enzyme is capable of suppressing cough effectively. It also helps to loosen the mucus in the throat. If you want to enjoy maximum benefits, you need to consume a slice of pineapple or pineapple juice (3.5 ounces) can be taken three times a day. Some research studies have also shown that pineapple also offers excellent relief from allergy oriented sinus problems and sinusitis. The bromelain enzyme can also be utilized to treat swelling and inflammation-related problems and is also a great treatment for cough.

Pepper and honey mixture
It is a well-known fact that black pepper is one of the most traded spices in the world. Pepper is an excellent option for the treatment for cough that is accompanied by chest congestion due to large quantities of mucus. It expels all the unwanted stuff that gets stuck in your lungs. Honey is an excellent antibacterial agent, and it balances the discomforts associated with consuming pepper. Black pepper syrup can be made using honey, and it is always advisable to use freshly ground black pepper. The best method of approach is to take one teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and one tablespoon of honey in a mug and this mixture needs to be covered with boiling water. You have to stir well for dispersing the pepper flakes and can stop when the honey melts in. The next step is that you have to steep for 10 minutes, and it can be consumed one or two times a day as required for loosening mucus.

These five natural treatment options are excellent and effective treatments for cough, and they are not expensive as well. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about side effects.