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Ginger
Some compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, have biological activity that helps relax the muscles tightening the airways. You can eat raw ginger or mix ground ginger with honey and stir it into hot tea. Use ginger in cooking, such as in cakes, jams, and stir-fries.
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Cough drops
Sucking on cough drops or even hard candy can temporarily relieve a cough. Good choices include cough drops containing peppermint oil to help open airways, honey lozenges, or ginger candies.
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Peppermint
Menthol, a natural compound found in peppermint, helps open the airways, creating a more comfortable breathing sensation and preventing coughs. You can find menthol in chest rubs, cough drops, and peppermint tea.
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Honey
Consuming one or two teaspoons of honey with warm water in the morning can reduce mucus secretion. Honey also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce throat inflammation and soothe coughs. You can also give warm honey to children in the evening before bed. Do not give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
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Salt water gargle
Gargling with salt water increases moisture, thins mucus, and cleanses irritants from the throat. Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 240 ml of warm water. Tilt your head back, gargle the mixture in your mouth and throat for 20-30 seconds, then spit it out. Gargle with salt water 2-3 times a day. Overuse can dry out the throat and lead to dehydration.
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Warm drinks
Warm tea, warm milk, or a cup of warm water provide moisture to the airways and relieve nasal congestion. Drinking plenty of fluids not only soothes coughs and keeps the body hydrated, but also helps thin mucus in the throat, further easing coughs.
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Steam inhalation
Inhaling steam 2-3 times a day can reduce coughing by soothing and moisturizing the airways. You can also add essential oils like peppermint to the water for a more pleasant experience and to open up the airways. Adults can use a bowl of hot water, cover their head with a towel, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam. Using a warm shower to take advantage of the rising steam is also a good option.
Anh Chi (According to WebMD)
_Photo: Anh Chi, AI_
