by Janeen Elite

Created on: November 28, 2009

A cough is the body's natural way to rid itself of foreign material or mucus from throat and lungs. This is the reason why we cough more often when we are sick. There are times however, when coughing is non-productive, when it is a dry cough and does not produce any mucus from the lungs or throat.

The following are some home remedies for both coughs that are productive and non-productive.

As with any medical condition however, if your cough is ongoing or persistent for a long period of time, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to ensure there is not a more serious underlying problem.

Home Remedies for Persistent Cough

Orange Juice and Honey Recipe

Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with one cup of orange juice and drink down. You can drink this concoction warm or cold. Warm is good if sore throat accompanies your cough.

Grape Juice and Honey Recipe

Combine 2 tablespoons of honey with one cup of grape juice and drink down.

Suck on Hard Candy

This home remedy works well for a dry cough. Simply suck on candy to help produce additional saliva that will help lubricate cough. This is a great on-the-run remedy.

Water and Apple Cider Vinegar

Add some apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink slowly.

Quick Vicks Vapor Rub Steam

Boil one cup of water on stove or in microwave and add one teaspoon of Vicks Vapor Rub. Keep cup under nose and inhale deeply for a few minutes. If you have mint or clove available you can add to the mixture. This can help relieve you of congestion and the need to cough.

Try a Bowl Steam

A larger version of the home remedy for cough mentioned above, simply fill a bowl with boiling water add 2 tablespoons of Vicks Vapor Rub and place your head over bowl with towel over your head to keep steam in. Breath deeply for a few minutes. Will help loosen up congestion and mucus and eliminate need for cough.

Milk With Garlic

Boil 3 cloves of garlic in milk and drink down. This remedy is better for nighttime before bed and should be used for a dry cough, not a cough where mucus is present.

Honey With Vodka or Brandy

Another great home remedy for cough that you can take in the evening is a teaspoon of honey with a few drops of Vodka or brandy in it.

Warm Water with Garlic and Oregano

Set a pot of water on the stove until it boils. Add 3 cloves of garlic and one teaspoon of oregano and continue boiling water for another 3 to 4 minutes. Pour into cup and drink alone or add to warm milk and drink, depending on preference of taste.

Try Vicks Vapor Rub on Your Feet

This unusual remedy is surprisingly effective. Simply rub a generous amount of Vicks vapor rub on your feet and cover your feet with socks. Coughing will usually stop within 15 minutes. This is especially effective if you have a cough that bothers you at night. This home remedy will usually get you at least 4 to 5 hours of cough free sleep.

Combine Honey With Pepper

There are two different ways to use this home remedy for cough.

Add a pinch of grounded white pepper to one tablespoon of honey and consume to get rid of cough naturally in 2 to 3 days.or

Add a pinch of black pepper to one tablespoon of honey to help break up mucus so it is easier for you to spit up and expel.

If you would like to see more home remedies for a cough as well as home remedies for anything else that is ailing you please visit Home Remedies for Everything.

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