🍯 Cough Battle: Honey & Lemon vs. Meds -What Works Best?
Winter often brings many viruses. We hear various coughs everywhere. People frequently buy cough medicines for a quick fix. However, are homemade remedies just as good? We asked Professor Jacky Smith for her expert advice. She works in respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester. She spoke to Radio 4’s Sliced Bread for the facts.
Choosing Your Remedy
Most coughs start with a cold. Cold viruses must run their course naturally. Cough medicines cannot treat the underlying virus. However, they can soothe your irritated throat. This may reduce the urge to cough. For a dry cough, choose sweet syrups or balsams. Glycerol is a soothing agent that helps. It can “coat your throat” and relieve dryness. Prof Smith says paying more is unnecessary. Cheaper own-brand products work just as well.
Therefore, check the label for sugar content. Syrups are often very sweet. Sugar-free options may be a better choice for some. Some medicines contain “active ingredients.” Dextromethorphan is one example. It claims to suppress your cough reflex. Prof Smith suggests the impact is minimal. Levomenthol is another ingredient. It creates a “cooling sensation.” This masks the sense of irritation. Always follow dosing instructions carefully.
Simple Steps for Relief
If you have a chesty cough, you might feel tightness. You may also battle a lot of phlegm. This can result from secondary infections like bronchitis. It also comes from extra phlegm in your sinuses. People naturally reach for over-the-counter syrups. Prof Smith advises us to remain skeptical. Guaifenesin is an ingredient often claimed to loosen phlegm. Conclusive proof is currently lacking.
In addition, some antihistamines might aid sleep. However, they do not treat the actual cough. Plant extracts like squill also show little evidence. Therefore, the best approach is patience. Prof Smith says to “wait it out.” Drink water to stay hydrated. Lozenges also encourage swallowing. This will inhibit coughing for a period.
What about natural cough relief options? A warm mix of honey and lemon works well. It offers the same soothing effect as many syrups. This is especially true for dry coughs. Research suggests honey and lemon may help children over one. Furthermore, remember that coughing is necessary. It helps your body expel mucus. If the cough lingers past three weeks, see your doctor.
