Coughing and wheezing (when you make a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing) are your body’s way of telling you that all is not okay with your upper respiratory tract and it is either irritated, blocked or infected. Coughing and wheezing can be quite discomforting and can give you sleepless nights leaving you feeling tired and restless. But before you reach out for your inhaler, here are some very effective and completely natural remedies to try out.
1. Ginger
Ginger is a very effective remedy for a lot of ailments including coughing and wheezing. Many studies have confirmed that ginger is effective in preventing contraction of airways and reducing inflammation in them. They have also confirmed that ginger is a good muscle relaxant, which is why it is used widely as a remedy for upper respiratory tract ailments. Mix ginger, pomegranate and honey in equal proportions and take a tablespoon of this mixture 2-3 times a day as an effective remedy for wheezing and coughing.
2. Eucalyptus Oil Inhalation
Eucalyptus oil is a very effective remedy against wheezing, coughing and other breathing difficulties. It helps open the airways and helps you breathe easily. Also, eucalyptol, an active ingredient in eucalyptus oil is known to have anti-bacterial, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, apart from being a natural decongestant. It is extremely effective in breaking up the mucus formation and helps clear up the airways.
To use eucalyptus oil as a remedy against wheezing you will need boiling water, a bath towel and eucalyptus oil. Add 15-20 drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water that you’ve set aside and lean into the steam with a bath towel covering your face over the pot. Care needs to be exercised while dealing with hot water and steam. The combination of steam and eucalyptus oil will help open the breathing passages and prevent wheezing and coughing. Alternatively, you can use 3-4 drops of eucalyptus oil on a paper napkin and keep it next to your pillow while sleeping. This will open your air passages and help you sleep better.
3. Onions
Onions contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate any congestion in the airways. The sulfur content in onions is responsible for reducing inflammation in the airways. All you need to do is eat raw onions, and you can find relief from wheezing and coughing.
4. Lemon
People with wheezing and breathing difficulties are seen to have a deficiency of Vitamin C. Lemons are a storehouse of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Drinking lemon juice every day can significantly reduce the symptoms of coughing and wheezing. Squeeze half a lemon in a glass of water and use honey instead of sugar to sweeten it. Honey is also an effective remedy against wheezing. The combination will give you instant relief.
5. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are known to have antibacterial properties and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming a teaspoon of these every day will help alleviate symptoms of wheezing and coughing.
6. Sesame Oil
To treat wheezing, mix 100 ml of sesame oil with half a teaspoon of asafetida and some camphor. Store this thick paste in a dark bottle. This paste needs to be applied on the chest and upper back for relief from wheezing. This needs to be done daily for relief from wheezing.
7. Red Chilies
Red chilies contain many nutritional benefits along with their strong spicy taste, for which they are used to enhance the flavor of dishes. They are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, iron, potassium and copper. They also contain a compound known as Capsaicin, which has anti- bacterial, analgesic and anti-carcinogenic properties. Red chilies help open air passages and are very effective against coughing and wheezing. They also help in thinning the mucus in the throat thereby allowing breathing to become easier during a bout of cough and prevent wheezing.
8. Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is a very effective home remedy to stop wheezing and coughing. For this remedy crush a licorice root, soak it in 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Drink the tea daily for best results.
9. Fish
Fish happens to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids which helps boost lung function and including it as a part of your daily diet can go a long way in helping you cope with coughing and wheezing.
10. Yogurt
Vitamin B12, which yogurt happens to be a great source of, enhances lung function and increases the capacity of the lungs to deal with wheezing and irritation. Having two cups of yogurt daily is an effective solution to wheezing and coughing.
11. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is yet another effective remedy to treat wheezing and coughing. Sometimes acid reflux in the esophagus can cause the narrowing of the airways, which results in breathing difficulties and coughing. Apple cider vinegar treats the heartburn and acid reflux and makes breathing easier. Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Stir well and sip the solution slowly for wheezing and coughing to stop.
12. Drink Orange Juice
Orange juice is a very effective remedy against wheezing and latest research even suggests that drinking 3 glasses of orange juice helps reduce wheezing up to 70%. A possible reason may be the vitamin C in orange juice that patients of asthma and other respiratory tract infections are seen to have a deficiency of.
