Coughing has an important function in the defence against respiratory diseases. Coughing removes the mucus that builds up in the bronchial tubes and lungs due to the infection so that you can breathe better again.

 

However, as important as coughing can be in combating the disease, it is unfortunately also annoying. It is generally not advisable to suppress the cough, as this keeps the mucus in the airways and makes the infection worse. However, to avoid being woken up at night by a cough, as sleep is just as important for recovery, simple household remedies can help to get rid of the cough.

A cup of hot tea with a tablespoon of honey and lemon juice is an old-fashioned but effective remedy for coughs. Milk with honey is less advisable for coughs, as the milk stimulates the production of mucus in the airways.

Dissolve two tablespoons of sea salt in a cup of hot water and gargle with it until it is all used up. Do not swallow anything. The salt kills the bacteria in your throat, mouth and neck.

Eucalyptus is available in various forms. As an essential oil, it can be mixed with a body oil and rubbed onto the chest. A few drops under the nose clears blocked airways and relieves swelling of the connective tissue. Eucalyptus drops also work well as a bath additive against coughs. Eucalyptus lozenges help when travelling. As a tea infusion, eucalyptus soothes inflammation in the airways and calms coughs.

Special herbal teas from the pharmacy or health food shops support the healing of the airways and soothe the cough.

A steam bath loosens stuck mucus in the bronchial tubes that trigger the urge to cough. You can either hold your face over a hot water or camomile bath and place a towel over your head to inhale the steam intensively or take a hot shower and inhale the steam deeply.

To sleep better despite the urge to cough, it helps to keep your head slightly elevated. This causes the mucus to sink downwards and does not trigger a cough.