What can I do to treat cough and cold without taking medication?
April 12, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Jan Voigt
Dear Doctor,
my name is Sandra Falk and I have been suffering from a severe cough and runny nose for the past few days. It started with a slight scratchiness in my throat and quickly escalated into a persistent cough, accompanied by a stuffy and runny nose. I feel weak, tired, and can hardly sleep at night due to the constant coughing.
I am not someone who typically resorts to medication quickly and would like to know if there are alternative ways to alleviate my symptoms. I am concerned about the potential side effects of medications and would therefore like to try treating my cough and runny nose naturally.
I have already tried drinking plenty of fluids, inhaling steam, and sucking on throat lozenges. However, these measures only seem to provide temporary relief and my symptoms do not completely disappear.
Could you please provide me with some tips on how to alleviate my symptoms without taking medication? Are there any specific home remedies, teas, or other natural remedies that are effective against cough and runny nose?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Sandra Falk
Dear Mrs. Falk,
I understand your concern about taking medication and your preference for natural treatment methods. There are indeed a variety of home remedies and natural remedies that can help you alleviate your symptoms of cough and cold.
A proven home remedy for cough and cold, for example, is steam inhalation with essential oils such as eucalyptus or mint. Fill a bowl with hot water, add a few drops of the essential oil, and inhale the vapors gently by holding your head over the bowl and covering yourself with a towel. This can help clear the airways and relieve coughing.
Another popular home remedy is ginger tea. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help loosen mucus and relieve coughing. You can slice fresh ginger into thin slices, pour hot water over it, and let it steep. Drinking ginger tea may help alleviate your symptoms.
Gargling with salt water can also help with sore throat and coughing. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with it several times a day. This can help soothe the throat and relieve coughing.
Additionally, you can try to optimize your sleeping environment to get better sleep at night. Keep your bedroom well-ventilated, maintain a comfortable room temperature, and use a humidifier if necessary to increase humidity and reduce coughing.
It is important to remember that natural remedies may not always bring immediate relief, and it may take some time before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to see a doctor to discuss further treatment options.
I hope these tips help you alleviate your symptoms naturally. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Jan Voigt
