The winter season is upon us and with it comes cold, grey, rainy weather and, of course, flu-like conditions. Fortunately, it is possible to fight these ailments naturally, without having to queue up at the pharmacy.
Discover now the 8 best natural remedies for coughs, irritations and inflammation of the throat.
Contents
1. Thyme tea for coughing fits
To relieve coughing fits, there is nothing like the famous herbal tea! Flavoured with thyme, which is an ideal therapeutic plant against ENT inflammations (seasonal allergies, colds...). It is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious and calms coughs thanks to its antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the trachea.
You can drink 2 to 3 cups a day of thyme-infused tea, and for even more effectiveness and deliciousness, don't hesitate to add a spoonful of honey.
2. Honey to soothe the throat
Honey is an indispensable grandmother's remedy for throat inflammation. It is an excellent antioxidant remedy that stimulates the immune system. It has antibacterial and healing properties, which is ideal for soothing the mucous membranes of irritations. It can also be used as a cough suppressant.
You can enjoy its benefits by adding a spoonful to your hot drinks.
3. Lemon for its antiseptic properties
Lemon is known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its zest is very effective against coughs and sore throats of infectious origin.
To take advantage of its virtues, this citrus fruit must be pressed and then mixed with warm water. You can also add honey to amplify its effects.
4. Onion to thin nasal secretions
Did you know that onions are a great ally against winter infections? Thanks to its concentration of sulphur, it has anti-inflammatory properties that are ideal for thinning congested mucus.
To consume it, you can opt for a soup, a homemade syrup, or make an infusion, for example.
5. Humidify the air to relieve mucous membranes
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Discover our selectionIf the air in the room is too dry, this can cause and aggravate sore throats, involving inflammation of the mucous membranes. For this reason, it is necessary to have a sufficiently humid living space (at least 40 %). If this is not the case, use a humidifier to reduce your symptoms.
6. Saline solution to clear the nose
When you are ill, it is not uncommon for your nose to be affected as well as your throat. Indeed, sore throats and coughs can be caused by a congested nose that causes dry, irritating discharge.
To avoid this, it is advisable to clean the nose with saline solution twice a day and then blow your nose immediately.
7. Fenugreek as a gargle
Fenugreek is an herb that is often used for bronchitis. It can also be used for other viral and bacterial infections, as it helps to soothe sore throats and calm coughs. It has an anti-inflammatory power which makes it a well-known and very effective medicinal plant.
To take advantage of its many benefits, you can mix two spoonfuls in a glass of water and then gargle to soothe your throat.
8. Onion to clear mucus
And at the bottom of this ranking, we find the onion once again. As we explained above, it clears the airways and thins the mucus, making it easier to evacuate.
In order to blow your nose easily and effectively, this time you should use it as an inhalant. If you can stand the smell, you can also put a few pieces of onion next to your bed at night.