Top 15 Effective Remedies for Chronic Cough

Benefits:

Kumquat helps stimulate digestion, clears phlegm, and treats cough. Kumquats contain pectin, essential oils, sugars, and vitamins, which have anti-inflammatory, expectorant, cough-suppressing, asthma-relieving, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Rock sugar is used to relieve headaches, dizziness, sore throat, and to detoxify the body. Combining these two ingredients helps effectively cure long-term coughs.

Preparation:

Take 5-7 kumquats and 3-4 tablespoons of rock sugar. Wash the kumquats well and let them dry. Cut them in half and remove the seeds to avoid bitterness and to prevent children from swallowing the seeds. Mix the kumquats and rock sugar in a ceramic bowl. You can either steam them in rice or steam them separately for 30 minutes. For children, strain the juice and give 2-3 teaspoons per dose, 3 times a day. For adults, it’s best to consume the whole kumquat, including the peel, for better results.

Note: Avoid using this remedy for those with stomach ulcers, acid reflux, etc.

Benefits:
Lily flower plant, also known as wild garlic, has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, with a neutral nature. It helps to moisturize the lungs, relieve cough, calm the mind, and has sedative effects. Pharmacological studies show that this plant contains starch, proteins, fats, and traces of colchicine, which has been shown to have antiviral effects, including fighting the HIV virus, and is effective in treating tuberculosis, dry coughs, and bronchitis.

Preparation:
Prepare 400g of fresh almonds, 1 lily flower bulb, 6 red dates, and 1 tablespoon of rock sugar. Clean the almonds, add the red dates and 6 cups of water, then boil on high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the old outer petals of the lily flower, clean it, and separate it into smaller sections, then add it to the almond mixture and continue simmering. Add the rock sugar and allow it to boil evenly. It’s best served hot, or chilled for better taste.

Note: Not recommended for people with coughs caused by wind-cold or diarrhea due to deficiency of cold.

Benefits:
Papaya contains many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that help improve respiratory diseases effectively. In traditional medicine, male papaya flowers have been used to treat coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and even kidney-related issues such as kidney stones, painful urination, and frequent urination.

Preparation:
Prepare 15g of male papaya flowers and a few pieces of rock sugar. Wash the papaya flowers and place them in a ceramic bowl, then steam them with the rock sugar. For adults, drink one bowl of this papaya flower and rock sugar mixture each day to treat coughs. For children, strain the juice and give it to them multiple times throughout the day. Use continuously for 3 days to soothe the throat and relieve the cough quickly.

Note:
It is recommended to dry or dehydrate the male papaya flowers and store them in a jar for future use.

Benefits:
Eggs are rich in nutrients, including proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Eggs have a salty taste and cooling properties, which help nourish the blood, moisten the lungs, relieve constipation, calm the mind, and support pregnancy. In traditional medicine, eggs are used to treat respiratory issues like persistent coughs, asthma, tuberculosis, sore throat, bronchitis, colds, pneumonia, and various digestive and neurological disorders.

Preparation:

• Method 1: Boil 50g of rock sugar with a cup of water until dissolved. Then, add 2 eggs and whisk well, adding a few slices of fresh ginger. Consume this mixture throughout the day, once daily.
• Method 2: Mix 60g of honey with some warm water and add the eggs, mixing well. Use this remedy once a day.

Note:
It is important to continue using this remedy until the cough is completely cured.

Benefits:
Mung beans are rich in nutrients. Along with essential components like protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, mung beans also contain B vitamins, as well as vitamins E, C, K, iron, and calcium. Not only do they help detoxify the body and reduce internal heat, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria causing respiratory illnesses.

Preparation:
Heat 1 tablespoon of essential oil, then add 7 mung beans and fry them until golden. Once slightly warm, mix in a little honey.

Note:
Consume before going to bed. Do not use this remedy if you have symptoms such as cold hands and feet, back pain, or sore knees, as mung beans can have a cooling effect on the body and may cause diarrhea, dehydration, or stomach discomfort. Those with stomach or intestinal issues should avoid eating mung bean porridge. Women who consume excessive mung beans may experience excessive vaginal discharge, bloating, or menstrual cramps. Additionally, avoid this remedy if you're currently taking traditional medicine as it may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Benefits:
Honey and dried lemon have long been a treasured remedy in folk medicine for their effectiveness in treating respiratory illnesses. The combination of honey and dried lemon not only helps to soothe coughs and sore throats but also contributes to healthier skin and detoxifies the body.

Preparation:
Clean the lemons, then dissolve some salt in warm water to soak the lemons for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove and allow them to dry completely. Slice the lemons thinly, keeping the seeds intact. Layer the lemon slices in a jar, then pour honey to cover them, pressing down with a bamboo lid.

Note:
If you prefer using rock sugar, crush it into small pieces and layer it in the jar, alternating with lemon slices until the jar is full. Then, pour in the honey and press the lemon slices down with a bamboo lid. Let it sit for 3 months before using. Take 2-3 teaspoons per day.

Benefits:
Golden Turmeric has a bitter, spicy taste and is warm in nature, affecting the liver and spleen. It is known for its ability to break down lumps, improve blood circulation, disinfect, and stop bleeding. The curcumin found in turmeric provides strong antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and effective cough-relieving properties.

Preparation:
Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with hot water. Divide it into 2-3 servings throughout the day. You will notice improvement within 2 days (adding a little salt will enhance the effects).

Note: It is recommended to continue using until the cough completely clears up.

Uses:
According to traditional medicine, Vietnamese balm leaves are spicy, warm in nature, and fragrant. They help expel wind-cold, relieve mucus, kill bacteria, and are used to treat sore throats, colds, sweat-inducing illnesses, coughs, and flu when the body doesn't sweat. Fresh balm leaves are often used, or they can be boiled into a drink. Some herbal medicine manufacturers also distill Vietnamese balm oil combined with other herbs to create medicines for coughs and flu.

Preparation:
Take 20g of fresh balm leaves, wash them clean, and chop them into small pieces. Add 20g of rock sugar. Place both ingredients into a bowl, steam them, and strain the liquid. Drink slowly. Swallow the residue. Repeat once a day for 3 - 5 days. (This can be combined with steaming the leaves and using the water for a therapeutic bath to recover faster.)

Note:
Do not use this steaming method for children.

Benefits:
Chinese chives are an affordable food packed with numerous beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, minerals (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, folate), and antioxidants. Notably, the allicin found in chive leaves acts similarly to an antibiotic, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria without side effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chive leaves are an important ingredient in many remedies for coughs and sore throats. This herb has a warming nature, with a spicy-sweet taste, and offers antibacterial properties, aids digestion, boosts energy, and helps clear mucus.

Preparation:
After washing the chive leaves, cut them into 2 cm pieces. Place the leaves into a ceramic bowl, cover them with honey, and steam for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and drink it 4 to 5 times a day to soothe coughs. Children can take about 3-5 ml per dose (approximately one tablespoon), while adults should consume around 10 ml per dose.

Note:
Honey can lower blood pressure and increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, individuals with low blood pressure or diabetes should use caution when trying this remedy. Honey should not be given to infants, especially those under 6 months old.

Benefits:

Pears, originating from China, are packed with essential nutrients and have long been known for their medicinal properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the sweet and cool nature of pears helps to soothe the lungs, alleviate coughs, clear heat, generate body fluids, dissolve phlegm, and detoxify. Rock sugar, with its subtle sweetness and cooling properties, is also known for its ability to clear phlegm, reduce heat, and nourish the lungs.

Because of these properties, pears and rock sugar have long been used as a natural remedy for respiratory issues such as dry coughs, coughs with phlegm, or general lung discomfort.

Preparation:

Wash one pear thoroughly, then cut off the top near the stem. Remove the core and seeds, and fill the hollow with a bit of rock sugar. Steam the pear for about 15 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and the pear to release its beneficial nutrients. Drink the resulting juice and consume the pear, repeating daily with 1-2 pears until symptoms improve.

Note:

This remedy is not recommended for children under 12 months of age.

Benefits:

The leaves of Vietnamese persicaria are rich in compounds that can inhibit the activity of certain harmful bacteria responsible for respiratory infections. Additionally, these leaves are high in vitamin C, which plays a key role in boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and defending against bacterial infections.

Preparation:

Wash a handful of Vietnamese persicaria leaves and grind them into a fine paste with a cup of water. Strain the mixture to extract the juice. Drink 1-2 cups of this juice daily to help reduce coughing. If the taste is too strong, you can sweeten it with a little sugar to make it more palatable.

Note:

This remedy is effective only for mild coughs or general respiratory discomfort. For more serious conditions like pneumonia, tonsillitis, bronchitis, or tuberculosis, it is essential to consult a doctor and follow prescribed medication. Additionally, it is advisable for infants under 6 months, pregnant women, or individuals with weak constitutions to seek medical advice before using this remedy.

Benefits:

Peppermint has a strong, warming flavor and a refreshing aroma. It is rich in antioxidants and contains high levels of calcium, vitamin B, and potassium, all of which help to strengthen the immune system. The menthol in peppermint helps soothe coughs and break up phlegm.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, peppermint is considered cooling and non-toxic. It is known for its ability to relieve wind-heat, treat headaches, and ease colds without causing sweating. It is commonly used to treat coughs, sneezing, nasal congestion, and sinus issues. Additionally, peppermint stimulates digestion and is often used to treat loss of appetite, indigestion, and nausea.

Preparation: There are several ways to use peppermint, including:

• Fresh peppermint leaves: Crush a handful of fresh leaves and extract the juice to drink daily. Alternatively, brew peppermint leaves with tea and drink for 3-4 days to gradually relieve a persistent cough and sore throat.
• Peppermint and honey combination: Wash peppermint leaves, add some honey, and blend them together. Steam the mixture and drink twice a day until the cough subsides.

Note:

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, the elderly, and young children should exercise caution when using peppermint remedies.

Benefits:

Ginger is a common household ingredient known for its warm properties and its ability to fight inflammation and fungal infections. The essential oils in ginger are effective in treating colds, nausea, and coughs. Honey, another widely used remedy, is particularly effective for soothing a cough.

This ginger and honey remedy will help you quickly relieve coughing. For optimal results, sip it slowly, consuming about 40-50 ml at a time. Your cough should ease quickly and eventually disappear.

Preparation:
Start with 60g of fresh ginger and 30g of pure honey. Clean the ginger, then crush it using a mortar and pestle. Add the crushed ginger to a pot with half a liter of water and simmer for 30 minutes. Afterward, stir in the honey and mix well. For a better taste, you can strain out the ginger pulp.
Note:
Not suitable for children under 1 year old.

Benefits:
White radish is not only a common ingredient rich in nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, and glucose, but it also contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it highly effective in clearing phlegm and curing persistent coughs. When combined with rock sugar, it can help alleviate long-term coughing problems.
How to prepare:
Clean and peel the white radish, then slice it into thin strips. Crush the rock sugar in a mortar and mix it with the sliced radish. Place the mixture in a clean glass jar and leave it overnight to allow the juice to release. Extract the juice and drink it.
Note: For optimal results, drink it three times a day. For adults, take about 10ml per serving, and for children, take 5ml per serving.

Benefits:
Garlic is a common kitchen ingredient, frequently used to neutralize odors and enhance the flavor of dishes. It contains several trace elements and natural antibiotics that help fight inflammation and infection. Meanwhile, honey is rich in natural sugars and antibiotics, boosting the immune system of those who are ill.

Therefore, combining these two ingredients creates an excellent remedy for treating persistent coughs.

Preparation:
Peel the garlic, leaving the cloves whole or crush them for faster use. Place the garlic in a glass jar and add honey. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. After three weeks, it can be used as a cough remedy. Take 1-2 teaspoons 2-3 times a day for the best results.

Precautions:
Not recommended for children under 1 year old, individuals with diabetes, cirrhosis, low blood pressure, those recovering from surgery, eye problems, liver diseases, non-bacterial diarrhea, kidney diseases, or people preparing for surgery. Women who are breastfeeding should limit garlic intake.