5 Ways to Stop Coughing Instantly
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps protect your lungs and clear out irritants, but it can be frustrating when it interrupts daily life. Luckily, there are many natural remedies and practices that can help alleviate coughing symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore five different ways to stop coughing instantly.
The Power of Honey: 3 Ways to Use Honey to Instantly Stop Coughing
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, and for good reason: it has antibacterial properties that can soothe the throat. Here are three different ways to use honey to alleviate coughing:
- Add it to tea: Adding a spoonful of honey to your favorite herbal tea can help soothe a cough and provide relief for a sore throat. Drink it while it’s still warm for maximum effectiveness.
- Swallow a spoonful: If you’re on the go and don’t have time to make tea, simply swallowing a spoonful of honey can help alleviate coughing symptoms.
- Mix it with lemon: Mixing honey with lemon juice can help loosen mucus and soothe a cough. Squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water, add a spoonful of honey, and drink up!
Breathe Easy: 5 Breathing Exercises That Stop Coughs in Their Tracks
Intentional breathing techniques can help calm a coughing fit and provide relief. Here are five different breathing exercises to try:
- Diaphragmatic breathing: Also known as belly breathing, this technique involves taking slow, deep breaths from your diaphragm to help ease tension in the body and calm the mind.
- Pursed lip breathing: This technique involves inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips to help control the breath and prevent hyperventilation.
- Box breathing: This technique involves inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding for four counts to help regulate the breath and calm the mind.
- Humming breath: This technique involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth while making a humming sound to help relax the body and soothe the throat.
- Alternate nostril breathing: This technique involves using the thumb and ring finger to alternate nostrils while taking slow, deep breaths to help regulate the breath and calm the mind.
Herbal Remedies: 4 Plants That Can Instantly Stop Coughing
Many plants have healing properties that can help alleviate coughing symptoms. Here are four different plants to try:
- Eucalyptus: This plant contains eucalyptol, an expectorant that can help loosen mucus and ease coughing symptoms. Try inhaling eucalyptus steam by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water and breathing in the steam.
- Peppermint: This plant contains menthol, which can help soothe a cough and reduce inflammation. Try drinking peppermint tea or adding a few drops of peppermint oil to a humidifier to inhale the scent.
- Ginger: This plant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat and alleviate coughing. Try steeping fresh ginger in hot water to make ginger tea.
- Marshmallow root: This plant contains mucilage, a substance that can help coat the throat and soothe a cough. Try steeping marshmallow root in hot water and drinking it as tea.
Acupressure for Cough Relief: Simple Techniques to Try at Home
Acupressure is an ancient healing practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate pain and discomfort. Here are a few acupressure techniques that may help stop coughing:
- The collarbone rub: Using your fingertips, gently rub the area just below your collarbone on both sides of your chest to help soothe a cough.
- The throat press: Using your index and middle fingers, press gently but firmly on the indent just below your adam’s apple to help alleviate coughing symptoms.
- The chest press: Using your fingertips, apply pressure to the outer edge of your collarbones to help relieve congestion and calm the cough.
Mind Over Matter: How Meditation Can Help You Stop Coughing Instantly
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate coughing symptoms, so practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind and soothe the body. Here are a few meditation techniques to try during a coughing fit:
- Mindful breathing: Close your eyes and focus all of your attention on your breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply to help calm the mind and regulate the breath.
- Visualization: Picture yourself in a peaceful, serene environment, such as a beach or forest, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the sensory details of your imaginary setting to help distract yourself from the cough.
- Body scan: Start at the top of your head and gradually scan down your body, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort and allowing them to release with each exhalation.
Conclusion
Coughing can be an annoying and frustrating symptom, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. By using natural remedies and practices like honey, breathing exercises, herbal remedies, acupressure, and mindfulness practices, you can stop coughing instantly and alleviate your symptoms.
