10 Effective Home Remedies For Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection, caused by bacterium Bordetella Pertussis, which leads to severe coughing. The cough produces a whooping sound. In the beginning, it starts with mild dry cough, runny nose, sneezing, loss of appetite and fever but gradually (7-10 days) it develops into severe coughing, particularly night time coughing, accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, vomiting, nose bleed and diarrhea if not treated early. It primarily affects small children and spreads quickly through coughs and sneezes. It can also affect adults and elders who have weak immune system.

However, in addition to proper rest, drinking plenty of sugar-free fluids, providing nutrition and keeping the patient warm, whooping cough can be treated at home using natural ingredients, along with the treatment advised by your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if there is breathing problem and excessive vomiting. Try to avoid milk and milk based product and eliminate sugary foods from your diet. Instead eat small and light healthy meals to replenish the nutrients and keep up energy.

Here Are 10 Best Home Remedies For Reducing The Symptoms Of Whooping Cough:

1. Saffron

Saffron contains antibacterial properties which can help to destroy the bacteria that causes whooping cough and works as an expectorant to loosen the phlegm and make breathing easy.[1] To use this remedy steep 5-6 saffron strands in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes and drink this infusion 3-4 times a day regularly at least for a week to get relief. It is one of the best recommended ayurvedic treatments for whooping cough.

2. Ginger

Ginger is an excellent remedy for getting relief from whooping cough. The antibacterial properties contained in ginger works effectively to kill the bacteria responsible for infection. The active in compound ginger called gingerol has anti-inflammatory properties.[2] The immune boosting and expectorant properties of ginger will help to fight the symptoms of this respiratory illness and promote fast recovery. Ginger can be taken either by extracting 1 tbsp. of fresh ginger juice extracted from ginger root adding 1tbsp. honey or by preparing an expectorant adding ginger juice, onion juice and lemon juice 1tbsp. each. Both of these remedies will bring relief from cough and also help to clear throat and chest congestion. Another much known remedy for whooping cough is boil 1tsp. fenugreek seed in 250 ml. water. When reduced to half. Add fresh ginger juice and honey 1tsp. each to it and give 3-4 times to the affected patient.

3. Garlic

A compound known as allicin contained in Garlic has powerful anti-viral and antibacterial properties which can help to clear pertussis infection very effectively.[3] Garlic works as a natural antibiotic and helps to fight the symptoms of whooping cough and brings relief fast. Strengthening the immune system, garlic helps to bring relief from cough and sore throat. To use this remedy, crush 5-6 garlic cloves, extract the juice and give half tsp. to 1tsp. to the patient for 2-3 times a day.

4. Almonds

High in antioxidants and immune boosting properties almonds can bring relief from symptoms of whooping cough. Almond will boost body’s capacity to fight the infection fast. Both oil and nuts can be used to ease the symptoms.[4] 1tbsp. of almond oil can be used in conjunction with4-5 drops of any essential oil like eucalyptus, camphor or rosemary as a chest rub. Or make a paste out of 6-8 overnight soaked almonds by grinding them and eat it 3-4 times a day adding 1 tsp. butter daily to get relief. Another option is to combine 1tsp almond oil with same amount of ginger juice and onion juice and give the patient 2-3 times until symptoms persist.

5. Radish

Radish has been used in natural medicine for curing many ailments.[5] Rich in phytochemicals, the root vegetable has anti-congestive properties which can bring impressive amount of relief from symptoms of whooping cough by clearing mucus that accumulated in the throat, radish also contains vitamin C which helps to fight infection and bring relief. One popular remedy for whooping cough is to mix 1tsp. radish juice with a pinch of rock salt and 1tsp. honey. Take this syrup 3 times to get relief.

6. Lemons

Lemons are another good remedy for pertussis. Lemons, a citrus fruit are high in vitamin C and also contain citric acid with effective antibacterial and antiviral properties.[6] Cutting through phlegm and mucus, it can help to breathe easy reduce coughing with whooping sound. Vitamin C will help to boost the immune system and strong antiviral and antibacterial property helps to fight infection quickly. In a glass of warm water add fresh juice of half a lemon and little honey. Drink lemon water several times a day to sooth the throat and find relief from severe bout of cough.

7. Honey

Honey contains powerful antibacterial, antioxidant and antiseptic properties which will not just help to sooth the throat and reduce inflammation, it can also work to fight bacterial infection and bring relief from the symptoms.[7] To sooth your throat, add 1tbsp. honey to glass of warm water and drink several times a day. Adding honey with ginger juice, radish juice is also other alternatives remedies for getting relief from whooping cough symptoms.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is another excellent remedy for whooping cough as it has antibacterial, antiviral properties which help to fight infection, boost immune system and bring relief form dry cough which causes whooping sound-a primary symptom of whooping cough.[8] To ease the symptoms, you can add half tsp. turmeric powder to warm milk and drink twice a day. Or add ½ tsp. turmeric power to 1tbsp. honey thrice a day.

9. Oregano

Oregano has antibacterial, antispasmodic and expectorant properties that makes this herb an excellent remedy for clearing congestion from lungs and bring relief from dry coughing.[9] Inhaling steam adding 5-6 drops of oregano oil can clear congestion of mucus in the lungs and ease coughing. You can also use oregano oil as chest rubs combining with any carrier oil. Drinking oregano herbal tea will help to sooth your throat and bring relief from coughing.

10. Licorice

Licorice is another powerful herb that can bring relief from severe coughing by coating the throat with a protective layer of mucilage that gets hurt due to persistent coughing along with clearing congestion from bronchial tubes and lungs.[10] Make herbal tea adding 1tsp. licorice powder in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink.