Homemade syrups with honey, watercress or onion are excellent for treating cough with phlegm, as they have expectorant properties that help eliminate secretions present in the airways, resolving the cough in a few days.
However, if in addition to coughing there are other symptoms, such as fever, malaise, green phlegm or shortness of breath, for example, it may be indicative of acute bronchitis or pneumonia, and it is important to consult a doctor so that the best treatment is indicated.
These syrups do not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor to fight respiratory infections, and it is important to follow the doctor’s guidelines.
1. Watercress syrup with honey
Watercress is a leaf that has expectorant and decongestant properties, as well as being able to stimulate the immune system, which is why it is useful for treating coughs.
Iingredients
- Honey;
- 1 bunch of watercress;
- 1 lemon juice.
Method of preparation
Pass 1 bunch of fresh watercress in the blender and then add 1 tablespoon of honey and juice of 1 lemon. Then, bring the mixture to a low heat until it thickens and acquires a pasty consistency. It is recommended to take 1 tablespoon of this syrup 3 to 4 times a day.
2. Fennel syrup
Homemade fennel syrup is also quite effective in fighting coughs, as this plant has expectorant properties.
Ingredients
- 500 ml of water;
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seed;
- 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root;
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme;
- 250 ml of honey.
Method of preparation
Place the water, fennel and licorice in a pan and boil for 15 minutes. Then, remove this infusion from the heat, add the thyme and let it rest covered until it cools. Then, strain, add the honey and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.
It can be taken whenever necessary and can be kept in the fridge for a maximum period of 3 months, in a tightly capped glass bottle.
3. Onion Syrup
Onion syrup is an excellent home remedy to relieve coughing because it has dilating and expectorant properties, making it easier for accumulated secretions to come out.
Ingredients
- 3 onions;
- 500 ml of honey;
- Juice of 3 lemons.
Method of preparation
Mix all the ingredients in a blender until it acquires a homogeneous consistency. Store the syrup in the fridge in a glass container. Check out other onion cough syrup recipes.
It is recommended that children over 1 year of age take 2 teaspoons of the syrup during the day, while adults are recommended 4 teaspoons a day. This syrup is not suitable for children under 1 year of age due to the presence of honey, which is contraindicated at this age.
4. Radish, onion and honey syrup
This syrup is another good option to treat a cough with phlegm, as it is rich in vitamin C, in addition to having antioxidant properties, helping to fight respiratory infections.
Ingredients
- 3 radishes;
- 1 head of garlic;
- 1 red onion;
- 500 ml of honey.
Method of preparation
Cut all the ingredients, mix and place in a container large enough to cover it completely. Leave to rest for 1 day. Strain and store in a glass container tightly covered and away from the sun, and can be kept for up to 3 months. It is recommended to take 2 tablespoons of this syrup a day.
Other useful tips for fighting cough are to avoid drafts and keep your throat hydrated by taking small sips of water several times a day. Inhaling with 1 liter of boiling water and 1 drop of marjoram, thyme or ginger essential oil also helps to decongest the nose. These last medicinal plants can also be used in the same way for immersion bath, being also indicated for children and babies.
