What Are the Best Ways to Get Instant Relief from Cough at Night?

Question

I’ve been struggling with a cough that gets worse at night, and I need instant relief from cough at night. I’ve tried some over-the-counter remedies, but I’m looking for more natural solutions to get quick relief and sleep through the night.

What are the best natural remedies for cough relief at night, and how do they work to soothe the throat and reduce coughing fits? I’ve heard that honey and warm water with turmeric can be effective—are there any other quick remedies I should try?

I’ve also heard about using steam inhalation with eucalyptus or peppermint oil. How effective is this for clearing the airways and providing relief, especially at night when coughing disrupts sleep?

Are there any specific Ayurvedic oils or herbs that can be applied to the chest or throat for instant cough relief before bed?

Lastly, are there any foods or habits I should avoid during the evening to reduce coughing at night and promote restful sleep?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

For quick natural relief from a cough that worsens at night, several remedies can soothe your throat and ease coughing fits. Honey and warm water with turmeric are excellent because honey coats the throat, providing a soothing effect, while turmeric is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce irritation. You can also try drinking a warm herbal tea with ingredients like ginger, licorice root, or tulsi (holy basil), which are known for their calming and throat-soothing properties.

Steam inhalation with essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can also be highly effective. These oils open up the airways, relieve congestion, and ease coughing by reducing irritation in the respiratory tract. You can add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or use a diffuser.

In Ayurveda, chest rubs with oils like vicks-like Ayurvedic balm, which contains ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and sandalwood, can provide relief when massaged into the chest and throat. Balaswagandhadi oil or Eucalyptus oil mixed with a carrier oil like sesame can also be applied to the chest to help clear congestion and reduce coughing.

To prevent coughing at night, avoid dairy products and cold foods in the evening, as they can increase mucus production and irritate the throat. Also, avoid eating heavy or spicy foods close to bedtime, which can aggravate the throat and trigger coughing. Ensure that the room is well-humidified, as dry air can worsen coughs at night. Lastly, try sleeping with your head elevated to prevent mucus from pooling in your throat, which can trigger coughing.

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