Remedies For Cough

Recently, I caught the viral flu that led to a prolonged, loud, chesty and dry hacking cough. My cough was so bad it affected my work. I could not speak loudly or for a prolonged time. I was afraid to drive for fear of having the coughing episodes while on the road. My incessant coughing was so bad that friends took pity on me and recommended these remedies that had worked for them:

1) Bisolvon Strong — Finnish Cough medicine

My best friend, who is married to a Finnish man swears, by this medicine. She claims that her mother-in-law introduced her to it when she was suffering from similar coughing fits many years ago and promises the cough meds will calm a cough within three days. Thanks Remmy!

The TEST:

I really like the funnel cap that came with the medication. It was much easier to drink the syrup than the traditional tiny cups we get here from the doctors. The clear cough syrup was quite palatable; not too sweet. By the second day, I noticed that I WAS coughing less. Also, I had uninterrupted sleep by the third night! After weeks of disturbed rest, an unbroken sleep for six hours was a luxury.

This 125ml bottle only lasted me five days. But it was enough to get me back on my feet and make me feel like a normal person again. Quite a miracle drink. I have asked my friend to buy a few bottles for me to stock up. It is safe for kids too. My son took some when he began to exhibit coughing sounds like mine.

Dosage:

For 14-year-olds and above – 5ml 3 times a day
For children 6 to 14-year-olds – 2.5ml 3 times a day
Discard after 12 months after opening.

2) Toddy 

With the hacking cough fits under control, I was careful not to provoke any more coughing by drinking cold drinks. At social gatherings, I was confined to hot tea or warm water. It stabilized my cough, but there were not too many selections AND it was not very fun for me. At one such gathering, my friend recommended I have a “Toddy”!

According to Wikipedia,  hot toddy, also known as hot tottie or hot whiskey in Ireland, is typically a mixed drink made of liquor and water with honey and spices and served hot.

It was very easy to make. My friend concocted the drink with a tablespoon of honey, a quarter glass of brandy, a wedge of lemon and boiling water. You may substitute the brandy for whiskey or rum. You can also modify the drink by adding cloves or cinnamon and top it up with tea instead of water.

The TEST:

The water and lemon took away the strong liquor taste. You can adjust the dosage of all ingredients according to your liking. It was an excellent drink and well, what can I say? I enjoyed it! Thanks Mohit!

Dosage:

For adults, you can drink as many glasses within reason. I was told that you can give to this drink to your kids too. The liquor will help them sleep well. One small glass should be sufficient. But do exert your discretion in serving this to your kids at an age within your comfort zone and under your supervision!

3) Pear Sugar Soup

This is a common home remedy for Chinese moms to curb a cough and cure a sore throat. Thanks Donna for your recommendation. She boils this soup for her kids and family and gave me a list of ingredients (see picture below) to purchase at the medical shop to cook the pear in. She recommends that you ask the staff to pack a portion that is enough for 3 people. You’ll need to make 2-3 rounds to see any effect, so buy at least 3 packets.

My friend recommends adding some honey rock sugar towards the end of the 1 hour boiling if you like the soup weeter. She shares that it is also more appealing for the kids.

Alternatively, you can check out this link for the cooking method — Pear Sugar Soup by www.instructables.com

4) Indian Cough Syrup

I did not get to try this cough syrup recommended by my sister-in-law (from India) as my cough was pretty much healed after trying the above remedies. If you have tried it, please share with us in the comments section below the post.

I hope the above remedies help you while you are nursing your cough. Remember to stay hydrated, drink warm liquids and take lozenges between your medication.

Till my next post, stay well. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.