How to Use Garlic to Treat Coughs

As part of the growing trend toward natural and homeopathic therapy, more people are embracing garlic and its medicinal properties rather than resorting to the synthetic drug treatments. Garlic has been used to treat coughs, upper respiratory infections and other common ailments.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh, whole garlic
• Garlic supplements

Instructions

Treat Mild-to-Severe Coughs With Garlic Supplements and Teas

1. Use garlic to prevent coughs altogether. By taking advantage of the immune system boosting properties in garlic, you might be able to avoid coming down with a cold completely.

2. Consume raw garlic on a regular basis if you can. This will provide you with maximum health benefits.

3. Take a garlic supplement as part of your daily health regiment. Many people use a combination of supplements with vitamin C, echinacea, lysine and garlic in order to keep the immune system functioning at maximum capacity.

4. Use garlic to treat coughs and sore throats when they appear. Coughs caused by irritation in the lining of the esophagus can be effectively treated with a garlic-based tea drink that soothes the pain and reduces inflammation.

Make a Garlic-Based Tea to Soothe a Cough

1. Boil water as you would to make any tea.

2. Chop or mince the garlic so that is very fine.

3. Add the minced garlic to the hot water. Allow the garlic to steep for several minutes so you can get a good, strong brew.

4. Strain out the minced garlic and allow the tea to cool for several minutes. You can drink it hot, but it is best when served lukewarm.

5. Enjoy the soothing feeling as you drink the garlic tea. Its effects can be noticed right away. Unlike over-the-counter throat lozenges that simply numb the throat, your garlic tea will actually reduce the tissue inflammation. The severity and duration of your symptoms may be drastically decreased.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent cold and coughs by making garlic part of your everyday life. If you don't enjoy the taste or smell, you can always try a garlic supplement, though its health benefits aren't as potent as whole garlic cloves.

• When taking garlic supplements, watch for signs of adverse reactions. While garlic allergies aren't that common, they can be extremely serious if not addressed immediately. If you notice redness and itching on your skin or a marked increase in stomach problems after consuming garlic, consult with your doctor. He may test you to determine whether you are allergic to allicin, the main ingredient in garlic.