The Dangers of Over-the-Counter Cough Syrups
Over the counter cough syrups are not the best option for treating colds, coughs, catarrh or influenza because they can be harmful, additive and ineffective. The country's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration(NAFDAC) has been working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) and National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development(NIPPED) to arrest the increasing abuse of cough syrups in Nigeria. The information issued on the official website of NAFDAC states that some certain cough syrups have been placed on restrictions internationally and nationally. These cough syrups include those containing codeine and also those containing mucolytic agents such as acetylcysteine, ambroxol, bromhexine, carbocisteine etc. This include popular brand names such as 'Actifed' and 'Pro Cold'. Restrictions were placed on these syrups because of their inefficiency, their high potential for abuse and serious potential health risk that may present some "serious adverse reactions to the user such as respiratory depression, hallucinations and physical dependence. " For adults and young children over the age of five, this homemade cold and cough suppressant is a safe and better option. Other good points about this cold remedy is that it is all-natural, easy to prepare and the ingredients can be gotten easily from your local market or super market.
Natural Ingredients to include in your Home-made Cough Syrup
The first ingredient on the list is honey. Pure, natural and organic honey. Though all the honey brands sold in the country claim to be organic, pure and 100% natural, only a few actually are. Most are heavily processed and diluted. Even the brands sold in supermarkets do not automatically guarantee purity. Pure honey has medicinal benefits;it is therapeutic and antiseptic. The darker the honey, the richer it is in natural antioxidants, so go for the dark ones and not the light-brown ones. Only 100% pure and organic honey can be effective in curing a bad cold and soothing a sore throat.
Vitamin C is a super antioxidant excellent in building the immune system and protecting the body against infections. Vitamin C has been proven to be equally effective in reducing the duration and severity of cold. Fruits that are rich in this vitamin such as the small red grapes are great for bad colds. Red grapes are very pricey in Nigeria, so if you can't afford it, you can go for a cheaper alternative that is equally rich in vitamin C and equally effective such as pineapples, mangoes and watermelons.
Lime is another key ingredient in this natural cough suppressant cocktail. Lime, though small and sour in taste, is packed full of antioxidants, such as vitamin C. If lime is not readily available where you are, another great alternative is lemon.
Spices such as ginger, cayenne pepper or cinnamon, all have anti-inflammatory properties and a warming effect on the body, that makes them excellent in treating circulatory and respiratory problems. These spices also have antibacterial properties and are excellently effective in treating bad colds, sore throat and cough. At the first sign of sniffles or an irritation in your throat or a loved one, take warm water boiled with any of these spices. They are also used to get rid of phlegm cough because of their soothing, warming effect.
How to Make this All-Natural Anti-Cold and Cough Syrup
To prepare this cold remedy, note that the fruits should go in a blender, the juice in the citrus fruits should be squeezed out into a cup. Add one or two tablespoons of honey and a little of any of the spices mentioned above and manually stir or use the blender to blend. You can also add warm, boiled water. Take three to four tablespoons morning, noon and night, till you feel relieved.
Other Effective Natural Alternatives to Treating Colds and Coughs
Other effective alternatives to treating colds and coughs include the chewing of bitter colas and the drinking of a warm chicken soup. The use of chicken soups to cure colds is not an old wives' tale at all. Chicken soups actually help open blocked sinuses, reduce the severity of a bad cold and improves respiration and circulation. It is good for both children and adults. Those who have tried chewing bitter cola in relieving a persistent cough, swear by it. It is said to be an effective traditional alternative, limited to adults alone because of its bitter taste. Bitter colas are said to treat all kinds of cough, especially the dry, persistent cough. They are usually sold by Mallams and are quite cheap. You can bite small bits and chew as often as you can, at any time of the day.
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