Natural relief for your cough

Despite the billions of dollars spent on over-the-counter cough syrups every year, doctors say those same treatments are largely ineffective against a nagging cough. Try these at-home remedies.

For relief of persistent symptoms, the gentle, soothing home remedies that your grandmother swore by are just the ticket. Teas made from plantain, thyme or mallow can quiet a dry cough. And hot baths and cough remedies made from medicinal plants or ingredients may well speed you along the road to recovery.

• To make your own cough syrup, combine 45 millilitres (three tablespoons) of lemon juice and 250 millilitres (one cup) of honey in 50 millilitres (1/4 cup) of warm water. Take 15 to 25 millilitres (one or two tablespoons) every three hours. Note: honey should not be given to children under two years of age.
• For adults, warm beer can ease a dry cough and send you off to dreamland. Before going to bed, warm up about 500 millilitres (16 ounces) of beer with 60 millilitres (four tablespoons) of honey — don't let it boil. Sip slowly.
• To make a cough-soothing tea, combine about 30 grams (one ounce) of dried thyme, 25 grams (3/4 ounce) of marshmallow root, 10 grams (1/3  ounce) of crushed fennel fruit, 10 grams (1/3 ounce) of Iceland moss and 10 grams (1/3 ounce) of licorice root. Pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of water over 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of the mixture, let steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Drink 250 millilitres (one cup) in the morning and evening.
• A lemon wrap may help — but if you have sensitive skin it could cause skin irritation (if so, immediately remove the wrap and wash your skin with warm water). Nonetheless, it's worth a try: dribble the juice from two lemons on a cotton cloth and wrap it over your chest with a wool scarf tied to hold it in place. Give it an hour to work its magic before removing.
• Just three drops of eucalyptus oil and a little water in a fragrant oil burner can soothe your breathing passages.