Croup is a common respiratory illness found generally in children and occasionally in adults as well. Croup is a viral infection of the voice box (larynx) and the wind pipe. In this infection, the wind pipe gets swollen and this obstructs the breathing tubes that lead to the lungs.
This in turn leads to difficulty in breathing and causes a peculiar woofing cough. Croup is contagious and the viruses spread via coughing and sneezing. Croup is usually caused by the same virus that causes common cold; this virus causes inflammation of larynx and trachea and leads to symptoms like barking cough, fever, hoarseness, high pitched sound while breathing in or out, trouble in breathing and poor appetite.
Home Remedies For Croup
More Intake Of Liquids
Increased intake of water also cures the woofing cough and running nose. Warm water helps in soothing the swollen breathing tubes. Warm liquids like vegetable soups, apple juice, lemonade and herbal tea can be consumed.
Warm liquids also help in relaxing vocal chords and loosening the sticky secretion. You must therefore increase your consumption on liquids, especially the warm liquids.
Honey is known for its medicinal values and acts as an anti-biotic which suppresses infections of both types (bacterial and viral). One tea spoon of honey can be added to hot beverages like tea and should be taken at regular intervals.
Honey when taken with warm water and lemon has amazing soothing effects on coughing. Lemon juice mixed with honey in the ratio 1:2 helps in soothing the throat and clearing the sticky mucus.
Steam Clean Air Passages
The best and easiest remedy for croup is treating the croup with steam. But instead of direct steam, hot water can be poured on the floor of the entire bathroom with a slight window opened, as this will steam up the entire bathroom.
Slightly cooler steam is beneficial in croup because the wind pipe is swollen which makes breathing difficult. Patients with croup should stay in this steam for atleast half an hour.
Hot Milk With Turmeric
Turmeric has volatile oils in it which have therapeutic effects on patients suffering from croup. Turmeric has a medicinal effect for sore throat conditions and croup as well. Turmeric prevents further aggravation of scratchy and sore throat.
Turmeric with hot milk helps in relaxing the vocal cord. Turmeric tea can also be taken and can be prepared by mixing turmeric powder in water and bringing it to boil for a few minutes. You can also add some honey and lemon to this liquid to enhance the healing effect.
Ginger is an effective cure in all cold-related illnesses and symptoms. An easy and common way of treating croup is by chewing lozenges of ginger with little salt sprinkled on it. Even ginger tea helps in this situation. Ginger tea can be made along with holy basil. This combination of ginger and holy basil is an effective remedy.
A paste of ginger and holy basil is also recommended. Few basil leaves should be added to ginger extract and few drops of honey. This paste taken in small quantities reduces the congestion and gives relief from croup.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.