Natural Remedies for Coughs and Lung Health: Homemade Syrup with Onion and Bay Leaves
A homemade syrup made with onion and bay leaves is one of the most powerful natural remedies. This potent combination has been used for generations to relieve coughs, cleanse mucus, and improve lung function. If you have a persistent cough or want to clear your lungs, this homemade syrup can provide relief in just a few days. Let’s see how to produce this easy but effective remedy.
Why Onion and Bay Leaves?
Onion is a natural expectorant, which means that it helps to loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract, making them easier to remove. Onions are high in antioxidants, notably quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in calming the airways and minimize coughing.
Bay leaves are known for their potential to promote respiratory wellness. They include essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral characteristics, which can aid in the fight against respiratory infections. Bay leaves also help to open the airways, making breathing simpler and more comfortable.
How to Make the Homemade Syrup
This syrup is simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your home.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for added soothing and sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and slice it into thin rings. Onions release more beneficial components when sliced or crushed, thus slicing them thinly is essential.
2. Boil the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Boil the water, then add the cut onion and bay leaves. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the onion and bay leaves to infuse the water with their medicinal properties.
3. Strain the Mixture: Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture to cool somewhat. Strain the liquid into a clean container, removing the onion and bay leaves. If you’re using honey, mix it into the warm liquid until completely dissolved.
4. Store the Syrup: Pour the syrup into a lidded glass container or bottle. You may keep this syrup in the fridge for up to a week.
How to Use the Syrup
For Cough Relief: Use one tablespoon of the syrup every 2-3 hours throughout the day. You should notice a decrease in coughing within 24 hours.
For Lung Cleansing: Consume 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup three times each day, ideally before meals. Follow this regimen for three days to help remove mucus and cleanse the lungs.
Why This Remedy Works
Loosens Mucus: Onion’s expectorant qualities help break down mucus, making it easier to remove and relieving chest congestion.
Soothes Inflammation: Both onion and bay leaves contain anti-inflammatory effects that reduce inflammation in the airways, relaxing coughs and improving breathing.
Fights Infections: The antibacterial and antiviral components in onion and bay leaves aid in the battle against underlying infections that may be causing coughing and respiratory problems.
Additional Tips for Best Results
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to thin mucus and keep your airways open.
Inhale Steam: Consider inhaling steam mixed with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to help clear up the airways and release mucus.
Rest: Make sure you receive adequate rest so your body can mend and recuperate.
Conclusion
This homemade syrup made with onion and bay leaves is a potent, natural cure that can help you quit coughing in one day and clean your lungs in three. It is simple to create, effective and requires only a few materials that you most likely already have on hand. The next time you have a cough or respiratory problems, use this natural cure for quick and calming relief.