How Onions and Garlic Can Help You Get Relief From Chronic Coughs

Garlic: A Natural Ally for Lung SupportGarlic is well-known for its strong aroma and flavor—but it’s also rich in plant compounds that may support respiratory wellness.Why garlic is helpful:Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, may have antimicrobial and soothing effects. It forms when garlic is chopped or crushed and may help the body fight off infections.Garlic has been traditionally used to help loosen mucus and support clearer airways.It’s also believed to help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.Simple ways to use garlic for cough relief:Garlic Honey SyrupCrush 3–4 garlic cloves and mix with 2 tablespoons of raw honey.Let it sit for a few hours or overnight.Take 1 teaspoon up to 3 times daily.Garlic Steam InhalationBoil a few crushed garlic cloves in water.Remove from heat, lean over the pot, and inhale the steam (carefully).This may help loosen chest congestion and soothe coughing.Add Garlic to Soups or BrothsCombine with onions, carrots, and herbs for a healing, warm soupEating warm, garlic-rich meals may offer gentle throat reliefOnions: A Gentle Expectorant with a Sweet SideOnions may not seem like a “health food” at first glance, but they contain compounds that have been used in folk medicine to ease coughs and colds for centuries.Why onions support cough relief:They contain quercetin, a natural antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.Onions have mucolytic properties, which means they may help thin and expel mucus.Their natural sulfur compounds are thought to support immune and lung function.Easy home remedies using onions:Onion Cough SyrupSlice one onion and layer with raw honey in a jar.Let it sit for 8–12 hours.Strain and take a spoonful of the liquid 2–3 times a day.Onion TeaChop one onion and simmer in 2 cups of water for 15–20 minutes.Strain and add lemon and honey to taste.Sip warm, especially before bedtime.Roasted Onion Wrap (External Use)Roast an onion, mash it into a paste, and wrap it in a warm cloth.Place on the chest for 15–20 minutes (ensure it’s not too hot).A traditional method believed to help loosen chest congestion.