Nothings worse in the summer than a nagging cough. And one home remedy that’s been circulating on social media promotes pineapple juice.
I’m a fan of home remedies but even snopes.com has flagged a popular pineapple post. It stated that pineapple juice was 5 times more effective than cough syrup. Looking at the scientific evidence, a review back in 2010 found pineapple juice mixed with honey, salt and pepper could help relieve mucus in the lungs of people with tuberculosis.
It may thin out the mucus, making it easier to move when you cough. But the study didn’t say it was an effective cough remedy.
Question: I would think that pineapple juice would have a lot of good nutrients that could help, right?
Pineapples are awesome as they contain fiber, beta carotene, zinc, folate and lots of vitamin C.
This sweet yellow fruit also contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory properties which may help with asthma symptoms.
All this goodness is great for the health of your body, and could help you fight a cough so here are my prescriptions:
Partha’s RX
1. Don’t just focus on pineapples, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The extra vitamin C is very beneficial to your immune system which fights off colds and other viral infections.
2. Pass on the fried foods when fighting a cough. These can be irritating to your throat.
3. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks. They can dehydrate you – instead drink other warm fluids like broth, tea or juice which can soothe your throat.
4. If you’d like to try the pineapple remedy, mix one and a half tablespoons of honey, 1 cup of pineapple juice along with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can drink ¼ cup up to three times a day.
Honey can soothe the throat and loosen a cough. It’s great in hot water with lemon. I’d recommend a teaspoon of honey but please don’t give to children under a year old.
You can also try warm soup, spicy foods and ginger tea. Please don’t forget about getting enough rest and if your cough doesn’t go away after a few weeks, please see your doctor.
