Croup is a disease of the upper respiratory tract which is generally more prevalent among children. Croup is a disorder caused by a viral infection. This disease is characterized by persons suffering from breathing difficulties, stridor or a whistling sound while breathing hard and a barking cough as well. Inflammation of the larynx, windpipe and bronchial tube is the reason why breathing becomes difficult in this disease.
Croup can be treated using natural cures but there should be medical supervision as well. Some of the best herbs to treat croup include Neem, Aloe Vera, Echinacea and Astragalus. Marshmallow and Turmeric are also good herbal remedies for this condition. Adequate rest and good nutrition ensures that the croup subsides and the person makes a complete recovery.
8 Best Natural Cures For Croup
Nourishing Soups And Broths
One of the best natural cures for this condition is to give the person suffering from croup plenty of soups and broths. The best ingredients for making soups and broths are vegetables such as spinach, collard and lettuce which contain plenty of folic acid and other nutrients.
Soups can also be made using lean protein such as chicken which is very good for increasing the energy levels of the body. Vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties making them an excellent choice for concocting soups and broths.
You can also use herbs like Basil, Rosemary and Thyme for seasoning as they boost the immunity and promote good health, besides enhancing the taste of the soup or broth. Soups and broths are rich in vitamins and minerals which heal the body and alleviate the symptoms of croup.
Juices And Water
Another important natural cure for croup is to drink enough juices and ensure that you stay well hydrated. Juices of citrus fruits such as oranges, grapes and grapefruit are especially helpful because they contain the antioxidant vitamin known as vitamin C which increases the ability of the body to fend off viral infection that causes croup.
Water is very critical for preventing dehydration and ensuring that the blood flow in the body is optimum. Water also flushes toxins and virus out of the bodily system. Lukewarm or warm water is additionally beneficial because it soothes the throat and eases the swelling. The heat also destroys the viral infection and ensures relief from the symptoms of this infectious disease.
Fish
Fish is a good source of Omega 3 essential fatty acids such as salmons, sardines, trout, cod, tuna and mackerel which ensure that the body recovers from the inflammation. This is because Omega 3 essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory in nature. They also enhance the immunity of the body and ensure relief from the symptoms of croup.
You can grill the fish lightly to ensure that its nutrients are retained and consume it for best results. You can also make gravies, dishes and soups containing fish and consume these for good results. You can also try fish oil such as cod liver oil for beneficial outcomes.
Herbal Remedies For Croup
Safe and Natural Home Remedies For Croup
Neem
Neem is a herb which possess strong antiviral properties. This herb is known as Indian Lilac as well. Its botanical name is Azadirachta Indica. Neem is known in Ayurveda as a cure for many diseases. Croup is a condition for which Neem can also be used. There are compounds present in this herb which make it difficult for harmful virus to replicate.
This halts the spread of the disease and the intensification of its symptoms. Neem tablets can be taken to aid a person suffering from croup, therefore. Neem is useful because it combines immunostimulatory action with potent antiviral properties. It is an ideal natural cure for croup.
Echinacea
Echinacea Angustifolia is the botanical name of this herb. It is commonly known as Purple Cone Flower. Echinacea is a good herb for increasing the immunity of the human body. As croup is caused due to harmful virus, Echinacea works by enhancing the ability of the body to destroy the virus invading the body.
Echinacea is also a potent antiviral herb making it dually beneficial for use as a natural cure for croup. Echinacea is available as a tincture or extract. Tea can also be brewed using the root of this herb and consumed regularly for good results.
Echinacea improves the ability of the body to fight the viral infection by increasing the number of leukocytes or white blood cells which combat the infection. Echinacea supplements are also available at health stores.
Astragalus
Known as Loco Weed in common parlance, Astragalus is also called Goat’s Horn and Milk Vetch. This herb is known to be a strong immunostimulant and it can make the immune system stronger. This increases the ability of the body to fend off the viral infection induced croup. Astragalus root extract can be taken to ward off croup.
Astragalus root is also used in tinctures and supplements which can be used for helping a person to recover from croup. Known botanically as Astragalus Membranaceus, this herb is also referred to as Green Dragon or Huang Qi in China because of its remarkable curative powers.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been used as a cure for almost every disease. This is because this herb is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antimicrobial and antibiotic as well.
Aloe Vera is most popular as a cure for skin maladies. But this herb is also very effective for viral infections such as croup. It contain emodins which reduce the capacity of the virus to function within the infected person’s body.
Aloe Vera gel contains salicylates which reduce inflammation. These substances work by preventing the oxidation of arachidonic acid thereby reducing synthesis of prostaglandin which causes the inflammation. Aloe Vera has double benefits for persons suffering from croup. Aloe Vera gel extract can be taken for best results. This herb can also be taken in capsule form for combating the disease.
Steam Inhalation
You can also use a vaporizer for steam inhalation. Add some hot water along with a few drops of diluted Eucalyptus oil in the vaporizer. You can add some Olive oil to the Eucalyptus oil in order to ensure that it is well diluted. Then, you can inhale the steam emanating from the vaporizer in order to get complete relief from the persistent coughing and inflammation.
Eucalyptus oil is antiviral and it also acts as an expectorant by loosening the mucous and congestion in the airways. Steam inhalation soothes the airways and prevents blockage and congestion. It also eases the inflammation.
Caution: Please use 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.
