Cough is a protective reflex of the body to the appearance of various pathogens from the outside. Its type (wet or dry) determines the methods and means of therapeutic and prophylactic actions at home. When coughing from time immemorial, they drink warm milk. There are many recipes with the addition of various components that greatly speed up the healing process.
Useful elements of the drink
Drinking cough milk is good for both adults and children. It is this drink that helps to replenish the reserves of immunoglobulins - substances that destroy a viral infection. They are contained in protein foods, and the product is a source of rapidly digestible protein. It also contains other components useful to humans:
- milk fat;
- milk sugar;
- thiamine;
- riboflavin;
- cobalamin;
- trace elements (iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium).
The presence of calcium in the drink is of particular value. This component is simply irreplaceable for the normal functioning of the musculoskeletal system. It is best absorbed when paired with vitamin D, which is also found in milk.
Indications for coughing
To cure a cough in a child or adult with warm milk is only possible if the infection is located in the throat. The beneficial substances of the drink act on the mucous membrane, relieve inflammation, enveloping it with a thin film, protecting it from irritation. Also, the agent stimulates coughing and dilutes phlegm.
In addition, milk contains a lot of calories. It helps to replenish the lack of energy caused by loss of appetite. All valuable substances are quickly absorbed by the body and at the same time do not create unnecessary stress on the gastrointestinal tract. It is important that the product has the optimal fat content, as too fatty varieties can cause digestive upset. Milk cough treatment will give an even greater effect if it is carried out with the addition of other medicinal products.
List of additional ingredients
| Component | Recipe | Valuable properties | Mode of application |
| Camphor oil | Mix 200 ml of boiled warm milk with 4 drops of camphor oil. | Relieves inflammation, kills bacteria. | 1 glass in the morning and in the evening. |
| Honey | A tablespoon of honey (preferably lime or buckwheat) is added to warm milk not exceeding 50 ᵒС. | Relieves inflammation, gives an expectorant effect. | 3 glasses a day in small sips. |
| Fig | Pour 3-4 ripe figs with a glass of milk, put on fire, after boiling, cook for 2 minutes, leave for 20 minutes, filter. | Relieves pain and inflammation, lowers fever, dilutes phlegm. | Half a glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals. |
| Alkaline mineral water | We choose mineral water (preferably "Borjomi"), heat it up and mix with hot milk in a 1: 1 ratio. | Softens the surface of the bronchi, cleanses them of mucus, eliminates sore throat. | Drink in one gulp before meals 3 times a day, 100 ml. |
| Onion | Peel a large onion, cut into half rings, pour a glass of milk and cook over low heat for 40 minutes. Filter the broth, add a tablespoon of honey to it. | Stimulates the production of mucus and removes it from the bronchi, disinfects. | Take a tablespoon every 2 hours, for children, the dosage is reduced by 2 times. |
| Banana | Peel the ripe fruit, grind it with a fork or in a blender, add 3 teaspoons of cocoa, pour the mixture with a glass of boiled milk. When the liquid cools down, add half a teaspoon of honey to it. | Fights viruses and bacteria, relieves inflammation of the mucous membrane, eliminates attacks of unproductive cough. | They drink warm before going to bed. |
| Butter | Pour 20-50 g of fatty butter with warm milk, mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is formed. | Relieves spasm, eliminates sore throat and coughing attacks, fights inflammation and pain in the larynx. | Take 2-3 times a day, drink in small sips. |
| Soda | Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm milk, mix everything thoroughly. | It dilutes phlegm and removes it from the respiratory tract, disinfects the mucous membrane. | Drink before bedtime in small sips. |
These are just a few of the most popular ingredients milk is paired with. Everyone chooses a suitable recipe for themselves.
It is useful to add animal fats to a warm drink, especially badger, bear, goat, beef. However, these cocktails have a very specific aroma and taste. Before using them, it is recommended to drink a glass of lemon juice diluted with water - this will prevent nausea.
Contraindications
Some experts believe that milk cannot cure a cough. They argue this by the fact that the drink provokes acidification of the blood, like sweets, chocolate, pastries and fatty foods. However, there are other opinions confirming the effectiveness of using this tool.
We can definitely say that any recipe will be powerless in the fight against wet and allergic coughs. These types of disorders require other treatments, and milk can only make the situation worse. The drink is able to effectively act in the focus of infection, namely in the larynx; in all other cases, it does not have a positive effect on the infected organism.
Caution comes first
If a child is sick, then you should not immediately give him milk-based mixtures. In children, a drink, especially a whole one, can cause indigestion and even allergies. It is especially necessary to carefully select additional ingredients for coughs for children, because some of them cause negative reactions of the body. Used wisely, milk is a productive cough suppressant for children.
It is also worth scrupulously choosing a recipe for expectant mothers and lactating women.
Remember that the drug is used as an adjunct to drug therapy, it cannot completely replace the intake of drugs prescribed by your doctor.
It is also forbidden to drink milk cough cocktails for such violations:
- some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- lactose intolerance;
- allergic to any additional components.
Product selection rules
It is best to choose fresh homemade milk from trusted farmers for treatment. It is important that sellers have all the documents proving that the animal is healthy. Both cow's and goat's milk can be used. However, you should be careful with the latter, it has a very high fat content and can cause indigestion.
If you don't like homemade drink, you can get one at the store. Do not buy pasteurized milk, it does not contain any useful substances, as they disappear during heat treatment.
Products with a short shelf life made by trusted manufacturers are best suited.
Drawing conclusions
Hot milk has been used to treat coughs for a long time. The recipe for a suitable formula can be selected for both the adult and the child. Despite the fact that controversy is still ongoing about the benefits of the drink for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, it cannot be discounted. With inflammatory processes in the throat, the use of the drug gives excellent results. In addition, the number of contraindications is minimal.
