One-ingredient cough remedy

By Sari Huhtala

The juice of a pineapple, known to be a lytic agent, may help to move mucus out of lungs to provide cough relief, particularly in cases of tuberculosis, according to a peer reviewed article published by researchers in India.

Pineapple juice as a natural cough remedy has been used traditionally by the Amish community for decades. As a lytic agent, it helps thin out mucous. Researchers also note bromelain in pineapple helps relieve respiratory symptoms, including symptoms of asthma.

Bromelain is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help break down mucous.

Pineapple is also high in vitamin C for immune system support.

Researchers in India used a cough remedy made with: 1 cup pineapple juice, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper and 1 ½ tablespoons of raw honey (avoid raw honey with babies – use pasteurized honey instead). Drink a quarter cup of the remedy, three times a day.