Chef Neha Deepak Shah’s homemade cough syrup is easy to make but experts are divided over its effectiveness
4/12/2024 - Updated 1:04:17 pm
Courtesy: The Indian Express
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if the cough persists or worsens over time, said Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi
Chef Neha Deepak Shah recently shared her experience of finding relief after consuming a homemade cough syrup made with orange and some kitchen spices. According to the MasterChef India finalist, the concoction "worked well for me." "I was not feeling too well last week and tried this at home, and it instantly helped me get better," said Shah, further advising that one should have "one spoon of this every 4 to 5 hours for 3 days (make a fresh one every day) and see the magic". Ingredients 1 - Orange 1 tsp - Salt ½ tsp - Turmeric A pinch of black pepper A pinch of cinnamon Honey Method Cut the top of an orange and drill a hole to extract juice and pulp. Heat the orange along with the cover. Add each of the spices and salt. Once it is warm, switch off the flame to avoid burning it. Cool the orange before adding honey for best results. Does it work? Dr Narendra Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said orange juice combined with turmeric and other spices can be an effective natural remedy for cough. "Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that enhance immune function. When paired with the immune-boosting vitamin C in orange juice, turmeric helps reduce throat inflammation and fight infections, alleviating cough symptoms," said Dr Singhla. He added that ginger, another common addition to this remedy, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that further support relief from inflammation and soothe the throat. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @nehadeepakshah How do you consume it for optimum results? For best results, consume this mixture warm to maximise its soothing effects, and adjust the spice levels according to your taste and sensitivity, suggested Dr Singhla. "This remedy can also be complemented with othe
r natural cough relievers like honey and lemon for added benefits," he said. However, Jinal Patel, dietician at Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai, said that while promising, it may not help cure a cough. "Instead, it could worsen your cough and the symptoms. Orange is a citrus food that is usually high in acidity. Eating oranges when constantly coughing can irritate the throat and increase sensitivity, making it harder to recover. Adding spices like black pepper and cinnamon to the orange can also aggravate your throat by causing a burning sensation when eaten in excess quantity or frequently. Turmeric and honey are often praised for their range of health benefits making them suitable for combating cough. But when these ingredients are combined with acidic and strong spices like black pepper, it may not work for everyone," Patel told indianexpress.com. This concoction works by combining immunity-boosting nutrients with natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. "While turmeric and ginger have proven health benefits, the effectiveness of this specific mix against coughs depends on the type and severity of the condition. For instance, a mild cough due to a cold might benefit more from this remedy than one caused by allergies or infections," said dietitian Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico Diet and Aesthetic Clinic. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if the cough persists or worsens over time, said Dr Singhla. While orange juice with turmeric and spices isn’t a guaranteed cure, "it can be a helpful addition to your diet for mild cough relief and overall wellness. For persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial," said Chawla. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.