We all have a cough center in our brain. It’s generally motivated by an irritation in the respiratory tract. In other words, a cough is nature’s way of helping us loosen and get rid of mucus and other irritants that shouldn’t be in our system. But sometimes you need a break! Here’s a quick cough stopper…

Quarter a fresh lemon, sprinkle it with lots of black pepper and salt, and suck on it for quick relief. Black pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow…salt and lemon are natural germ fighters. This works best for coughs due to colds, not dry coughs from smoking or irritants.

Note: If your cough lasts longer than a few days, or if it is accompanied by fever or shortness of breath, have it checked by a health professional. It could be serious.

Thanks to Kitchen Cabinet Cures by Sara Altshul with Dr. Pamela Hops.

More natural help for colds and flu…

• What to Do If You Don’t Want a Flu Shot

• Is It a Cold, Flu, Allergies…or Something Else?

• Fight Colds the Way Performers Do