Why is salt-steamed orange used to relieve cough? How to use it correctly

Many older people know that if you have a cough, you can eat steamed oranges with salt to treat it. However, although this practice has been passed down, no one seems to be able to explain its pharmacology. In fact, it is beneficial for everyone to understand why salt-steamed oranges can relieve coughs, because in this way everyone can truly use this folk remedy correctly, and will not aggravate the cough due to the wrong use of salt-steamed oranges.

1. Why does salt-steamed orange relieve cough?

Oranges are neutral and slightly cool in nature, and can regulate qi, resolve phlegm, and moisten the lungs. There are two ingredients in orange peel that have the effect of relieving cough and reducing phlegm, one is nicotine, and the other is orange peel oil. These two ingredients will only come out of the orange peel after steaming. It is especially suitable for children with long-term cough and has no side effects at all. Nacotine is a commonly used ingredient in cough suppressants and is now included in many drugs in Western medicine prescriptions. Orange peel oil can relieve cough and reduce phlegm. Tangerines and oranges, which look similar, are both damp and hot fruits. If you steam them, not only will they fail to relieve coughs, they may also cause internal heat or gastrointestinal discomfort. Light salt water can help eliminate phlegm, but don't put too much salt. You can also use honey instead.

2. How to steam oranges with salt

1. Wash the oranges and soak them in salt water for 20 minutes to remove the fruit wax on the surface of the oranges.

2. Make a flat cut on the top to form a cup; sprinkle a little salt on the exposed flesh, poke a few holes with chopsticks, and then put the cut "lid" back on.

3. Put the oranges in a bowl and steam them without adding water. Steam them for another 15 minutes after the water boils.

4. After steaming, peel the orange and eat the pulp. It is best to drink the juice at the bottom of the bowl as well.

3. The correct way to use salt-steamed oranges

Eat oranges for hot coughs and eat tangerines for cold coughs. Experts say that it is feasible to use this folk remedy to assist in the treatment of coughs, but you should distinguish between cold coughs and hot coughs when using it. The main symptoms of hot cough are yellow and sticky sputum, red, swollen and painful throat, dry and bitter mouth; the main symptoms of cold cough are some fear of cold, white and clear sputum, no sore throat but itchy, and neither dry nor bitter mouth.