8 Home Remedies for Dry Cough: Natural Ways to Soothe Your Throat
A dry cough can be a severe and constant bother and an irritant to your throat. A dry cough is one that expels nothing, unlike a productive cough that clears the throat of mucus, unlike a productive cough that expels phlegm from the throat and chest. Both types of cough can last from a couple of weeks and can be alleviated with over-the-counter medicines.
A quick fix without irritating sideways can be provided with natural remedies, some of which might be tucked away in your kitchen or cabinets. Either way, they’re nice to have on standby. Alternative options to dry up the dry cough include:
The following remedies are a compilation of the best and ready-to-use.
1. Honey and Warm Water
How it helps: Honey contains natural antibacterial agents, and helps to soothe the throat as it is a demulcent (used to relieve irritation and inflammation) that forms a protective layer over the mucous membranes.
How to use it: Mix one to two tablespoons of honey in a cup of warm water. Drink this mixture twice or three times a day, mostly just before hour bed at night. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice in it, which supplies some extra vitamin C and helps with soothing action.
2. Ginger Tea
Why it works: Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the irritation that causes you to cough. It also has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties that might battle the problems lurking at the root of a cough.
How to do it: Cut fresh ginger root and allow it to steep in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until it becomes tea-like. Add honey (a teaspoon if necessary) for sweetness, plus added soothing effect. Drink it 2-3 times a day.
3. Steam Inhalation
How it works: The steam hydrates your airway, loosens mucus and soothes your throat. This remedy is good for a dry cough caused by dry air or an irritant.
How to do it: Bring water to the boil and pour it into a bowl. Bend over the bowl and put a towel over your head so that the steam doesn’t escape. Inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes. If you want to, add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
4. Turmeric Milk
Why it works: The compound ‘curcumin’ in turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties, and turmeric milk is a traditional remedy for respiratory ailments in many cultures.
How to take it: Put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk. Drink this once or twice a day, on an empty stomach, particularly at night. Add black pepper, if you want, to improve uptake of curcumin.
5. Saltwater Gargle
The reasoning behind this remedy: the saltwater can reduce irritation of the throat and help dislodge irritants that may be causing the cough, while it also moistens and helps thin mucus, and reduces inflammation in the throat.
How to take it: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do it 2-3 times a day for best results.
6. Thyme Tea
Why it works: Thyme is good for more than just cooking. It contains ingredients that act as relaxants on the muscles of the throat, easing coughing.
How to use it: Infuse a teaspoon of dried thyme into a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink while muttering incantations and still warm. It can be sweetened with honey, if you like, but don’t expect it to make it taste very nice.
7. Licorice Root
Why we love it: Licorice root has restorative powers as an expectorant and demulcent. An expectorant thins and loosens mucus, easing its exit from the body, while a demulcent side soothes innervation, making it an ideal choice for sore throats. An effective remedy for a sore throat and a productive, irritating cough.
How to make it: Bring to the boil a tablespoon of dried licorice root in a cup (240ml) of water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then strain and drink the tea 2 to 3 times a day. Licorice supplements are available, but check with your doctor before use, especially if you have high blood pressure.
8. Humidifier Use
How it helps: A dry cough becomes worse in dry air, as dryness irritates the throat and airways. Using a humidifier will add moisture to the air, which will help reduce how often and how badly you cough.
What to do with it: Put a humidifier in your bedroom (especially at night). Keep it clean to avoid mould or nasties like legionella; and use distilled water if you have a humidifier to help prevent mineral buildup.
Conclusion
Nothing is quite as distressing as a dry cough – a hacking sound coming from deep within one’s throat and making sticking nought but air to it. If you are having a dry cough and feel a burning sensation in your throat which leaves it sore after a few bouts of coughing, here are some home remedies that can provide a natural way out. While they do not offer much immediate solace, they do offer effective succour over the long term. Down a few spoonfuls of honey, inhale steam, sip ginger tea. They do not hurt, but help. If your cough has been going on for more than three weeks and you have a fever or are coughing up blood, you should see your doctor. Otherwise, save yourself a visit to the doc.
Remember, a dry cough is just a dry cough, so keep drinking avoid irritants and soothe your throat with these natural treatments. With a little TLC and the addition of these simple treatments, you’ll be back to your usual self in no time.