A dry cough is a type of cough that doesn't produce any sputum or phlegm. Such type of cough is common when you develop a viral infection of the nose or throat. It feels as if something's stuck in the throat and you cannot get it out even with continuous coughing. A dry, hacking cough may also be the outcome of an exposure to allergens and dusty environments. A random tickle at the back of your throat will also lead to dry cough. Whatever the cause, you can always make use of certain home remedies for dry cough to improve your condition.
Top 10 Home Remedies for Dry Cough That Will Give You Instant Relief
Honey
Why it helps: Honey is one of the oldest dry cough home remedies and also one of the commonly used components in cough syrups. It works because of its analgesic properties that eliminate the mucus and soothes your throat. Honey is effective also because it has strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, both effective for relieving sore throat.
How to apply: The ideal way to take honey is by mixing it up with warm milk. This will also go a long way in relieving chest pain you usually feel due to incessant coughing.
Turmeric
Why it helps: The turmeric contains curcumin, the active agent that has strong anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is therefore quite effective in treating viral infections like cough and cold.
How to apply: Take a teaspoon of fine turmeric powder and mix it up with equal amount of carom seeds. Now add them to boiling water and let it boil until only half of it remains. Add a little honey to this solution and take it thrice a day. You can also drink warm milk with some turmeric to experience relief for dry cough.
Ginger
Why it helps: Ginger is a natural analgesic, and that's why it's a common ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges. It helps soothe irritation and scratchiness caused by sore throat. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and leaves a cleansing effect on your respiratory system.
How to apply: Cut a ginger into small pieces and crush them completely. Add it to water and start boiling. Once cooled off, you should take it at least thrice a day for dry cough relief.
Besides, rubbing your chest with ginger oil or chewing ginger slices are among the simplest home remedies for dry cough.
Garlic
Why it helps: Garlic has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, and due to its active agent called "allicin," it can be one of the most effective home remedies for dry cough. It also boosts your immune system and helps you fight with infections that cause a dry cough.
How to apply: Boil a glass of water and add a few garlic cloves to it. While it's boiling, add a teaspoon of oregano to the mixture. Once cooled off, add some honey and consume this mixture twice a day. Mixing up garlic with clove oil and honey will also help relieve soreness.
Gargle Salt Water
Why it helps: Salt water helps treat sore throat through osmosis, and it can be a good remedy for a dry cough as well. The idea works because the salt inside the cells of your mucous membranes flows out to balance the salt outside of the cells, and this will reduce swelling.
How to apply: Mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Take a sip, gargle for 15 seconds, and spit. Take another sip and repeat the same. Be sure to rinse your mouth with plain water afterwards.
Steam
Why it helps: Steam loosens phlegm and mucous and helps improve your condition. You can add specific essential oils and take advantage of their anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to apply: You need a bowl of water, a clean towel, a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil, and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Boil water in a heatproof bowl and add the essential oils to it. Now lean over the bowl and inhale the steam for 5-10 minutes thrice a day. Keep your head covered with a towel for better effects.
Marshmallow Root
Why it helps: Thanks to its pain and inflammation relieving properties, marshmallow root can be an effective home remedy for dry cough. It also protects your mucous membrane tissue and saves it from further damage.
How to apply: Steep about 3 grams of dried marshmallow leaves in a cup of hot water for 10-12 minutes. Now strain out the herb and drink the solution for pain relief. Drinking 3 cups of marshmallow tea will help you find relief from the dry cough.
Warm Milk and Honey
Why it helps: Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, whereas hot milk will help bring the mucus up from your chest and respiratory tract. The combination of both will serve as one of the best home remedies for cough.
How to apply: Mix a teaspoon of honey in a glass of hot milk and drink it before going to bed. This will help you sleep better and make it easier to get relief from the coughing. Regular drinking will help treat throat irritation effectively.
Oregano
Why it helps: Oregano works as an expectorant and helps you get rid of mucus. To find relief from your dry cough, you may have to use a special type of oregano that belongs to perennial herb and is known as marjoram.
How to apply: Boil some oregano in a cup of water. Filter it and drink it regularly to help improve your condition.
Throat Lozenges
Using throat lozenges is one effective way of treating the irritation caused by coughing. Its use will also treat your sore throat and prevent coughing. You can either buy medicated lozenges that contain ingredients such as benzocaine or dextromethorphan, or choose other lozenges that contain menthol, honey, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil or other soothing ingredients. The red-colored variety of rock candy (Mishri in Hindi), in some cases, are given to small children to suck on as a way of stopping the cough.
In addition to these effective home remedies for dry cough, you may also consider spending some time watching the following video for more ways to relieve a dry cough:
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