Dealing with a cough can be quite frustrating, whether it is a dry cough or a wet one. A dry cough is a type of cough that does not produce any sputum or phlegm. It can be caused by allergies or dusty environments, and sometimes, a random tickle at the back of your throat can result in a dry cough.
It feels like something is stuck in your throat, but you can’t get it out even with continuous coughing. On the other hand, a wet cough produces phlegm or mucous. It can be caused by viral infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other conditions. If you want to get rid of that irritating dry cough, here are some natural remedies you can try at home:
1. Stay Hydrated
An upper respiratory tract infection causes extra secretions to trickle down the back of your throat, irritating it and sometimes causing a cough.
Drinking fluids helps to thin out the mucus in postnasal drip. Drinking liquids also helps to keep mucous membranes moist. This is particularly helpful in winter, when houses tend to be dry, another cause of cough.
The best way to hydrate your throat is a warm cup of spiced tea is a great way to get rid of a bad cough, naturally. Add 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, a pinch of cinnamon, and some cloves.
2. Try Lozenges and candy
Try a menthol cough drop. It numbs the back of the throat, and that will tend to decrease the cough reflex.
Drinking warm tea with honey also can soothe the throat. There is some clinical evidence to support this strategy.
3. Gargle
One of the most common remedies a doctor suggests is to gargle with warm salt water. Saltwater can help ease the discomfort caused by a cough. It will also help treat sore throat through osmosis.
You also may like this: 9 Natural Home Remedies for Headache
- Honey
An excellent alternative remedy to treat cough and can be used by both adults and children alike. However, children below 2 years of age shouldn’t be given due to the risk of botulism.
Honey has analgesic properties that eliminate the mucus and soothe your throat. Honey also has strong anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties, which are effective for relieving sore throat.
Honey can be taken by mixing it in warm milk or water.
5. Ginger
It is one of the best natural cures for a cough. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe irritation caused by sore throat.
Cut fresh ginger into small pieces, and crush it if you like. Add it to a cup of water and bring to a boil. Drink it once it’s cooled. Try drinking this herbal solution at least thrice a day for relief from non-stop coughing, sore throat, and even congestion.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has a therapeutic effect on coughs. Due to its high curcumin content, turmeric is quite effective in treating viral infections like coughs and colds.
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Add one teaspoon each of fine turmeric powder and black pepper to a cup of boiling water. Boil this for about two to three minutes or until it comes down to half. You can add a little honey to this solution and take it thrice a day for quick relief from a dry cough.
- Garlic
Garlic can be one of the best herbal cures for coughs. The active compound allicin in garlic has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. Allicin, which is responsible for the pungent odor of garlic, has a number of health benefits. It also boosts the immunity system.
Put 2-3 cloves of garlic in a glass of water and boil it. Add a teaspoon of oregano to the mixture. Add some honey once cooled off and drink it.
8. Chest-Rub for coughs
- Buy a chest rub that contains camphor or menthol and apply it to your throat and chest. They should not be taken internally.
- If you don’t have any store-bought chest rub, try making mustard plaster to loosen up chest congestion.
Mix one part mustard powder and two parts flour in a bowl. Add just enough water to make a paste. Spread the paste on a dish towel, fold the towel in half, and press it against the skin. (Never put the mustard mixture directly on your skin.) Check your skin often and remove the plaster if your skin becomes too red or irritated. Some people suggest using an egg white instead of water to make a plaster that’s less likely to burn.