Everybody knows dry cough ka issue, wo irritating khansi jo na thk se aati hai aur na jaati hai!
Just as soon as the weather decides to do a little flip, bam! There you are, stuck with a scratchy throat and an endless urge to cough. We all know the struggle during meetings, conversations, and even sleep, all get disrupted by that nagging tickle that won’t go away.
What to cure cough? Popping pills will only leave you relying on them every time. Let me tell you, there are some amazing ghar ke nuskhe (home remedies) for dry cough that can provide relief without heavy meds.
So, let’s explore these natural remedies for dry cough and learn how to kick that cough right from the comfort of home!
What Causes Dry Cough? Let’s Break It Down!
You must be wondering, “Why do we get a dry cough?” A dry cough can be super annoying, but understanding the underlying reasons for it can help you tackle it better.
- Colds and flu are one of the most common culprits! When you catch a cold or the flu, your throat can irritate, leading to a persistent dry cough. It’s your body’s way of trying to clear out the irritants.
- Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger allergic reactions that result in a dry cough. Your body thinks it needs to fight off these invaders, and coughs are part of that defense mechanism.
- Living in a bustling city? Pollution can create problems for your respiratory system. The dust and smoke in the air can irritate your throat and lungs, causing you to cough dry.
- Dry air Especially during winter or in air-conditioned rooms, dry air can suck the moisture out of your throat. This leads to irritation and a dry cough.
- If you experience heartburn alongside your dry cough, it might be due to stomach acid irritating your throat.
- For some folks, asthma can be a hideous reason behind a dry cough. It can flare up due to various triggers, making it hard to breathe without that annoying cough.
Easy Home Hacks To Soothe Your Cough
How to treat cough at home? Dealing with a dry cough can be frustrating, but there are plenty of simple home remedies that can bring relief. Here’s an expanded list of 15 effective home remedies for dealing with a dry cough.
1. Honey With Warm Water
Warm water with honey together creates soothing home remedies that can work wonders for a dry cough.
Honey coats the throat and provides a soothing layer, which reduces irritation and dryness. This helps to calm the cough reflex that often comes with a scratchy, irritated throat.
Warm water, on the other hand, hydrates the throat and prevents it from getting dry. Moreover, honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can give a gentle immune boost and help your body fight off any underlying cause of the cough.
So, mix a spoonful of honey into warm water and sip it slowly to get relief from a dry cough.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the inflamed tissues in the throat that trigger a dry cough. Plus, it is a natural expectorant, so if there’s any mucus hanging around, it helps clear that out too.
On top of that, the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of ginger help the body fight off mild infections or irritants in the respiratory tract that cause dry coughs. So, have a warm cup of ginger tea, especially with a touch of honey, to soothe your dry cough.
3. Turmeric Milk
Haldi doodh is a classic dry cough treatment in Indian homes. Turmeric contains curcumin, which helps to reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat, soothing a dry, scratchy feeling that often triggers a cough.
Curcumin also has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight off underlying infections that may be causing or aggravating the cough.
A warm glass of turmeric milk, ideally before bedtime, can help ease a dry cough and support restful sleep. You can also add a dash of pepper and honey for extra flavor and benefits.
4. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves
Tulsi, or holy basil, is a revered herb in Indian households. It has soothing properties that can help reduce the irritation in the throat.
Tulsi has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight off infections in the respiratory tract that might be causing or worsening a dry cough.
You can chew fresh tulsi leaves, brew up some tulsi tea by boiling the leaves in water, or add them to herbal concoctions for their maximum benefit.
5. Black Pepper And Honey
Black pepper and honey might sound like an odd combo, but it’s actually among the great home remedies for dry cough. The black pepper has this warming effect that stimulates blood circulation in the throat area, which can help ease irritation.
Honey coats your throat and gives you a soothing effect, which cuts down on that constant urge to cough.
To prepare it, just mix a pinch of freshly ground black pepper with spoonful benefits of honey and take it once or twice a day to get relief from the dry cold.
6. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation is a classic go-to for a dry cough, and it’s super simple. When you breathe in steam, it gives your throat and nasal passages a nice, warm bath. This moisture can help relieve the dryness that’s causing the scratchy, tickly feeling.
The warmth from the steam helps relax and open up your airways, which makes it easier to breathe.
So, just boil some water, pour it into a bowl, and lean over it with a towel over your head to trap the steam. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to give an extra boost to your airways.
7. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root might sound like a sugary treat, but it’s actually among fantastic herbal home remedies for dry cough.
These roots are super rich in mucilage. It is a thick, sticky substance that acts like a natural throat coat. It forms a protective layer over the irritated areas, which can calm down that tickly, scratchy feeling that makes you cough.
The anti-inflammatory properties of mucilage help to soothe any swelling or redness in your throat and make you less irritated.
To use it, just steep a spoonful of dried root in hot water to make a marshmallow root tea or look for marshmallow root syrup at health stores.
8. Salt Water Gargle
A saltwater gargle might appear basic, but it’s actually one of the best ways to calm down the itchiness that triggers a dry cough.
Salt has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce any swelling in the throat. It creates an environment that bacteria hate, so a good gargle can help flush out any lingering germs that could be irritating your throat.
You just need to mix about half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, take a sip, and gargle for 15-30 seconds before spitting it out.
9. Lemon And Honey Mix
A lemon and honey mix is an ideal team for tackling a dry cough. Honey is amazing at coating your throat and calming down that scratchy feeling.
On the other hand, lemons are rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. Honey has a natural ability to suppress coughs and gives you a break from those non-stop cough fits, especially at night.
So, just mix a spoonful of honey with a squeeze of lemon in warm water and let the magic happen!
10. Herbal Lozenges
Herbal lozenges often contain ingredients like menthol, eucalyptus, or honey, which coat and calm down an irritated throat. Sucking on a lozenge hydrates your mouth and throat, which helps you deal with a dry cough.
This extra moisture stops any annoying scratchiness and further triggers more coughs. The herbs and essential oils in these lozenges can ease the cough reflex itself.
So, just pop one in, let it dissolve slowly, and enjoy the soothing relief. They’re super handy to have around, especially if you’re out and about and need a quick fix for that dry cough!
11. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has this awesome menthol-like effect that helps open up your airways and allows you to breathe easily. The oil from eucalyptus is naturally soothing and can help reduce irritation in the throat.
Eucalyptus has properties that help reduce the cough reflex, so you’re not constantly clearing your throat. You can try eucalyptus by adding a few drops of the oil to steaming hot water and inhaling it, or use eucalyptus lozenges or rubs for that cooling, cough-relieving effect.
12. Thyme Tea
Thyme tea is a cozy drink and is among the great home remedies for dry cough. The compounds of thyme help to relax the muscles in your throat and reduce the cough reflex.
Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe any irritation in your throat. It is naturally antibacterial, so it can help deal with any germs in your throat or respiratory tract.
To make thyme tea, just steep a few sprigs (or a teaspoon of dried thyme) in hot water for about 10 minutes. You can add a little honey for extra soothing power.
13. Licorice Root (Mulethi) Tea
Licorice root tea, or “mulethi” tea as it’s often called, is a classic remedy for calming a dry cough. Mulethi root has a naturally sweet, soothing quality that coats your throat and helps to calm down that itchy, scratchy feeling.
Mulethi has anti-inflammatory and natural compounds that act as a cough suppressant. It also has antioxidants, which strengthen your immune system to fight off any underlying causes of cough.
So, to make mulethi tea, steep a small piece of licorice root (or a teaspoon of dried root) in hot water for about 10 minutes. Later, strain it and sip away; you will get a sweet relief from a dry cough.
14. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint has menthol, which gives a cooling sensation that’s super soothing for an irritated, scratchy throat. Menthol also acts as a natural decongestant, which helps to open up your airways.
Peppermint’s soothing effect gives you some relief from those constant cough fits. It has natural antibacterial properties, which means it can help fight off any mild irritants or germs causing your cough.
So, just brew a cup by steeping fresh peppermint leaves (or a peppermint tea bag) in hot water for a few minutes, inhale the steam, then sip slowly. It’s a simple, refreshing way to calm down that irritating dry cough!
15. Use Humidifier
Dry air is a common cause of a scratchy throat and a dry cough. Placing a humidifier will pump moisture back into the air and prevent your throat and nasal passages from drying out.
Breathing in that slightly humid air can feel instantly soothing, especially if your throat is irritated from constant coughing. With more moisture in the air, your throat stays hydrated, which helps reduce the tickle that triggers a dry cough, especially at night.
So, just set up a humidifier in your room, especially while you sleep, and let it work its magic. You’ll wake up with a happier, calmer throat!
Control Cough With These Easy Tips
Along with these home remedies, these handy tips can help you tackle a dry cough, and soon you can get back to feeling better. So, follow these tips for quick recovery:
- Keep sipping water throughout the day. Hydration keeps your throat moist, which helps calm down that itchy feeling.
- Herbal teas, especially ginger or peppermint, are great for soothing a dry throat. Plus, they’re comforting when you’re not feeling 100%.
- Smoke, dust, or strong perfumes can make things worse, so try to avoid them if you can.
- Use an extra pillow to prop yourself up at night. This can prevent that throat tickle from bothering you when you’re trying to get some shut-eye.
- Cold, dry air can make a dry cough worse, so if you’re stepping outside in chilly weather, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth to keep things warm.
- If you’re talking a lot, try giving your voice a break. Talking too much can dry out and irritate your throat even more.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, both of these can dry out your throat, which is the last thing you want when you’re dealing with a dry cough. Stick to warm, non-caffeinated drinks instead.
When You Should See A Doctor?
If your dry cough just won’t quit after a couple of weeks, it might be time to check in with a doctor. Also, if you start noticing things like shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, or coughing up blood, don’t wait—those are signals that something more serious could be going on.
Other red flags include sudden weight loss, wheezing, or if the cough keeps getting worse despite trying home remedies. Sometimes, a chronic dry cough can be a sign of an underlying issue like asthma, allergies, or an infection, and a doctor’s advice can help you get the right treatment and some much-needed relief.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, managing a dry cough doesn’t have to be a hassle!
These simple home remedies for dry cough, including honey and ginger tea, steam inhalations, and 15 different things mentioned above can help you soothe that scratchy throat.
Additionally, keep in mind that hydration and a little self-care can go a long way in helping you feel better. If the cough sticks around or starts to bring other symptoms, don’t hesitate to check in with a healthcare professional.
So, go ahead and try these home remedies and get rid of that annoying cough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Foods I Should Avoid If I Have A Dry Cough?
Yes, it’s best to avoid spicy or fried foods, as they can irritate your throat further. Caffeine and alcohol can also dry out your throat, so it’s a good idea to limit those.
Can Children Use These Home Remedies For Dry Cough?
Many home remedies are safe for children but always check with a pediatrician before giving honey to kids under one year old or introducing new herbal remedies.
How Often Can I Use Home Remedies For A Dry Cough?
You can use most home remedies several times a day as needed, but be mindful of the ingredients. For example, too much honey may not be suitable for certain diets, and ginger in moderation.
Contact Us
Do you have any questions or any insights that you’d like to share? Please write us in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you.
Moreover, if you are looking for a customized diet plan for better health or want to lose weight with cheat meals you can contact us today.
Our dietitians will discuss how we can help you achieve your health goals. Drop your queries here, and our team will be happy to help you. Let’s get healthier together!
Disclaimer
This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
Kulcha, a mildly leavened flatbread variety, is an invention of…