12 Home Remedies For A Speedy Recovery From Dry Cough!

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home remedies for dry cough

In dry cough, mucus is not produced. It’s is irritating. a dry cough associated with a tickly throat. In clearing out irritants and infection from the body, cough plays an important role. The cause of dry cough can be allergies and throat irritants.

Normally, the cough is acute (short term). It lasts for 2 weeks in general. It can extend to 8 weeks in adults which is chronic cough and in children 2-4 weeks which is known as a prolonged acute cough.

Causes

  •  Viral illnesses such as cold, flu, COVID-19, or the SARS which is also caused by a coronary virus.
  • Post viral – cough can persist for weeks after a viral illness.
  • Asthma
  • Smoking
  • Hay fever- due to inhaling substances like pollen or dust from which you are allergic.
  • Inflammation of larynx that is the voice box
  • Upper airway cough syndrome – secretion of mucus from nose down the back of the throat
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux
  • Whooping cough.
  • Habit cough – it is present in only day time mostly affects school-age children and there is no illness.
  • Interstitial lung disease (a type of lung disease )
  • Side effects from medicine.

Here is the list of home remedies that can help you with your dry cough:-

Honey lemon tea :-

honey lemon tea to cure dry cough
image credit: cookingwithnart.com

Honey works wonders in relieving the cough. Dextromethorphan is present in honey which works as medications for cough. Mostly for the children who have coughing problems during nighttime honey lemon tea can relieve coughing. Drinking honey lemon tea at night before bed helps to cure the cough. Just mix 2 teaspoons of honey and half a lemon to any herbal tea with warm water in it. It can also add ginger as it is also good for throat infections.

Ginger :-

ginger
image credit: theland.com.au

Talking about ginger, we Indians have always heard about these remedies from our grandma’s. They used to tell us to drink ginger tea all the time during cough. Yes, ginger eases the dry and asthmatic cough. Because ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory compound in ginger relaxes the membranes in the airways that can reduce the coughing.

Ginger can also give relief from nausea and pain. You can chew the small piece of ginger. Or you can make a ginger tea that soothes your cough. For making, you need to add 20-30  grams ginger to warm water + tea. If you need sweetness in it, add some honey. Just make sure you don’t overdose the ginger as it can make your stomach upset and you can have another problem like heartburn.

Salt-water gargle :-

salt-water gargle
image credit: facialart.com

Gargle is the most effective remedy for the dry cough and sore throat. This is probably not for children as they can’t do the gargle properly and can swallow the saltwater. Swallowing the water with salt is not good. The salt-water reduces the mucus in the back of the throat and the result eases the cough. Add half teaspoon of salt to warm water and stir it properly till the salt dissolves in water properly. Make sure the water is not too hot. You need to use it for gargling. Before spitting out the salt-water, let it sit for a few moments. Do gargle several times a day until you get relief in coughing.

Fluids :-

fluids
image credit : cuttingedgefluids.com

For people suffering from cold and cough, staying hydrated is important. Drinking liquids at room temperature can relieve dry cough, running nose, and sneezing. Warm water can relieve the cough of Flu. Warm beverage works wonders in relieving a sore throat, chills, fatigue, and dry cough. Warm beverage gives immediate relief. Hot beverages like warm water, tea, clear broths, black tea.

Steam :-

image credit: photography.justin-joseph.com

Steam can improve coughing. Steam works efficiently for wet cough in which mucus is produced. You can take a hot shower or bath. Fill the bathroom with the steam and stay in there for a few minutes. To avoid dehydration , drink water just after bath for cooling down. You can also use steamer which is available in the market . You can also make a streaming bowl of your own by filling a large bowl with hot water and in addition you can add herbs and essential oils in it. Lean over the bowel and cover yourself with the cloth. Steam for 5 mins. The vapor relieves decongestion.

Marshmallow roots :-

image credit : stylecraze.com

Marshmallow roots have excellent effects on cough and sore throat. Marshmallow roots is an herb that has a long history of use as a treatment for cough. Marshmallow roots have high mucilage content which is a thick, gluey substance that coats the throat. Marshmallow roots are available in varieties like bagged tea in the market. Add the marshmallow roots in hot water and drink it. The more marshmallow roots steps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink. Herbal cough syrups containing marshmallow roots with thyme and ivy works effectively in relieving cough and the common cold.

Bromelain :-

image credit : medicalnewstoday.com

Bromelain is an enzyme that is found in pineapple. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. Which helps to remove the mucus from the body.  Bromelain is found in the core of the fruit in plenty. Drinking pineapple can’t reduce the coughing as bromelain is not enough to relieve the symptoms. Bromelain supplements are available in the market. But before taking them speak to your doctor and check if you don’t have any allergy from it.

Thyme :-

image credit : en.wikipedia.org

Thyme has culinary and medicinal uses both of which are a remedy to cure the cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and digestive issues. Thyme has antioxidants which are responsible for relieving the cough. As mentioned before cough syrup containing thyme, ivy, and marshmallow roots have great effects in relieving cough. You can take cough syrup with thyme herb in it or add dried thyme in hot water and let it sit for 10 mins. After that strain and drink it.

Dietary change :-

image credit : primarymed.com

you need to make some dietary changes for acid reflux. Acid reflux is the commonest cause of cough. Food that can trigger your acid reflux, you need to avoid them. This is the best and effective.way to manage acid reflux. Everyone has different food that triggers their acid reflux. By monitoring the symptoms you can avoid the food that triggers the acid reflux. Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus foods, fatty foods, garlic, onion, mint, spicy food, and tomatoes are some food examples that you can eliminate to balance acid reflux.

Slippery elm :-

image credit: pfw.edu

slippery elm is similar to marshmallow roots. Slippery elm also has a high level of mucilage which helps to soothe the sore throat and relieve cough. Americans traditionally used slippery elm bark as a treatment for coughing and digestive issues. Slippery elm is available in powder and capsule in the market. Add 1 teaspoon to the hot water and keep it for 10 mins then you can have your herbal tea.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) :-

image credit: instacart.com

NAC is a supplement that comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Taking it daily can ease the problem of coughing.  NAC can reduce mucus in the airways. NAC reduces symptoms of bronchitis that is inflammation of the airways. NAC has side effects too. Consider consulting a doctor before you take NAC.

Probiotics :-

image credit: instacart.com

Probiotics boost immunity but not relieve you from the cough. Probiotics balance the bacteria in your gut. Bacteria Lactobacillus is a type of probiotics which is beneficial in preventing the common cold. A supplement containing lactobacillus and other probiotics are available in the medical stores.

Conclusion ~

Dry cough can be sometimes very irritating and annoying. Because dry coughs cause tickling sensation and irritation in the throat. Dry cough won’t bring up phlegm or mucus.  You can also suffer from fever and fatigue with dry cough. If you don’t know the cause of dry cough or it is for many weeks, then you need to consult a doctor for proper treatment.

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