It’s never a fun situation when you have a persistent dry cough. Coughs are just terribly uncomfortable all around, both physically and otherwise. 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. Whatever the cause, you can always make use of certain home remedies for dry cough to improve your condition.
TURMERIC
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 use: 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.
GARLIC
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.
How to use: 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.
ONION
One of the simplest home remedies for a cough is to cut onions. Breathing in the strong vapors can help stop coughing.
How to use: Combine one-half teaspoon of onion juice with one teaspoon of pure honey. Swallow this solution at least twice a day to alleviate a cough and soothe your throat.
CARROT JUICE
Carrots have many vitamins and nutrients that can help relieve various symptoms of a cough.
How to use: Make fresh juice from four to five carrots and add some water to dilute it. For taste and added benefits, add one teaspoon of honey.
LIQUORICE ROOT TEA
Liquorice root tea can ease any inflammation that may be irritating your throat. Its main constituent, glycyrrhizin, is responsible for most of its effects.
How to use: Bring water to a boil and place the liquorice root in a mug. Cover with water and steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink the entire cup up to 2 times daily.
CAYENNE PEPPER
Continuous coughing causes tremendous chest pain and cayenne relieves it. The active agent capsaicin in cayenne pepper leaves a burning sensation on the mucus membranes of throat and helps relieve dry cough and sore throat.
How to use: Just add 1/4th teaspoonful of cayenne to equal amount of fine ground ginger, some water, and one tablespoon each of honey and apple cider vinegar. Consume this syrup at least thrice a day for sure relief.
SALT WATER
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 use: 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.
WARM MILK AND HONEY
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 use: 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.