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A dry cough can occur due to a variety of reasons ranging from the common cold, flu, upper respiratory infections, and respiratory diseases to other factors such as heart disease. (1)
It can cause discomfort and interfere with your sleep if it occurs at night. Yet, most cases of dry cough tend to resolve within a few days.
This article has compiled a few effective home remedies you can try to soothe your cough. (2)
Home Remedies for Dry Cough
Here are a few common home remedies for dry cough.
1. Gargle with salt water
Salt water gargles are a traditional home remedy for cough. Salt can help loosen the mucus collected in the throat and also acts as a disinfectant to kill germs. (3)
How to use:
- Mix ½–1 teaspoon of salt in a small glass of warm water.
- Take a drink and tilt your head back.
- Gargle this water around your throat and spit it out. (3)
2. Try using honey
Honey is a natural demulcent and is effective against a lot of infections due to its antimicrobial properties. (4)(5) The World Health Organization reports that honey can be used as a cough remedy as it helps soothe the throat. (6)
Honey is also used as an additive in many cough syrups. (1)
How to use:
- Add 2 tablespoons of honey to a glass of warm water.
- Drink the solution at least twice a day.
3. Use licorice root
Licorice root is anti-inflammatory in nature. It contains an active compound called glycyrrhizin, which helps reduce cough. It also acts as both an expectorant and demulcent and clears the throat. (7)
How to use:
- Add a couple of tablespoons of licorice root to a cup of water.
- Boil it for 5–10 minutes.
- Drink this tea twice a day.
4. Consume ginger
Ginger contains a phytocompound called gingerol, which helps reduce cough and helps clear mucus buildup.
How to use:
- Chop a piece of ginger into tiny pieces.
- Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the ginger pieces.
- Eat this twice a day for faster relief. (7)
5. Drink turmeric milk
Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which helps reduce cough and clears the throat. (8)
How to use:
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk.
- Drink it once a day for best results.
Prevention for Dry Cough
Dry cough can be due to a number of reasons such as the common cold, viral infections, or other conditions. Here are a few tips to prevent dry cough caused by infectious pathogens:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face or nose often.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Do not smoke or even inhale secondhand smoke.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom if your cough worsens at night.
Most-Asked Questions About a Dry Cough
Can a dry cough be infectious?
Yes, even a dry cough could be infectious.
Can dry cough cause chest pain?
Yes. Chronic dry cough or severe dry cough can cause chest pain.
Final Word
In most cases, dry cough tend to resolve within a couple of weeks on their own. You can try the home remedies given above to reduce the severity of your cough.
If the problem persists even after 2 weeks or worsens, you should consult a doctor for treatment.
Continue ReadingDry Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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