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Home > Respiratory Health > Cough, Cold & Flu > 5 Home Remedies for Dry Cough and How to Use Them

5 Home Remedies for Dry Cough and How to Use Them

April 26, 2023
5 min read
By Dr. Arif Maghribi Khan, MBBS, MD | Mental Health Counselor

In this article:

  • Home Remedies for Dry Cough
  • Prevention for Dry Cough
  • Most-Asked Questions About a Dry Cough
  • Final Word

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)

home remedies to soothe dry cough
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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.

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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:

  1. Mix ½–1 teaspoon of salt in a small glass of warm water.
  2. Take a drink and tilt your head back.
  3. 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:

  1. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to a glass of warm water.
  2. Drink the solution at least twice a day.
salt water gargle, honey, and licorice root can help relieve dry cough

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)

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How to use:

  1. Add a couple of tablespoons of licorice root to a cup of water.
  2. Boil it for 5–10 minutes.
  3. 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:

  1. Chop a piece of ginger into tiny pieces.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to the ginger pieces.
  3. Eat this twice a day for faster relief. (7)
consume ginger and turmeric to help soothe a dry cough

5. Drink turmeric milk

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which helps reduce cough and clears the throat. (8)

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How to use:

  1. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm milk.
  2. 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:

tips to prevent dry cough
  • 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 Reading Continue ReadingDry Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
  1. Collins JC, Moles RJ. Management of respiratory disorders and the pharmacist’s role: Cough, colds, and sore throats and allergies (including eyes). Encyclopedia of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7173409/. Published 2019.
  2. Chronic dry cough: Diagnostic and management approaches – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271591626/.
  3. Tiong V, Hassandarvish P, Bakar SA, et al. The effectiveness of various gargle formulations and salt water against SARS-COV-2. Scientific reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8519917/. Published October 15, 2021.
  4. Goldman RD. Honey for treatment of cough in children. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/. Published December 2014.
  5. The therapeutic role of honey for treating acute cough in the pediatric … https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335054793/.
  6. (PDF) effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5790783/.
  7. (PDF) cough suppressant herbal drugs: A review – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308369657/.
  8. Scientific Research Publishing. The Golden Spice Turmeric (curcuma longa) and its feasible benefits in prospering human health-A Review. American Journal of Plant Sciences. https://www.scirp.org/html/14-2604907_108166.htm. Published March 31, 2021.
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