12 Home Remedies For Dry Cough

Coughing is your body's natural mechanism for clearing the airways, but a persistent dry cough can leave you feeling exhausted and uncomfortable. Regardless of whether it results from allergies, infections, or irritants, a dry cough is often persistent even after you've fully recovered from the original illness. Fortunately, there are several time-tested, natural methods of reducing irritation in the throat and the urge to cough.

What is a Dry Cough?

A dry cough is a cough that does not generate mucus (phlegm). It typically occurs due to irritation or inflammation of the throat or upper airways. In contrast to a productive/wet cough, a dry cough can be more persistent and is often described as a tickly cough or a hacking cough.

Causes of Dry Cough

A dry cough can be due to a variety of issues and external factors, including but not limited to:

• Post-viral irritation
• Allergic reactions (dust, pollen, pet dander)
• Asthma
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Environmental irritants (smoke, pollution)
• Certain drugs (like ACE inhibitors)
• COVID-19 or flu viruses

Signs of Dry Cough

You may have a dry cough if you have some of these:

• Constantly cough without mucus
• Itchy or tickly throat
• Hoarseness and/or changes in your voice
• Sore throat, especially at night 
• Cough worsens in dry air or when talking

Dry Cough vs Wet Cough

Coughs can typically fall into two categories: dry (non-productive) and wet (productive). Knowing what the difference is will help you know how to best treat your cough.

A dry cough is usually from irritation or inflammation of the throat without the presence of mucus. On the other hand, a wet cough helps clear mucus from the lungs and usually indicates an active infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.

12 Home Remedies for Dry Cough

If your cough is dry and without mucus, home remedies may be a good first way to find relief. These remedies help to moisturize the throat, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation, while your body has a chance to heal.

1. Honey and Warm Water: Honey can coat the throat, which helps reduce the urge to cough. Honey also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey to a glass of warm water or herbal tea, and drink 1–2 times a day. DO NOT give honey to children under 1 year of age.
2. Ginger Tea: Fresh ginger has gingerol in it, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Just put some fresh ginger in a kettle of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. You can get even more relief by adding honey and lemon.  Drink ginger tea two to three times a day if your throat is in pain. 
3. Turmeric Milk: Turmeric is good for you because it works against bacteria, swelling, and illness in your body. Before bed, just take 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and stir it in with a glass of warm milk. This could help you stop coughing at night.
4. Breathing in Steam: Steam can help calm the airways and make them less dry. Put some eucalyptus or peppermint oil in hot water, cover your head with a towel, and breathe in for around 10 minutes. You can do this one or two times a day. 
5. Gargling with Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water may help ease the pain and swelling in your throat. Put half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Do this two to three times a day.
6. Licorice Root Tea: Licorice root is a natural demulcent that provides a soothing effect for the throat. Steep dried licorice root in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes, and consume up to twice daily. Do not consume licorice root if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant unless you have consulted your doctor.
7. Marshmallow Root Tea: This herb is helpful in its ability to coat and therefore soothe mucous membranes. Steep dried marshmallow root in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes and drink 1 to 2 cups daily. Marshmallow root is especially helpful if you are coughing due to a dry throat.
8. Humidifier: Dry indoor air can worsen a dry cough. Applying a humidifier will add moisture to the air, therefore hydrating your throat and/or nasal passages. This is particularly helpful in the winter or when using air conditioning.
9. Peppermint Tea or Steam: The menthol in peppermint cools the throat and makes it feel better. Menthol is also a moderate decongestant. To stop coughing, drink peppermint tea or add peppermint oil to a steam inhalation.
10. Stay Away from Irritants: Don't be around smoke, strong perfumes, chemical fumes, or dusty environments, since these can make your throat worse and make your cough. If you are allergic to or sensitive to pollution, wearing a mask might assist. 
11. Almond Paste: Soak 5–6 almonds overnight, peel them, and then grind them into a paste. Put the paste with a spoonful of sugar or butter, and eat it every day. Almonds are good for you and might help calm the lining of the throat. 
12. Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of water, herbal teas, and clear broths all day to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water keeps your throat moist and thins down mucus, which makes you cough.

Preventive Strategies

To minimise your chances of getting a dry cough:

• Wash your hands often to keep them clean.
• Stay away from things that you know will make you sick or give you allergies.
• Put on a mask while you're near dust or pollution.
• Keep the room clean and dry and take care of your other concerns, including GERD or allergies. 
• Get your shots, like the COVID-19 injection and the flu shot.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if home remedies don't work.

• You have been coughing for more than three weeks.
• Your symptoms are becoming worse, or you are coughing up blood.
• You might have it if you experience chest pain, wheezing, or problems breathing.
• You have a high fever, feel exhausted, or are losing weight.

A persistent cough could be the first sign of lung disease or a more serious illness like asthma or bronchitis.

Conclusion

Experiencing a dry cough can be irritating and problematic, but the good news is that many natural home remedies can be helpful. These range from honey and herbal teas, steam inhalation, and avoiding, neglecting, or reducing emphasis on irritants. Each of these remedies can ease a dry cough problem and help your body recover in a gentle and natural manner. However, pay close attention to your symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if your cough continues or worsens.

FAQs

1. How long does a dry cough usually last? 

A dry cough might persist anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on what's causing it. You should see a doctor if it lasts longer than that.

2. Can a dry cough be a symptom of COVID-19? 

Yes, a persistent or dry cough is an early symptom of typical symptoms of COVID-19, particularly when combined with fever or loss of taste/smell.

3. Can allergies cause a dry cough? 

Yes. Allergens, such as pet dander, dust, or pollen, can assist in irritating the throat and airways, thus causing a dry cough to become a chronic event.