There can be multiple reasons behind dry cough. A dry cough may be caused by the flu, common cold, asthma, exposure to cigarette smoke, and more. In addition to medicines and cough syrups, you can use some simple home remedies for cough and cold to help you feel better.
1. Turmeric
In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used for generations to treat bronchitis, asthma, and upper respiratory illnesses. Modern Science has acknowledged that Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound which may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It may also be beneficial for several conditions, including a dry cough.
How to take: Curcumin is best absorbed into the blood stream when taken with black pepper. You can add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper into a warm milk at night. This can help to control mucus production, soothe the sore throat, and control cough.
2. Ginger & Honey
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to strengthen the immune system and lessen pain and discomfort. It might be even more effective for dry cough if you add honey to it.
How to take: Add some grated ginger to a pot of boiling water. Once it boils, add the honey into it and squeeze half a lemon and you can consume the paste. Both sore throats and coughs will improve after doing this.
3. Peppermint
Menthol, which is present in peppermint, helps to numb throat nerve endings that become irritated by coughing. This might ease the pain and lessen the urge to cough. Moreover, peppermint has been proven to have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which assist to treat congestion.
How to take: Before going to bed, try sipping peppermint tea to help with nighttime coughing.
You can also use peppermint essential oil as an aromatherapy treatment.
4. Tulsi Leaves
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is known as “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs”. Tulsi leaves help improve the individual’s ability to fight against common cold as well as cough. It helps soothe the airways by helping you cough out the sticky mucus.
How to take: Chew 4-5 tulsi leaves the first thing in the morning. Add few Tulsi leaves in your Tea or Add in Kadha.
How to make Tulsi Kadha:
- add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 5-6 peppercorns(Kali mirch)
- Boil the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
- Finally, add a pinch of black salt and squeeze ½ lemon to it.
- Let it stand for 1 minute. Strain and drink it warm.
5. Gargle with salt water/ Betadine
Gargling with warm salt water will help ease the discomfort and irritation caused by a dry cough. Salt water also helps kill bacteria in the mouth and throat.
How to do:
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt in a large glass of warm water. Then gargle several times a day.
- Use undiluted Betadine ( around 10ml) with an equal volume of warm water to gargle without swallowing. Repeat up to four times daily.
Other Notable Mentions: Mulethi, Pippali, Cinnamon with honey, Giloy
