Home Remedies for Dry Cough

Dry Cough is among the most common health complaints impacting millions of individuals globally each year. A Dry Cough, also called a non-productive cough does not produce any mucus or phlegm. However, it can make your throat sore, hinder sleep and interfere with your daily routine. Whether caused by allergies, pollution, pathogens or acid reflux, it can make basic tasks like speaking or breathing uncomfortable.

For most people, over the counter drugs temporarily alleviate the pain but have unwanted side effects or may not address the underlying issue properly. That is exactly where home remedies can be useful. Simple, effective and natural, these remedies utilise natural ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen or can find in your neighbourhood market. 

What is Dry Cough?

A Dry Cough is a cough which generates no phlegm or mucus. Instead of helping to clear the airways, it might feel like a persistent tickle or irritation in the throat. This kind of cough is particularly irritating since it offers little relief unlike a wet cough which clears mucus from the respiratory system.

The symptoms of Dry Cough are easy to recognise. They include regular coughing without any mucus production, scratchy or itchy throat, and occasionally an aching sensation in the chest from prolonged coughing. Dry Coughs can vary in intensity. They're often worse at night, making it hard to get a good night's sleep and leaving you feeling fatigued throughout the day.

What Causes Dry Cough?

A Dry Cough could occur for multiple reasons and knowing how to treat it is essential. The common causes of Dry Cough are mentioned below:

• Viral Infections: A Dry Cough might last for months following a cold or flu, even after the throat and airways are clear.
• Post-Nasal Drip: Excessive mucus from the sinuses dripping down the throat could irritate the airway and trigger a Dry Cough.
• Asthma: A hallmark of asthma is airway hyperresponsiveness, wherein airways overreact to conditions like cold air or exercise.
• Acid Reflux (GERD): Stomach acid backing up into the oesophagus can irritate the throat and result in persistent coughing, particularly at nighttime.
• Environmental Irritants: Environmental smoke, dust, pollution & powerful chemicals could irritate the throat and airways, triggering a Dry Cough.
• Allergies: Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or mould might irritate the respiratory system and cause coughing without mucus production.
• Medications: Several drugs, particularly ACE inhibitors for hypertension, could cause Dry Coughs as a side effect.
• Dry Air: Inhaling dry or cold air during winter or from the air conditioning can cause Dry Cough.
• Chronic Conditions: In rare instances, a Dry Cough might be related to lung diseases, heart failure, or early whooping cough symptoms.

Home Remedies and Tips

Dry Cough can be exhausting and disruptive, yet there are many easy home remedies that can soothe your throat and ease the irritation. These remedies use natural, easily found ingredients and therefore are effective and practical for a Dry Cough. Here are some effective home remedies for Dry Cough:

1. Honey: Honey is a soothing natural remedy for Dry Cough. It coats the throat, reduces irritation and suppresses the urge to cough. Take one to two teaspoons of raw honey daily. Alternatively, you can blend it with ginger juice and a bit of black pepper for additional relief. Avoid giving honey to kids under 1 year for safety concerns.
2. Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi leaves are used in Ayurveda to reduce cough and improve respiratory health. Chewing 4-5 fresh tulsi leaves in the morning can provide relief. Otherwise, you can make a tulsi kadha by boiling tulsi leaves with grated ginger and some peppercorns in water. Strain & drink it warm with a squeeze of lemon and black salt.
3. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help cure Dry Cough. Grate some fresh ginger and steep in hot water to make a spicy ginger tea. Drinking this tea two or three times daily could relax the airways and ease throat irritation. You can also blend ginger juice with honey for optimum benefits.
4. Mulethi (Licorice Root): Mulethi has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties which could help soothe a dry cough. Make mulethi water by putting in one teaspoon of mulethi powder in a cup of hot water and drink it twice daily. Otherwise, you can make mulethi tea by simmering a bit of mulethi root with chopped ginger in boiling water. Honey can be added to the tea for additional benefits.
5. Turmeric: Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral treatment. For Dry Coughs, combine one teaspoon turmeric powder with one pinch black pepper in herbal tea or warm milk. The black pepper helps the body absorb turmeric better.
6. Warm Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water could quickly cure a dry, scratchy throat. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon salt in a glass of hot water and gargle several times daily. This draws away excess mucus, cleans irritants, and soothes the throat.
7. Cinnamon: Cinnamon possesses antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which could ease a Dry Cough. A bit of cinnamon powder could be added to regular tea or mixed in honey for a soothing remedy. This combination eases throat irritation and prevents possible infections.
8. Pippali: Pippali or long pepper is another natural Ayurvedic remedy for Dry Cough. Take 1-2 teaspoons of pippali churna (powder) with honey once or twice daily. This remedy loosens mucus and also soothes throat irritation.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

Making small but effective changes to your lifestyle and diet can help manage a Dry Cough. These adjustments address underlying irritations and support respiratory health. Here's what you can do:

Lifestyle Changes for Dry Cough

• Keep Hydrated: Drinking sufficient fluids keeps your throat moist and also soothes irritation. Warm water, herbal teas and broths work best for relief. Avoid cold drinks which could worsen your symptoms.
• Avoid Irritants: Avoid smoke, dust, strong perfumes and polluted areas. In case you are unable to avoid it, wear a mask to limit irritation.
• Steam Inhalation: Regular steam inhalation hydrates dried up airways and also soothes throat irritation. 
• Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air may make a Dry Cough worse. A humidifier in your room helps keep the air hydrated and also reduces coughing, especially at night.
• Rest Well: Sleep is essential for fast recovery. Use additional pillows to elevate your head as you sleep to lessen throat irritation and coughing at night.
• Practice Hygiene: Wash your hands often to stay away from infections which may worsen your condition.

Diet for Dry Cough

Foods to Include:

• Warm Liquids: Herbal teas, broths and soups can calm your throat and provide hydration.
• Ginger: Fresh or dried ginger reduces inflammation and soothes airways. Add this to meals or teas.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent which may be taken with hot milk or tea along with black pepper.
• Fruits & Vegetables: Foods full of vitamin C like citrus fruits, spinach and guavas can help improve immunity.

Foods to Avoid:

• Cold & Chilled Foods: These may irritate the throat and aggravate your symptoms.
• Fried & Spicy Foods: These could cause irritation of the throat and lead to more coughing.
• Dairy Products: Dairy may increase mucus production and worsen throat discomfort for many people.