Continuous coughing is a painful and frustrating situation for anyone who is suffering from it and, more so uncomfortable for the people around them. Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of cough: productive and non productive; each with its own respective causes. Productive cough is a cough that is associated with removal of phlegm clogging the airways. It is usually caused by bacterial infection and removal of phlegm is extremely important. Therefore, coughing should not be suppressed.
Cure Dry Cough at Home
Dry cough on the other hand is not associated with production of phlegm. It is caused by allergies from dust, pollen, dry air or after a cold or virus. It is uncomfortable and it is favorable for the person to suppress this kind of cough. However, not all causes of dry cough are as benign as allergies. For serious causes you should visit a physician.
1. Honey
Usage of honey is a tried and tested method for soothing dry cough. Honey works by coating and soothing mucous membrane due to its sticky and viscous nature. Thanks to an enzyme produced by honey bees while harvesting honey, it also has antibacterial properties which help treat infection.
- 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey taken 2-3 times daily has proven to be helpful for hacking cough.
2. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root also locally known as ‘mulathy’ is considered both an expectorant and demulcent, meaning it can remove phlegm and soothe coughing. It contains ‘glycyrrhizin’ which is known to reduce inflammation by regulating steroid metabolism in the body. People who are already on steroid therapy are not recommended to use licorice root.
- 2 tablespoons of dried licorice root in a cup of boiling water gives you on cup of licorice tea. Having this tea twice a day can reduce your dry cough.
3. Salt water Gargle
Salt water is a popular remedy for sore throat. It allows mucous clogging your airways to be expelled out. Similarly it can help with dry cough. Swelled up inflamed tissue lets water flow out when hypertonic salt solution hits your throat.
- This remedy is as simple as taking a tablespoon full of salt, dissolving it in a cup of warm water and gargle for 15 seconds.
4. Steam
Not many people appreciate the calming effects of steam on a dry, sore or inflamed throat. With added effects of certain oils, steam can help unclog your airways, ease expulsion of mucous, and put raging inflammation to rest. With steam produced from hot water, these oils also vapourise and enter your airway through inhalation and lets their anti inflammatory properties heal your throat.
- In a heatproof bowl, pour hot water and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus and give it a quick stir.
- Lean over this bowl while covering your head with a towel, so as to prevent escape of heat.
- Get as close to it as you comfortably and calmly inhale the vapor.
- However, be careful as this method can cause serious burns if the water is too hot and if your too close.
5. Thyme Tea
Thyme helps soothe coughing by relaxing the trachea and bronchi thus, reducing cough.
- Place some lightly bruised thyme in a mug with hot water.
- Optionally you can add honey to enhance the flavor as many are not fan of thyme.
- Make sure you cover the mug for a few minutes before you drink the tea.
- It is best taken at bedtime.