How to Cure a Dry Cough with Home Remedies

Coughing is a method used by the body to expel mucus and protect the airways. Unfortunately, it can become persistent and irritating, leading to more discomfort than relief. A dry cough is particularly frustrating; the lack of mucus can make it seem impossible to cure a dry cough. There are several cough syrups and medications that experience varying success at relieving the issue, but the simplest and often most successful courses of action lie in a few dry cough home remedies or removing the cause itself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Drink water with honey:
   Honey can be a very effective home remedy for a dry cough. Whether taken with tea or just hot water, honey can help to soothe the throat. A study by Pennsylvania State University, Hershey found that honey is more effective than common over the counter cough medications. This may be due to a combination of antioxidant properties and stimulation of salivation which can deal with the dryness.

2. Suck on a hard candy:
   Cough drops or hard candy can also help to cure a dry cough. Like with honey, the primary benefit of this can be to stimulate the salivary glands and ease a dry sore throat. These should not to be used by young children due to choking hazard.

3. Combat the dry air:
   Dry air can be a major throat irritant leading to a dry cough. To cure a dry cough caused by dry air, the National Institutes of Health suggest using a humidifier overnight or taking a hot shower to increase the level of moisture in the air you are breathing.

4. Quit smoking:
   Smoking is notorious for creating chronic bouts of coughing. If smoking is behind a dry cough, quitting the habit is the only way to truly deal with the issue. According to the University of Michigan Health System, along with cigarette smoke, frequent exposure to certain chemicals and dust can cause or exacerbate a dry cough. If outside irritants like these are the cause of a persistent and long-lasting dry cough, relief will not come until exposure to the irritants is curbed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult a doctor before beginning any medical treatment