Home Remedies For Dry Cough

A dry cough is classified into two types: acute (lasting three weeks or less) and chronic (stretching for over three weeks). In both cases it is important to know the cause, since dry cough often develops as a symptom of another condition. Treating the underlying condition will make it disappear. As such, if your dry cough lasts for more than one week it is very important to see a doctor.

There are different things that can trigger a dry cough: common cold, asthma, bronchitis, irritation of the airways and laryngitis among others.

If this cough is indeed a symptom of a disease or infection, the latter must be treated in order to improve the former. Otherwise none of the home remedies will work efectively, given that the root of the problem is much bigger.

When the cause is a cold, several home remedies for dry cough are available to help you recover as soon as possible.

You can make an aromatic and delicious homemade syrup by mixing anise, cloves and chamomile. To do so, prepare the chamomile tea, bring it to a boil and then add the anise and cloves. Allow it to boil for 5 minutes so that all the aromas and properties are released. Then turn off the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.

Strain the liquid and mix with honey and lemon juice to taste. Take two tablespoons of this natural syrup three times a day for prompt relief of your dry cough.

Milk combined with honey, a fabulous natural antibiotic, is one of the best and most simple home remedies for dry cough. In half a glass of warm milk add two teaspoons of honey and drink three or four times a day to improve your dry cough. It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, since hot liquids can irritate your throat and increase discomfort.

Do you love dark chocolate? Then you're lucky because due to the theobromine it contains, dark chocolate is perfect for relieving dry cough. Eat around 50 grams of dark chocolate to relieve your cough. This remedy can be combined with any of the other homemade alternatives for better effect.

There is one mixture that may seem strange at first but is very effective as a natural treatment for dry cough. It is a combination of Coca-Cola (or any other brand of cola) with onion. The refreshment's properties and the effectiveness of onion in improving respiratory conditions make this home remedy a good and easy option.

Simply take a glass of Coca-Cola and put the liquid to a boil for three minutes with some pieces of onion. Strain and drink when warm just before sleep for overnight dry cough relief.

Another good natural remedy for dry cough is liquorice root tea. Licuorice is a good expectorant and demulcent, and will soften your airways and at the same time will thin the remaining mucous and ease congestion.

To make this infusion you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons of dried liquorice root
• water

Boil the water and put the liquorice root in a mug. Put the water in the mug and leave it rest for 10 or 15 minutes.

Steam is one of the best remedies for anything that has to do with coughs, colds or congestion. The steam not only loosens the mucus but also softens the throat and relieves the cough.

There are two plants that combined with boiled water are perfect for steam: eucalyptus and laurel. Take a look at our article on how to use eucalyptus oil for a cold and flu for more information.

Boil a handful of any of these two herbs in water for 10 minutes. Then stop and breathe in the steam that emanates from the mixture covering your head with a towel. You can do this 2 or 3 times per day.

Be aware that if your cough is persistant you should see your doctor. If none of these home remedies ease your cough visit your doctor immediately.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

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