A dry cough can be painful because it does not produce mucus and is often triggered by itching in the throat or irritation in the lungs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A homemade remedy can soothe the irritation but isn't likely to cure the underlying cause, such as a viral or bacterial infection of the respiratory tract.
Step 1
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. Gargle for 20 to 30 seconds before spitting the solution into the sink. The salt solution can help calm an irritated throat, which may be causing the dry cough.
Step 2
Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and pour it over a tea bag. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that eucalpytus or peppermint leaves made into a tea can help to suppress a cough. Allow the tea to steep for three to five minutes.
Step 3
Stir honey into the tea. Use as much honey as needed to achieve the desired taste. Honey is as effective as many over-the-counter, cough-suppressant medicines, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Repeat both the gargle and tea remedy as often as necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Try cough drops made with lemon, honey eucalyptus or peppermint to help quiet a dry cough. Add humidity to the room with a humidifier to relieve a dry cough. This effect can be achieved by taking a steamy shower or running the shower while standing in the bathroom.
- A dry cough that sounds like a barking seal in a child or infant may be a sign of the croup. This type of cough is best treated by inhaling cool air from the freezer and then steamy air from a shower every 20 minutes. The croup is caused by inflammation of the vocal cords due to an infection.
Things You'll Need
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of warm water
- Herbal tea made with eucalyptus or peppermint
- Honey
