1. Coughing is a natural reflex but causes a lot of discomfort.
- 1. Coughing is a natural reflex but causes a lot of discomfort.
- 2. Natural remedies to reduce dry cough
- 2.1. Honey - a natural remedy to relieve dry cough
- 2.2. Lozenges and hard candies help stimulate saliva production
- 2.3. Drink enough water to replenish fluids and support immunity
- 2.4. Gargle with warm salt water to reduce respiratory symptoms
- 2.5. Take a steam bath or use a humidifier to help relieve coughs and nasal congestion
- 2.6. Using onions – a popular folk remedy in many European countries
- 2.7. Over-the-counter cough medicine – an option when natural remedies don't work
Coughing is a defense mechanism that helps the body clear the airways of dust, bacteria, or irritants. However, when coughing lasts for a long time, especially dry cough, the patient may suffer from insomnia, sore throat, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
Most cases of common dry coughs – if not caused by a serious medical condition – can resolve on their own without any specific treatment. In the meantime, some natural home remedies can be effective in significantly reducing coughs. According to Dr. Stephen Russell (University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA), many folk methods have been practiced for a long time and have shown certain benefits.
In addition to avoiding cigarette smoke, environmental irritants and allergens, you can try the following natural cough remedies—many of which are readily available in your kitchen or medicine cabinet.
2. Natural remedies to reduce dry cough
2. 1. Honey - a natural remedy for dry cough
For those who love natural sweetness, honey is the ideal choice. Dr. Russell said that warm water mixed with honey can help soothe the throat and reduce cough in a short time. You can mix honey into warm water or herbal tea, adding a few drops of lemon to enhance the flavor.
Honey is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling in the throat and respiratory tract – factors that contribute to coughing. In addition, honey also helps thin mucus, helping to reduce phlegmy coughs.
A review of 10 studies found that honey may be more effective than cough medicine or placebo in relieving acute cough symptoms in children and improving sleep. However, the evidence is limited and more research is needed.
Important note: Never give honey to children under 12 months of age due to the risk of poisoning by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.
Honey helps thin phlegm, helping to reduce coughs with phlegm.
2. 2. Lozenges and hard candies help stimulate saliva production
Sucking on lozenges or hard candy is a simple but effective remedy for dry coughs. When sucked, it stimulates the salivary glands, which helps keep the throat moist and reduces the feeling of dryness – an important factor in causing coughs.
Some lozenges contain zinc, vitamin C, or herbal extracts. While the scientific evidence is limited, they may offer some benefit and are generally safe when used in moderation.
2.3. Drink enough water to replenish fluids and support immunity
Dehydration is a common problem for people with coughs. Drinking enough fluids – including water, warm water, broth, or weak tea – helps soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and support the immune system to fight infection.
Hydration also helps thin secretions, thereby reducing the irritation of dry coughs. This is a simple but effective measure that anyone can do.
2. 4. Gargle with warm salt water to reduce respiratory symptoms
Gargling with warm salt water is a common folk practice and has been shown to have respiratory benefits. One small study found that simply gargling with plain water can help relieve upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and even prevent infection.
In another study, severe COVID-19 patients who regularly gargled and rinsed their noses with warm salt water had lower rates of hospitalization than those who did not.
Directions: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water and gargle 2–3 times daily.
2. 5. Take a steam bath or use a humidifier to help relieve coughs and nasal congestion
Many people find that their cough and congestion symptoms improve significantly after taking a hot shower or inhaling warm steam. This is because the humidity helps soften the lining of the airways, reducing irritation and facilitating airflow.
At home, you can take a hot shower and inhale the steam, or use a cool mist humidifier in the room. Humidifiers help keep the air moist – especially useful in dry weather or when the air conditioner is running constantly. However, they should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
Onions help relieve cough symptoms.
2. 6. Using onions – a popular folk remedy in many European countries
Chopped onions release a distinctive pungent vapor that can cause some people’s eyes to sting. While there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness, some people believe that onion vapor helps relieve cough symptoms.
In Spain and France, this folk remedy is quite familiar: Before going to bed, people cut an onion into four pieces and place it on the bedside table or at the foot of the bed to relieve nighttime coughs. Although the effectiveness depends on the individual, it is a safe and easy method to try.
2. 7. Over-the-counter cough medicines – an option when natural remedies don't work
If home remedies don't help, you may want to consider an over-the-counter cough medicine.
Some common active ingredients:
- Dextromethorphan: Helps suppress coughs, slightly more effective than placebo in some studies. Not for use in children under 5 years of age.
- Pseudoephedrine: Helps reduce postnasal drip – a cause of cough. However, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Diphenhydramine (benadryl): Commonly found in nighttime cough medicines, causes drowsiness, but is not suitable for people over 65 due to the risk of confusion, impaired balance, or urinary retention.
Dr. Russell recommends: Prioritize natural remedies first, then consider medication and use with caution.
Most common dry coughs will go away on their own or be relieved by removing the irritant or allergen. Many natural remedies such as drinking honey, lozenges, gargling salt water, and taking a steam bath can help reduce coughs and soothe the throat. If the cough persists or is accompanied by unusual symptoms, the patient should see a doctor to assess the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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