What are some dry cough home remedies for adults? - #11410

So you've been dealing with a pesky dry cough—that's really frustrating, especially at night when you're trying to get some rest. In Ayurveda, we focus on the root cause and balance the doshas. For a dry cough, often seen as a Vata or sometimes Pitta imbalance, it’s about soothing the throat and balancing these energies. Let’s talk about honey and ginger. You're on the right track! Ginger's like your throat's best friend when it comes to soothing irritation. You can make a warm ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water, then letting it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain it, and add a bit of honey once it's cooled slightly—not when it's piping hot, since heating kills the enzymes. Have this a couple of times a day. Ginger powder works too, but fresh ginger tends to be more effective for immediate relief. Tulsi (holy basil) is amazing for calming a cough. You can chew on 4-5 fresh leaves directly or make a tea. Simmering tulsi leaves with some peppercorns can make a potent cough syrup. For turmeric milk, or "golden milk" as they call it, warm some milk (or plant milk if you prefer) and mix in a teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper (helps with absorption). Again, honey's a good add-in once it’s cool enough. Try having this at bedtime for its soothing effect. Steam with eucalyptus oil: people often find it clears up congestion. Maybe you feel it’s more for chest congestion, but it can moisten the passages and ease irritation too. Just a few drops in hot water and inhale through a towel-tent over a bowl. But keep expectations moderate—steam won’t solve everything, just provides temporary relief. Diet-wise, yes, watch those cold drinks or spicy foods. Even fried foods might agitate things. Stick to warm, easy-to-digest meals. Remember to stay hydrated too—a well-moistened throat is less likely to be cranky. Let me quickly remind you to seek medical help if this cough keeps up. Safety comes first! Ayurveda can indeed be remarkable but it doesn't replace professional medical advice for persistent conditions. Good luck with the remedies, hope that helps!