Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What are the best remedies for dry cough, and how can it be treated naturally?
FREE!Ask Ayurvedic Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Ayurveda Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 03M : 31S
background image
Click Here
background image
Respiratory Disorders
Question #12335
1 year ago
604

What are the best remedies for dry cough, and how can it be treated naturally? - #12335

Ella

I have been dealing with a dry cough for some time now, and I’m looking for natural remedies that can help soothe the throat and relieve the irritation caused by the cough. I want to avoid over-the-counter medications and prefer to use home remedies or herbal treatments to treat the condition. One remedy that I have heard about is using honey and ginger. Since ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and honey is known for its soothing effects, how effective is this combination in treating a dry cough? Should fresh ginger be used, or is ginger powder just as effective? How much honey should be mixed with ginger for maximum relief? I also read that Turmeric is an effective remedy for a dry cough. How does turmeric help in reducing inflammation, fighting infection, and soothing the throat? Should turmeric milk be consumed, or is it better to use turmeric in honey for a cough remedy? Another remedy I came across is peppermint. How does peppermint help in reducing coughing fits, relieving throat irritation, and clearing mucus? Can peppermint tea or peppermint essential oil be used for better relief, and how often should it be used? I’ve also read that saltwater gargles are effective in soothing the throat and reducing cough. How does gargling with warm salt water help, and how often should it be done throughout the day for the best results? Lastly, I came across the use of steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil. How does steam therapy help in reducing dry cough and clearing the respiratory passages? Should eucalyptus oil be used in the steam, and are there any safety precautions when using this remedy? If anyone has successfully treated their dry cough with natural remedies, I would love to hear your experience. What remedies worked best for you, and how long did it take for you to feel better? Looking forward to your insights!

FREE
Question is closed

Doctor-recommended remedies for this condition

FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
background-image
background-image
background image
banner-image
banner-image

Doctors' responses

Dr. Priya Sharma
Dr. Priya Sharma is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda’s time-tested principles. Dr. Priya has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Priya is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women’s health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Priya’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you’re seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Priya Sharma offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
1 year ago
4.83

Honey and ginger are a powerful combination for soothing a dry cough. Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce throat irritation, while honey provides a coating that soothes and calms the throat. Fresh ginger is generally more effective than powdered ginger due to its higher potency, and about half a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger mixed with a tablespoon of honey can be taken 2-3 times a day for relief. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can also help; turmeric milk is a great option, or you can mix turmeric with honey for a soothing effect. Peppermint is useful in relieving throat irritation and clearing mucus. Peppermint tea or inhaling steam with a few drops of peppermint essential oil can provide relief, and this can be done 2-3 times a day. Saltwater gargles help by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria, and gargling 2-3 times a day with warm salt water can be very effective. Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil helps to clear mucus and soothe the airways, but be cautious not to use too much oil, as it can be strong; a few drops in hot water should suffice. Always ensure the steam is not too hot for safety. These remedies, when used consistently, can be very effective, and most people feel better within a few days, depending on the severity of the cough.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies

Dealing with a dry cough can be quite annoying, but Ayurveda has some pretty effective natural remedies to offer. So, let’s break it down:

Honey and ginger, yeah, classic combo! Fresh ginger is usually better for this remedy due to its more potent enzymes, but ginger powder works if that’s what you got. Grate a small piece of fresh ginger and mix it with a spoon of raw honey. Take this mixture 2-3 times a day. Honey coats the throat, soothing irritation, while ginger’s anti-inflammatory kick can help bring down the inflammation.

Turmeric’s a bit of a miracle worker. It has that compound curcumin, which fights inflammation and may help with infections. Turmeric milk, known as “Golden Milk,” is often a go-to. Warm up some milk, stir in about half a teaspoon of turmeric, and maybe add some honey for taste. Drink it before bedtime. Works pretty well as the warmth can calm the throat. But turmeric mixed with honey works too, and it’s easier to take if you’re not a fan of milk.

Now, about peppermint… it’s great! It contains menthol, which can ease throat irritation and may help relax the airways. Peppermint tea is soothing, but if you have essential oil, adding a couple drops in hot water for steam inhalation works wonders. Just close your eyes to avoid irritation. Use peppermint tea a few times a day, but go easy on the essential oil – a couple times a day is enough.

Saltwater gargles, simple but effective! They clear the throat and reduce swelling. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle for about 30 seconds. Do this 3-4 times a day.

And steam inhalation…so relaxing. Adding eucalyptus oil is good, just a few drops in hot water. The steam comforts your airways, and eucalyptus can decongest them. But don’t get too close to the steam to avoid burns, do it for 5-10 minutes.

Combining some of these might give the best relief, but it usually takes a few days. Also, if the cough gets worse or persists, it’s wise to get professional medical attention. Take it slow and adapt the remedies to fit your lifestyle, seeing what suits you best!

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Anjali Sehrawat
I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?
5
530 reviews
Dr. Maitri Bhavesh Kumar Acharya
I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.
5
728 reviews
Dr. Atul Painuli
I am Vaidya Atul Painuli, currently working as an Ayurvedic Consultant at Patanjali Chikitsalaya, Delhi... been here a while now. My focus from the start—over 10+ yrs in this field—has been to stay true to what Ayurveda *actually* is, not just surface-level remedies or buzzwords. I’ve treated a wide mix of patients, from people battling chronic illnesses to those just looking to fix their lifestyle before it leads to disease (which is v underrated tbh). During these years, I kinda shaped my practice around the idea that one solution never fits all. Whether it’s diabetes, gut disorders, stress-related problems or hormone issues—everything goes back to the root, the *nidana*. I usually go with classic Ayurvedic meds, but I mix it up with Panchakarma, diet tweaks and daily routine correction, depending on the case. Most of the time, ppl don’t even realize how much their habits are feeding into the problem. It’s not just about herbs or massages... though those are important too. At Patanjali Chikitsalaya, I see patients from literally all walks of life—office-goers, elderly, even young kids sometimes. Everyone’s got something diff going on, which keeps me grounded. What I try to do is not just treat the symptoms but help ppl *see* what’s happening in their bodies and minds. Like Ayurveda says—if your digestion, sleep and emotions are off... then eventually health’s gonna wobble. I don’t promise quick results but I do stay with my patients through the process, adjusting things based on how they respond. That part makes a big difference I think. For me, Ayurveda isn’t a “last resort” kinda thing—it’s a system that can prevent 80% of the lifestyle diseases ppl suffer from today, if done right. My goal? Just to keep doing this in a way that feels real, grounded, and actually helps ppl—not overwhelm them with too much jargon or fear. Just practical, clean, honest healing.
5
99 reviews
Dr. Ravi Chandra Rushi
I am working right now as a Consultant Ayurvedic Ano-Rectal Surgeon at Bhrigu Maharishi Ayurvedic Hospital in Nalgonda—and yeah, that name’s quite something, but what really keeps me here is the kind of cases we get. My main focus is managing ano-rectal disorders like piles (Arsha), fistula-in-ano (Bhagandara), fissure-in-ano (Parikartika), pilonidal sinus, and rectal polyps. These are often more complex than they look at first, and they get misdiagnosed or overtreated in a lotta places. That’s where our classical tools come in—Ksharasutra therapy, Agnikarma, and a few other para-surgical techniques we follow from the Samhitas...they’ve been lifesavers honestly. My work here pushes me to keep refining surgical precision while also sticking to the Ayurvedic core. I do rely on modern diagnostics when needed, but I won’t replace the value of a well-done Nadi Pariksha or assessing dosha-vikruti in depth. Most of my patients come with pain, fear, and usually after a couple of rounds of either incomplete surgeries or just being fed painkillers n antibiotics. And I totally get that frustration. That’s why I combine surgery with a whole support plan—Ayurvedic meds, diet changes, lifestyle tweaks that actually match their prakriti. Not generic stuff off a handout. Over time, I’ve seen that when people follow the whole protocol, not just the procedure part, the recurrence drops a lot. I’m quite particular about follow-up and wound care too, ‘cause we’re dealing with delicate areas here and ignoring post-op can ruin outcomes. Oh and yeah—I care a lot about educating folks too. I talk to patients in OPD, sometimes give community talks, just to tell people they do have safer options than cutting everything out under GA! I still study Shalya Tantra like it’s a living document. I try to stay updated with whatever credible advancements are happening in Ayurvedic surgery, but I filter what’s fluff and what’s actually useful. At the end of the day, my aim is to offer respectful, outcome-based care that lets patients walk out without shame or fear. That’s really what keeps me grounded in this field.
5
1717 reviews
Dr. Prasad Pentakota
I am Dr. P. Prasad, and I’ve been in this field for 20+ years now, working kinda across the board—General Medicine, Neurology, Dermatology, Cardiology—you name it. Didn’t start out thinking I’d end up spanning that wide, but over time, each area sort of pulled me in deeper. And honestly, I like that mix. It lets me look at a patient not just through one lens but a whole system-wide view... makes more sense when treating something that won’t fit neatly in one category. I’ve handled everything from day-to-day stuff like hypertension, diabetes, or skin infections to more serious neuro and cardiac problems. Some cases are quick—diagnose, treat, done. Others take time, repeated check-ins, figuring out what’s really going on beneath those usual symptoms. And that’s where the detail matters. I’m pretty big on thorough diagnosis and patient education—because half the problem is ppl just not knowing what’s happening inside their own body. What’s changed for me over years isn’t just knowledge, it’s how much I lean on listening. If you miss what someone didn’t say, you might also miss their actual illness. And idk, after seeing it play out so many times, I do believe combining updated medical practice with basic empathy really shifts outcomes. Doesn’t have to be complicated... it just has to be consistent. I keep up with research too—new drugs, diagnostics, cross-specialty updates etc., not because it’s trendy, but cuz it’s necessary. Patients come in better read now than ever. You can’t afford to fall behind. The end goal’s the same tho—help them heal right, not just fast. Ethical practice, evidence-based, and sometimes just being there to explain what’s going on. That’s what I stick to.
5
1142 reviews
Dr. Nayan Wale
I am working in medical field for total 7 years, out of which around 4 years was in hospital setup and 3 years in clinic practice. Hospital work gave me strong base, long duty hours, different type of cases, emergencies sometimes, and learning under pressure. Clinic work is different, slower but deeper, where I sit with patients, listen more, explain things again n again, and follow them over time. In hospital I handled day to day OPD cases, routine management, and also assisted seniors when things got complicated. That phase shaped my clinical thinking a lot, even now I sometimes catch myself thinking like hospital mode when a case looks serious. Clinic practice on the other hand taught me patience. Patients come with chronic issues, expectations, doubts, sometimes fear, and I had to adjust my approach accordingly. I focus on practical treatment planning, not just diagnosis on paper. Some days I feel I should have more time with each patient, but I try to balance it. My experience across hospital and clinic helps me understand both acute care and long term disease management. I still keep learning everyday, reading, observing patterns, correcting myself when needed, because medicine never stays same for long, and neither should the doctor.
5
3 reviews
Dr. Jatin Kumar Sharma
I am a BAMS graduate and currently running my own clinic, where I see patients on a regular basis and try to give them honest, practical care. My daily work involves understanding different health concerns, listening properly to what the patient is going through, and then planning treatment in a way that actually fits their routine. I believe treatment should not feel confusing or rushed, and sometimes even small changes make a big difference. Running my own clinic has taught me a lot about responsibility and consistency. Some days are busy, some are slow, but every patient brings a different challenge and learning. I focus mainly on Ayurvedic treatment methods, lifestyle correction and long-term health balance, rather than quick fixes. There are times when progress takes longer, but I stay patient and keep working with the person step by step. I try to keep my approach simple, practical and honest. For me, real success is when a patient feels better in daily life, sleeps better, eats better and slowly regains balance. That is what keeps me going and improving every day.
5
90 reviews
Dr. Shashank P Bhat
I am an Ayurvedic physician who kinda found my grounding during my BAMS at SDM Institute of Ayurveda, Bangalore—graduated 2022. That place really drilled in the classics, like proper Ayurveda-shastra, but also pushed us to actually use it in clinics, not just memorize verses. Right now I’m doing my PG in Shalya Tantra (Ayurvedic Surgery), which is a bit intense honestly, but it’s also where I feel most focused... like I can bridge the old with the now, if that makes sense. I’ve worked across outpatient and inpatient setups for around 3 years. Assisted in surgeries. Monitored recoveries. Some days are all about bandaging and Basti, others I’m counseling families or setting up herbal meds for chronic stuff. It’s always changing. I’ve done classical therapies like Ksharasutra, Agnikarma and also worked with modern tools — not against them, with them. Feels important to say that. What really matters to me tho is patient trust. I try to explain what’s going on without sounding preachy... like, if someone comes in with a pilonidal sinus or chronic fissure, I don’t just talk meds — I explain why their lifestyle or digestion’s probably linked too. My strength (if I can call it that) lies in making Ayurvedic surgery feel less intimidating n more real-world. I’m not chasing shortcuts. Not here to sell cures. My aim’s just to help more ppl see that healing doesn’t have to mean choosing between ancient n modern. You can have both—like a Sushruta blade held in a 21st century hand. And if I can keep doing that—blending Shalya with evidence, compassion with clarity—then ya, I’d feel like I’m on the right path.
0 reviews
Dr. M.Sushma
I am Dr. Sushma M and yeah, I’ve been in Ayurveda for over 20 yrs now—honestly still learning from it every day. I mostly work with preventive care, diet logic, and prakriti-based guidance. I mean, why wait for full-blown disease when your body’s been whispering for years, right? I’m kinda obsessed with that early correction part—spotting vata-pitta-kapha imbalances before they spiral into something deeper. Most ppl don’t realize how much power food timing, digestion rhythm, & basic routine actually have… until they shift it. Alongside all that classical Ayurveda, I also use energy medicine & color therapy—those subtle layers matter too, esp when someone’s dealing with long-term fatigue or emotional heaviness. These things help reconnect not just the body, but the inner self too. Some ppl are skeptical at first—but when you treat *beyond* the doshas, they feel it. And I don’t force anything… I just kinda match what fits their nature. I usually take time understanding a person’s prakriti—not just from pulse or skin or tongue—but how they react to stress, sleep patterns, their relationship with food. That whole package tells the story. I don’t do textbook treatment lines—I build a plan that adjusts *with* the person, not on top of them. Over the years, watching patients slowly return to their baseline harmony—that's what keeps me in it. I’ve seen folks come in feeling lost in symptoms no one explained… and then walk out weeks later understanding their body better than they ever did. That, to me, is healing. Not chasing symptoms, but restoring rhythm. I believe true care doesn’t look rushed, or mechanical. It listens, observes, tweaks gently. That's the kind of Ayurveda I try to practice—not loud, but deeply rooted.
5
1002 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
261 reviews
Dr. Haresh Vavadiya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor currently practicing at Ayushakti Ayurveda—which honestly feels more like a learning ecosystem than just a clinic. Being here has changed the way I look at chronic conditions. You don’t just treat the label—you go after the cause, layer by layer, and that takes patience, structure, and real connection with the person sitting in front of you. Ayushakti has been around 33+ years, with global reach and seriously refined clinical systems. That means I get to work with protocols that are both deeply rooted in traditional Ayurveda and also super practical for today’s world. Whether I’m managing arthritis, asthma, skin issues like eczema or psoriasis, hormone trouble, gut problems, or stress overload—my first step is always a deep analysis. Prakriti, doshas, ahar-vihar, past treatments—everything gets mapped out. Once I’ve got that picture clear, I create a plan using herbal medicines, detox programs (especially Panchakarma), Marma therapy if needed, and definitely food and routine corrections. But nothing’s random. Each piece is chosen for *that* person. And I don’t just prescribe—I explain. Because when someone knows *why* they’re doing a certain thing, they stick with it longer, and the results hold. One thing I’ve learned while working here is how powerful Ayurved can be when it's structured right. At Ayushakti, that structure exists. It helps me treat confidently and track results properly. Whether I’m working with a first-time visitor or a patient who’s been dealing with the same thing for 10 years, my goal stays the same—help their system return to a natural, sustainable state of balance. What I really enjoy is seeing how people’s mindset changes once they start to feel better. When they stop depending on just temporary relief and start building their health from within—that’s when the real shift happens. And being part of that shift? That’s why I do this.
5
251 reviews

Latest reviews

Evelyn
3 hours ago
This answer was super helpful! Appreciate the honesty and detailed breakdown, made things way clearer for me. Feeling more hopeful!
This answer was super helpful! Appreciate the honesty and detailed breakdown, made things way clearer for me. Feeling more hopeful!
Sydney
3 hours ago
Thanks a bunch for the detailed answer! It really put my mind at ease. The advice was clear and gives me hope with a natural approach.
Thanks a bunch for the detailed answer! It really put my mind at ease. The advice was clear and gives me hope with a natural approach.
Benjamin
1 day ago
Thanks Doc! Your tips really helped clear things up (literally 😅). The herbal suggestions feel so much better than harsh chemicals. Cheers!
Thanks Doc! Your tips really helped clear things up (literally 😅). The herbal suggestions feel so much better than harsh chemicals. Cheers!
Christian
1 day ago
Thanks for this advice! It really cleared things up for me. I'll go with the AVP one and try your suggestion. Appreciate it!
Thanks for this advice! It really cleared things up for me. I'll go with the AVP one and try your suggestion. Appreciate it!