How to get rid of dry cough quickly and naturally?

Question

It’s been almost 10 days, and my dry cough just won’t go away! At first, I thought it was due to a mild cold, but now there’s no congestion—just this constant tickle in my throat that makes me cough non-stop. Sometimes it gets so bad that my throat starts to hurt.

I’ve tried everything—honey with warm water, ginger tea, saltwater gargles—but nothing seems to work for long. I don’t want to take cough syrups because they make me drowsy, and I need something that actually treats the root cause. Can anyone suggest the best home remedies on how to get rid of dry cough naturally?

Also, does anyone know if diet affects dry cough? I’ve been eating normal food, but some people say dairy can make it worse. Should I avoid milk and curd? What foods help with throat irritation?

Another thing—my cough gets worse at night. I wake up multiple times because of sudden coughing fits. Is there any Ayurvedic kadha or herbal tea that actually helps before bedtime?

Please share if you’ve tried something that worked for you! What’s the fastest way to get rid of a dry cough? Should I be worried if it lasts this long?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with a persistent dry cough! Here are some natural remedies and tips that might help:

Home Remedies for Dry Cough:
Ginger and Honey: Since you’ve tried this, you can also try adding black pepper to the mix. A teaspoon of honey, grated ginger, and a pinch of black pepper in warm water can soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
Turmeric Milk: Drinking a glass of warm turmeric milk before bed can help reduce throat irritation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam with a few drops of eucalyptus oil can help moisturize the throat and clear irritation, especially before bed.
Licorice Root (Mulethi): It's known for soothing the throat. You can boil it in water and sip it slowly or chew small pieces. Mulethi helps reduce throat inflammation.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi has antimicrobial properties. You can boil a few leaves in water, and sip the herbal tea multiple times a day.
Salt Water Gargle: You've tried this, but it's very effective, especially if done several times a day. Adding a pinch of turmeric can enhance its effect.
Diet Considerations:
Dairy: Some people find that dairy products like milk and curd can worsen mucus production and increase coughing. Try reducing or eliminating them for a few days to see if your symptoms improve.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of warm liquids (like herbal teas or warm water) helps keep the throat moist and soothe irritation.
Avoid Spicy/Acidic Foods: These can irritate the throat and worsen the cough.
Ayurvedic Kadha or Herbal Teas:
A Kadha made from ginger, tulsi, black pepper, and honey can be consumed before bedtime. It’s a great Ayurvedic remedy for throat irritation and cough.
Chamomile tea can be a gentle option for evening relaxation and soothing the throat.
When to Worry:
If the cough persists beyond 10-14 days or worsens, especially if you develop a fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it's a good idea to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions like bronchitis or post-nasal drip.

How to get rid of dry cough quickly and naturally? - #12548

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