Cough Remedies: The Top 3 Home Treatments for Dry Cough and Cold

A dry cough can become a serious and irritating issue for your overall health. A dry or unproductive cough that doesn't effectively remove mucus and affects the lungs and nasal passages should be treated promptly.

A dry cough and cold can persist for several weeks, and conditions may worsen if not addressed in time. While your doctor may prescribe antibiotics as treatment, certain effective and beneficial home remedies can also aid in alleviating a dry cough and cold.

In this article, we discuss three of the best home remedies for a dry cough and cold, understanding that a single remedy may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it's advisable to try them out to determine which remedy works best for you, use it as instructed, and observe the natural and safe results.

Cough and Cold Remedy-1:

Ingredients (for 3 servings):

- 3 glasses of water

- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds

- Salt to taste

- Freshly sliced or grated ginger

Preparation:

Boil 3 glasses of water in a pan, and add black pepper, ginger, cumin seeds, and salt. Allow it to simmer for 15 minutes on a low to medium flame, or until the water changes color.

Turn off the flame, cover the pan, and set aside for 20 to 25 minutes to cool down slightly.

Strain the mixture into another bowl, ensuring the water is lukewarm.

Add the lemon juice to the mixture, stir well, and pour the drink into cups or small glasses.

How to take:

Consume this remedy once daily at night before bed in a lukewarm state.

You may also add 1 tablespoon of honey to enhance the benefits and flavor.   

Use this remedy once daily for several weeks, and you may find permanent relief from dry cough and cold. 

Avoid eating or drinking after taking this remedy to allow your body to absorb all the ingredients needed to treat dry cough and cold.

Do not store in the refrigerator for future use. Prepare it fresh whenever you wish to consume it.

Benefits:

Cumin seeds possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help cure dry cough, cold, and lung irritation.

Black peppercorn is beneficial and has been used for millennia to clear mucus.  

Ginger, a well-known spice, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that enhance immunity and treat dry cough, throat infections, and colds.

Both salt and lemon are effective for soothing sore throats and easing lung discomfort. 

Cough and Cold Remedy-2:

Ingredients (for 1 serving):

- 1 small glass of water

- 1 tablespoon of organic turmeric powder

- Some fresh lemon juice

Preparation:

Boil a glass of water in a pan, add the turmeric powder, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes on medium heat.

After 10 minutes, remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Strain the mixture into a glass and add the lemon juice.

Your remedy is now ready for use.

Consumption:

Drink this remedy lukewarm and slowly, rather than gulping it down.

You may consume this remedy during the day or before bedtime.

Optionally, add a pinch of black pepper powder.

Avoid eating or drinking anything after consuming this remedy.

Benefits:

Turmeric is an exceptional anti-bacterial ingredient with healing properties, thanks to a special component called curcumin, which is effective in treating viral and flu infections.

It enhances lung function and boosts immunity, enabling your body to naturally combat infections, dry cough, colds, and throat irritation.

Lemon acts as an anti-bacterial and germicide, while vitamin C combats dry cough.

The combination of turmeric and lemon amplifies the effects, and regular consumption can address various health issues.

Cough and Cold Remedy-3:

Ingredients:

- 3 tablespoons of finely grated ginger

- 4 tablespoons of organic honey

- Half a cup of water

Preparation:

Strain the ginger juice into a bowl, add the honey, and mix well.

Then, add the water and stir until well combined.

The remedy is now ready for use. Adjust the water quantity to taste.

Consumption:

Consume 1 tablespoon in the morning and another at night.

If the ginger taste is too strong, feel free to add extra honey.

Continue this routine for several weeks to experience the benefits.

Benefits:

Both honey and ginger are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help clear mucus and treat symptoms like a blocked nose and throat irritation, benefiting the entire respiratory system.

Regular use over a few weeks can target dry cough and help eliminate it naturally without any side effects.

Dos and Don'ts:

Dos:

- Adhere to the instructions and allow time for the remedy to yield results.

- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.

- Engage in breathing exercises to strengthen the lungs and boost immunity.

- Gargling with salt in lukewarm water twice daily can also be beneficial.

Don'ts:

✔ Refrain from consuming junk food, fried items, and avoid cold drinks and ice water strictly.

✔ Should you have an allergy to any ingredient, opt for an alternative remedy or omit the ingredient.

✔ Each individual reacts differently, so select a remedy that suits you best.

✔ Should excessive discomfort occur, it's advisable to seek medical consultation.

Recovery from a dry cough and cold may take weeks; patience is essential when using home remedies.

The natural and readily available ingredients we've discussed have been tried by many with satisfactory results.