Bisoltussin and Notus are some of the most commonly used drugstore remedies to treat dry cough. However, echinacea tea with ginger or eucalyptus tea with honey is also a good home and natural remedy for those who don’t want to use medication.
Coughing is a natural reflex of the body to eliminate any irritant that is inflaming the lung and is a symptom that can be caused by different factors such as flu and cold, inflammation in the throat, or allergies, for example.
A dry cough can be treated with home and natural remedies or even some over-the-counter medications. But the most important thing is to keep your throat clean and moist at all times as this helps to soothe irritation and coughing.
Syrups and pharmacy remedies
Some over-the-counter remedies for treating and calming persistent coughing cough include:
- Bisoltussin: is an anti-cough syrup for dry and irritating cough without phlegm that can be taken every 4 hours or every 8 hours. Learn more about using bisoltussin for a dry cough.
- Notuss: a syrup indicated for dry and irritating cough without phlegm that should be taken every 12 hours.
- Cetirizine: It is an antihistamine that can be taken for the relief of cough with an allergic origin and that must be used with the guidance of the doctor. Learn how to take cetirizine correctly.
- Vicks Vaporub: is a decongestant in the form of an ointment intended for cough relief, which can be applied up to 3 times a day on the chest or can be added to boiling water for inhalation. Learn more about vick vaporub.
- Stodal: is a homeopathic remedy that is indicated for the treatment of dry cough and irritated throat, which must be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Learn more about this remedy and how to use it.
Medicines to treat coughing should only be used under the advice of a doctor. As it is important to identify the problem, to ensure that the cough is not being caused by a more serious illness such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, for example. Ideally, start by using some home remedies to treat the problem, as described below.
Home remedies to calm a cough
Check out some options for adults and children in the video below:
Other home remedies and small tips that help soothe dry cough and sore throat are:
1. Homemade honey syrup with lemon and propolis
Homemade Honey Lemon Propolis Syrup is great for moisturizing and relieving throat irritation, which helps reduce coughing, to prepare it you need:
Ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons of honey;
- 8 drops of Propolis Extract;
- Juice 1 medium lemon.
Method of preparation:
In a glass jar with a lid, add the honey and lemon juice and add the drops of propolis extract. Stir well with a spoon to mix all the ingredients well.
This syrup should be taken 3 to 4 times a day or whenever your throat feels dry and scratchy, for a few days until the symptoms disappear. Lemon is rich in vitamin C which helps to strengthen the immune system, while honey moisturizes and soothes the throat. Propolis extract is a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory action, which helps to relieve sore throat and treat dry throat and irritating cough.
2. Warm Echinacea Tea with Ginger and Honey
Echinacea and Ginger are medicinal plants used to treat colds and flu that help strengthen the immune system, which helps the body fight and treat coughing. To prepare this tea you need:
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of Echinacea root or leaves;
- 5 cm of fresh ginger;
- 1 liter of boiling water.
Method of preparation:
Add the ingredients to the boiling water, cover, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, strain and then drink.
This tea should be drunk 3 times a day or whenever the throat is very dry because. In addition to helping to strengthen the immune system, warm water. And honey help soften and hydrate the throat, reducing coughing and irritation.
3. Eucalyptus Tea with Honey
Eucalyptus is a medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of flu and colds. As well as for the treatment of respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis, being an excellent natural remedy for coughs. To prepare a tea with this plant you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of chopped eucalyptus leaves;
- 1 cup of boiling water;
- 1 tablespoon of honey.
Method of preparation:
In a cup place the eucalyptus leaves, and honey, and cover them with boiling water. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes and strain.
This tea can be taken 3 to 4 times a day, and to prepare this home remedy, Eucalyptus essential oil can also be used, adding 3 to 6 drops in place of the dried leaves.
Inhalations of steam baths are another great options that help treat lung irritation and coughing, and these can be done by adding Propolis Extract or Eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Other excellent tips to treat this problem include drinking juices rich in vitamin C, such as orange and acerola, which help to strengthen the immune system, and sucking honey, mint, or fruit candies throughout the day to keep the throat hydrated and stimulate the production of saliva.