Try These Remedies for Dry Cough
By Paul Rothbart
Coughing is an action the body uses to expel unwanted things from the airway. It's involuntary and necessary. There are two kinds of cough. Wet coughs often accompany colds and are so-called because their purpose is to bring up mucus and other wet things and get them out of the body. Dry coughs do not involve fluids and can be caused by many things including an upper respiratory infection, breathing irritants like smoke, or asthma. A common dry cough cause is a tickle in the throat. Although not serious, it can be annoying and disruptive. Here are some home remedies for a dry cough.
Zinc Lozenges
Zinc is an important trace mineral that helps the immune system and aids in healing wounds and recovering from illnesses. For this purpose, zinc supplements are often recommended. Zinc lozenges can be purchased over-the-counter at any pharmacy and at many supermarkets. Some people find them very effective at relieving throat tickles and stopping a dry cough. They are worth trying and the zinc is good for your health.
Honey
Honey is a sweet, natural substance that has medicinal value and can be a cough suppressant. Microbes cannot grow in honey so it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Honey is often used in cough drops as it can soothe an irritated throat and help stop a dry cough. Eating a spoonful of honey or drinking it in some tea can have the same effect.
Ginger
Ginger is a food with some spice that is common in Asian cuisine and used to make ginger ale. It has long been used for a number of medicinal purposes. There is some evidence that it can function as an anti-inflammatory and may help people who have asthma. Ginger may help the throat relax, opening it up and stopping a cough. Steeping a couple of slices in hot water can make a ginger tea that can be sipped with honey and lemon.
Gargling With Salt Water
Salt water has a long history of relieving sore throats and coughs. My mother had us gargle with it as kids and she learned from her mother. Research has discovered that salt creates a barrier in the throat that draws fluids out of the tissues. Gargling also helps wash out any harmful pathogens. Try mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water. Gargle until it's gone. Salt water can bring relief to a wet cough as well as a dry.
Dry coughs are common and may or may not be a symptom of a larger problem. For less serious coughs, these remedies may bring relief and get you back to focusing on what you're doing.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Humble, Tex.