Generally speaking, coughing is perfectly normal. A cough can help to keep your throat clear from phlegm and other irritants or any foreign bodies. However, sustained coughing can also be symptomatic of a number of conditions, such as an allergy, a viral infection, or a bacterial infection.
1. Honey
Honey is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one, it can also relieve coughs more effectively than over the counter medications that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant.
You can create your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water and lemon.
The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can help with congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful or spread it on bread for a snack
2. Salt and water gargle
While the remedy may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.
Note that children under age 6 aren’t especially good at gargling. It’s best to try other remedies for this age group.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound which may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It may also be beneficial for several conditions, including a dry cough.
Curcumin is best absorbed into the blood stream when taken with black pepper. You can add 1 teaspoon of turmeric and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper into a beverage, such as cold orange juice, to drink. You can also make it into a warm tea.
Turmeric is use to treat upper respiratory conditions, bronchitis, and asthma in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
You can get turmeric in its spice-form, as well as a capsule.
4. Ginger
Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been to boost the immune system and relieve pain and discomfort.
Ginger can be found in many teas as an ingredient. You can also make ginger tea from ginger root by steeping the peeled or cut root in warm water. Adding honey may make it even more beneficial for dry cough.
You can also take ginger in capsule form, or chew on ginger root to alleviate dry cough.