Dry cough can be very irritating and often leads people to look for quick home remedies to help soothe their throats. While there is no cure for the common cold or flu that often causes dry cough, certain drinks can provide relief from coughing and irritation.
Water
One of the simplest and most effective drinks for relieving dry cough is plain water. Water helps thin out the mucus in the throat and keeps it from getting sticky. It also prevents dehydration, which can worsen cough symptoms. Sipping cool water can provide immediate relief for an itchy or irritated throat.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is key when dealing with dry cough. Health experts recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. The hydration helps loosen mucus and prevents further irritation in the throat from dryness.
Warm Beverages
Warm beverages can be very soothing for dry cough. The heat can calm throat irritation and the steam helps loosen mucus in the airways. Some good options include:
- Tea – Try herbal teas with honey or lemon to coat the throat and provide relief from coughing. Chamomile, peppermint, and licorice root teas are common choices that may relax the throat. Green tea also contains antioxidants that can help support immune health.
- Broths – Warm broths keep the throat moist and the saltiness can soothe irritation. Chicken or vegetable broths are tasty options.
- Decaffeinated coffee – The heat of coffee can be relaxing for coughs and it will not dehydrate the body like caffeinated versions.
- Warm lemon water – Lemon contains vitamin C which supports immunity. Warm lemon water can moisturize the throat and loosen phlegm.
Be sure any warm beverage you choose is not too hot as it could further irritate the throat. Take small sips allowing the liquid to provide relief as it goes down.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular choice for relieving dry cough thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Chamomile contains antioxidants that can help reduce swelling in the throat which contributes to coughing. It also acts as a natural muscle relaxant, allowing the throat muscles to loosen up.
One study found that inhaling chamomile vapor could help relieve cough symptoms. The vapor helps clear mucus and relaxes throat muscles. Drinking a warm cup of chamomile tea can have similar effects for dry cough.
Chamomile also contains a natural sedative compound called bisabolol that promotes relaxation and sleep. The anti-anxiety effects can help suppress coughing at night so the body can rest.
Honey
Honey has a thick, sticky consistency that coats and soothes the throat, providing relief from dry coughs. It contains a demulcent effect that creates a protective film over the throat to keep irritation at bay. Using just a small amount of honey in tea, lemon water, or even on its own can help suppress coughing.
Research shows honey can be as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines for children. When comparing honey to antihistamine or expectorant cough syrups in multiple studies with over 1,000 children, honey consistently performed better at reducing frequency and severity of nighttime cough.
Honey should never be given to children under one year old due to risk of infant botulism. But for older children and adults, it can provide a safe and effective natural cough remedy.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root contains anti-inflammatory compounds called glycyrrhizins that are often used for sore throat, cough, and congestion. Licorice has demulcent properties similar to honey that can coat and protect the throat for dry cough relief.
One review found licorice to be just as effective as prescription cough medicine codeine for reducing cough symptoms. Licorice root is available as a tea or can be taken as a supplement in capsule form as well.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is a form of licorice that has had the glycyrrhizin removed to reduce potential side effects like high blood pressure. DGL retains the demulcent effects and is considered the safest form to use.
Marshmallow Root Tea
Marshmallow root contains a mucilage compound that becomes gooey and thick when mixed with water. This creates a protective layer over the throat that can suppress dry coughs. Marshmallow root may also have antimicrobial properties to help fight infection.
The mucilage in marshmallow root has been used since ancient Egyptian times to treat sore throats and irritation. Modern research has found the gooey texture to be an effective demulcent that relieves dry cough as well as prescription cough syrups in some studies.
Marshmallow root can be found in tea, syrup, or capsule form. The tea creates the soothing mucilage effect best. Be sure to steep the tea for at least 10-15 minutes to fully activate the demulcent properties.
Ginger Tea
Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that can help relieve coughs. The spicy heat of ginger helps thin mucus secretions which can reduce coughing.
One study found that ginger was more effective than prescribed cough medicine at improving symptoms such as frequency of coughing and congestion. Ginger also helps boost salivation which keeps the throat moist and protects from irritation.
Ginger tea combines the soothing warmth of tea with the therapeutic effects of ginger. Adding lemon and honey can further help to coat the throat and provide dry cough relief as well.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint contains menthol which provides a cooling, decongestant effect. Menthol helps break up mucus, opens airways, and relaxes throat muscles. The soothing minty flavor can temporarily numb throat irritation that triggers coughing.
Peppermint also has antispasmodic effects that help reduce spasms in the throat which can cause coughing fits. One study found peppermint oil to improve coughing symptoms within two days of treatment.
Drinking peppermint tea is an easy way to help control coughing. Adding some honey can further coat and calm the throat. Peppermint capsules can also be used but may take longer to have an effect.
Throat Coat Tea
Throat coat tea contains licorice and slippery elm which are both demulcent herbs that create a mucilage coating on the throat. Other ingredients like peppermint, cinnamon, and lemon provide additional throat-soothing relief.
One study on throat coat tea found it to significantly improve coughing, hoarseness, and throat irritation. After just 3 days, 90% of participants reported major symptom relief. The variety of demulcent and anti-inflammatory ingredients make this tea very effective for dry cough.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm contains a mucilage substance that becomes a thick gel when mixed with water. It coats the throat to relieve irritation and suppresses the reflex to cough.
Native Americans traditionally used slippery elm bark to treat coughing and sore throat. Modern herbalists continue using it today for its powerful demulcent properties that protect and soothe mucous membranes.
Slippery elm can be found as a powder, tea, lozenge or capsule. Like marshmallow root, stir the powder into hot water for 5-10 minutes to fully activate the mucilage before drinking.
Propolis Spray
Propolis is a resin-like substance bees make from plant secretions and bee saliva. It contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds. Propolis has a long history of use for treating respiratory illnesses.
Modern studies indicate propolis can speed recovery from cold and flu symptoms. A spray delivers propolis directly to the throat for relief from dry cough irritation. Just a couple sprays to coat the throat can suppress cough reflexes.
Look for alcohol-free propolis sprays which are less likely to further irritate the throat. Using slippery elm lozenges in combination can boost the demulcent protective effects.
Sage and Echinacea Tea
Both sage and echinacea contain compounds that can relieve coughs and fight infection. Sage has antioxidants called caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid that act as natural antihistamines to dry up excess mucus production.
Echinacea boosts the immune system and has mild antibiotic effects against bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory illness. It also reduces inflammation associated with coughs and sore throats.
Combining both into a tea takes advantage of their complementary effects for coughs. The sage dries up mucus production and echinacea battles infection that contributes to irritation and coughing.
Thyme Tea
Thyme contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and antispasmodic compounds. Drinking thyme tea can help fight respiratory infections while relaxing muscles to reduce coughing.
One of the active compounds in thyme called thymol has been found in research to have decongestant effects. Thyme also increases fluid production in the lungs which helps loosen thick mucus that causes coughing.
The phenolic compounds in thyme give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well. Thyme tea sweetened with a bit of honey can coat the throat for soothing dry cough relief.
Turmeric Milk
Turmeric contains the powerful anti-inflammatory compound curcumin that can help relieve coughs. Curcumin reduces inflammation in the airways which can calm cough reflexes.
Mixing turmeric with warm milk creates a nourishing demulcent drink for dry coughs. The anti-inflammatory turmeric mixed with the soothing protein of milk can coat the throat and relieve irritation.
Black pepper contains piperine which enhances the absorption of curcumin. Add a dash of pepper to turmeric milk to boost effects. Honey also compliments the blend well for additional cough relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial properties that can help fight respiratory infections contributing to coughs. It’s also very effective for breaking up mucus thanks to its acetic acid content.
ACV’s antimicrobial effects make it a useful natural remedy for a variety of illnesses. One study found 2 tsp diluted in water 3x daily significantly reduced cold symptoms and severity. It may help dry up excess mucus production that causes coughing fits.
Add a tablespoon or two of ACV to a cup of warm water with a bit of honey. The ACV can fight infection while the honey coats the throat for immediate relief. Just be sure to dilute the vinegar to protect tooth enamel and the esophagus.
Lemon Water
Similar to apple cider vinegar, lemon water can help break up mucus and fight infection with its high vitamin C content. Lemon also stimulates saliva production which keeps the throat moist.
Citric acid in lemon gives it mild antibacterial properties, while the vitamin C content supports the immune system. One study showed lemon water consumption significantly accelerated recovery time from the common cold.
Warm lemon water with honey makes an excellent cough-soothing drink. The vitamin C fights cold and flu viruses, while honey coats the throat to control coughing. This simple drink provides quick relief throughout the day.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices offer hydration and nutrition in convenient drinkable form. Their vitamin C content and fluids can help thin out mucus and prevent dryness that triggers coughing fits.
Tart juices like cranberry, grapefruit, orange, and pineapple provide vitamin C for immunity. Pineapple juice in particular contains bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme that can suppresses coughing.
Apple, pear, and peach juices have more demulcent properties that coat the throat for quick relief. Be sure to choose pure, 100% juice blends and avoid added sugars.
Coconut Water
Plenty of fluids are key when dealing with dry cough to keep the throat moist and thin out mucus secretions. Coconut water provides hydration with added nutrients and a natural sweet flavor.
Coconut water contains antioxidants along with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. One study found it improved cough frequency and severity in children with pneumonia as part of treatment.
The electrolytes in coconut water can also help maintain the body’s fluid balance. Its pleasant taste makes it an easy way to stay hydrated and soothed when dealing with coughing fits.
Avoiding Irritants
Certain beverages can worsen or trigger coughing which goes against the goal of finding relief. Avoid the following drinking irritants when treating a dry cough:
- Caffeine – Can promote dehydration and dryness
- Alcohol – Dries out the throat membranes
- Soda – High sugar content feeds infection
- Citrus Juices – Can irritate the throat
- Very Cold Drinks – Can cause throat spasms
Read labels carefully and steer clear of added sugars or chemicals. Opt for pure, additive-free drinks whenever possible.
Conclusion
Treating dry cough ultimately requires treating the underlying illness like cold, flu, allergies, or infection. But demulcent, hydrating, soothing drinks can provide immediate relief from annoying cough symptoms.
Plain water, herbal teas, broths, juices, and coconut water are good options for hydration. Licorice, marshmallow root, slippery elm, and honey contain demulcent properties that coat the throat. Spicy, antioxidant ingredients like ginger, lemon, and turmeric also relieve coughs and support immunity.
Avoiding irritating drinks like alcohol, caffeine, and soda can also minimize throat irritation and coughing fits. With plenty of nourishing fluids, dry cough can often resolve more quickly and comfortably.
