[toc]Dry cough and Sore throat are some of the most common infections affecting everyone. A sore throat feels scratchy, may cause pain and burning sensation also making it hard to swallow or even talk. It also often leads to dry cough. The sore throat is generally caused by a virus or bacteria, but this type of irritation can also be caused by smoking, postnasal drip, dry heat or an allergic reaction.
Too much talking, shouting or singing can also lead to a sore throat. Other than sore throat dry cough can be caused by bronchitis, dry throat due to cystic fibrosis or asthma etc. Since the causes of Sore throat and dry cough are varied there is no specific remedy in allopathic medicine to treat these afflictions and the medication that suppress the symptoms cause side effects like drowsiness. Hence natural remedies are safest and most effective methods to deal with sore throats and dry cough.
5 Natural Ways To Cure Dry Cough And Sore Throat
Steam Inhalation
Steam Inhalation is one of the most effective, easily available and inexpensive remedies for sore throat and dry cough. If a person suffering from these condition inhales steam at regular intervals it will help soothe the dry and irritated passageways and flush out the mucus. First you need to boil some water on the gas. A quarter full cooking pot should be sufficient.
After this water boils turn off the gas. If eucalyptus oil is available at home add a few drops to this water. Alternatively you can also add a scoop of mentholatum or Vicks vaporub as these act as decongestants and expectorants. Now place the pot on a table, and after draping a towel over your head, lean over the pot, and breathe deeply and gently for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Salt Water And Sage Gargles
Saltwater gargle is an age old and trusted remedy in the case of a person suffering from dry cough and sore throat. The salt water gargle must be repeated every two to three hours for it to be effective. The salt along with warm water will act as an astringent and help soothe the inflamed and irritated throat tissues.
Sage is another herb which can be turned into a gargle to ease sore throat and its effects. Steep a teaspoon of sage in a cup of hot water for ten minutes. Strain and add a teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey to it. Gargle with this solution four times a day to cure sore throat.
Herbal Cough Remedy
A homemade cough remedy can be easily prepared using certain ingredients in the house. This remedy uses the antiseptic, anti inflammatory and soothing properties of ginger, licorice and anise. To make this remedy mix together two teaspoons of ginger that is freshly chopped, two teaspoons of aniseed and one teaspoon of licorice that has dried.
Steep this mixture in two cups of boiling water for ten minutes. After this mixture cools strain it and add one to two teaspoons of honey. The honey will also help soothe the throat and sweeten the tea. Drink this half a cup of this solution every one to two hours and see the remedy cure you of the sore throat and dry cough.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the best natural cures for coughs and sore throat. Garlic not only has antiviral and antibiotic properties but is also an expectorant and hence it helps in getting rid of any bacteria that are infecting the lungs and causing the sore throat and dry cough.
Swallowing four to eight cloves of raw garlic in a day is the most effective way to reap the curative benefits of garlic. If you cannot eat the garlic raw you can add it to the yogurt, or foods such as salads, pasta etc. Adding garlic to the soup or preparing a garlic broth can also be very effective.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb with a variety of medicinal properties and has been used in India for many centuries to cure most common ailments. Turmeric has anti inflammatory and Antibiotic properties. One of the methods of using turmeric to cure sore throats and dry cough is to use it in a gargle. Take half a teaspoon of turmeric and half a teaspoon of salt and mix them together in a cup of warm water.
Use this solution to gargle. This process must be repeated twice a day. This will calm the dry and irritated throat instantly. Alternatively turmeric can be added to a glass of hot milk and consumed. This will also help cure the sore throat and dry cough. You can add honey to the milk and it will be more effective and tasty.
