How to relieve a dry cough: 8 syrups and home remedies

Bisoltussin and Notuss are some of the most used pharmacy remedies to treat dry coughs, however, echinacea tea with ginger or eucalyptus tea with honey are also good options for home and natural remedies for those who do not want to use medications.

Coughing is a natural reflex of the body to eliminate any irritant that is inflaming the lungs and is a symptom that can be caused by different factors such as the flu and cold, sore throat or allergies, for example.

A dry cough can be treated with home and natural remedies or even with some pharmacy medications, but the most important thing is to keep your throat clean and moist at all times, as this helps to calm the irritation and cough. Check out some tips to get rid of your cough faster.

Syrups and pharmacy medicines

Some pharmacy remedies indicated to treat and calm persistent coughs include:

1. Bisoltussin (dextrometorfano): is an antitussive syrup for dry and irritating cough without phlegm that can be taken every 4 hours or every 8 hours. Learn more about how to use bisoltussin for a dry cough.
2. Notus (dropropizine): a syrup indicated for dry and irritating cough without phlegm that should be taken every 12 hours.
3. Cetirizine: is an antihistamine that can be taken to relieve allergic coughs and should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Learn how to take cetirizine correctly.
4. Vick Vaporub: is a decongestant in the form of an ointment intended to relieve coughs, 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.
5. Stodal: is a homeopathic remedy that is indicated for the treatment of dry cough and irritated throat, which should be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Find out more about this remedy and how to use it.

Medicines to treat cough should only be used under the advice of a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist, 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.

Some home remedies and little tips that help soothe a dry cough and throat irritation are:

1. Homemade honey syrup with lemon and propolis

Homemade honey syrup with lemon and propolis is great for hydrating and relieving throat irritation, which helps reduce coughing. To prepare it you will need:

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons of honey;
• 8 drops of Propolis Extract;
• Juice of 1 medium lemon.

Preparation Mode:

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 strengthen the immune system, while honey hydrates and soothes the throat. Propolis extract is a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory action, which helps relieve sore throat and treats 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 coughs. To prepare this tea you will need:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of Echinacea root or leaves;
• 5 cm of fresh ginger;
• 1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation Mode:

Add the ingredients to boiling water, cover and let 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 as, in addition to helping to strengthen the immune system, warm water and honey help to soften and hydrate the throat, reducing coughing and irritation.

3. Eucalyptus tea with honey

Eucalyptus is a medicinal plant widely used to treat flu and colds, as well as to treat respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis, being an excellent natural remedy for coughs. To prepare tea with this plant you need:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of chopped Eucalyptus leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water;
• 1 tablespoon of honey.

Preparation Mode:

In a cup, place the Eucalyptus leaves, honey and cover 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 you can also use Eucalyptus essential oil, adding 3 to 6 drops in place of the dry leaves.

Inhalation or a steam bath is another great option that helps treat lung irritations and coughs, and can be done with propolis extract or eucalyptus essential oil and 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.