Coughing day and night can be very frustrating especially if it’s dry. Dry Cough is a common problem these days and you have a higher chance of getting this if you’re living in cities. It can last for a long time and even become chronic. So, taking specific care of Dry Cough is important and it should not be taken otherwise.
Dry Cough and Ayurveda
Shushka-Kasa, commonly known as Dry Cough is the body’s reflex to any irritants or mucus obstructing the airway. If there’s anything stuck in the airway, your body tries to cough it out. During this process, the Vata balance in the body gets affected and causes “Vataja Kasa”. However, when no mucus is being produced in your body, the throat dries out and it results in Dry Cough.
Dry cough, also known as Unproductive cough can be managed at home using Ayurvedic Remedy for Dry Cough. Ayurveda is an ancient way of treating problems using natural ingredients. Most home remedies require ingredients that are easily available in your kitchen.
Symptoms
While there are no specific symptoms associated with dry cough, but you can look for the following symptoms:
- Frequent Dry Coughing
- Burning sensation in chest
- Phlegm/sputum production
- Sore throat (- https://moreayurveda.com/ayurvedic-remedy-for-sore-throat/)
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Nausea after eating
- Tiredness
- Dryness in mouth
- Excessive thirst
- Irritation in throat
- Suffocation in chest
- Weakness
What causes Dry Cough?
Dry cough can be a result of following conditions:
- Allergies
- Acid Reflux or Gerd
- Asthma
- Post-nasal Drip
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Sinusitis
- Viral
- Airway Hyperresponsiveness
- ACE Inhibitors
- Environmental Toxins like Cigarette smoke or pollution
Difference between Dry Cough and Wet Cough
Cough can be of two types i.e. Productive and Non-Productive Cough:
Productive Cough
Wet Cough is also known as Productive Cough and it means that you’re coughing out the mucus or phlegm from your lungs as well as bronchial tubes.
Non-Productive Cough
Dry cough is another name used for Non-Productive Cough caused by irritation or inflammation in the windpipe or lungs. It does not bring up any mucus when you cough. It can be caused due to various reasons listed above.
Ayurvedic Remedy for Dry Cough at Home
- Turmeric Milk is also known as Golden Milk due to its exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Simply mix a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and consume while it’s hot before bedtime. You can also add a clove of garlic to it to enhance its benefits.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea if consumed 2-3 times a day can also help with dry cough. Boil Fresh Tulsi Leaves in water and strain the mixture using a tea strainer. Add a teaspoon of honey and consume hot.
- Licorice Root is known to soothe scratchy throat and reduce coughing. You can either suck the root as it is or boil it in water and strain after a few minutes. Drink this as tea 2-3 times a day while its hot. However, if you’re pregnant or have high Blood Pressure problem, then you should avoid it.
- Saltwater Gargle is one of the most effective solutions for Dry Cough and Sore Throat. This has been practiced by our ancestors for years. Simply add a teaspoonful of salt to a glass of water and gargle for 20-30 seconds. Then spit out the water. It also helps reduce any swelling in the throat.
- You can take a few slices of ginger in water and let it simmer for a few minutes. Strain the mixture and add a teaspoon of honey in it. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and Honey on the other hand is a natural cough suppressant. Try taking this 2-3 times a day while it’s hot.
- Peppermint Tea is another effective remedy for dry cough and thinning mucus secretions. You can use fresh peppermint leaves or the dried ones to make this tea and consume before bedtime. Peppermint helps numb any irritated nerve endings and reduces the urge to cough.
- Aromatherapy can also help calm down the body. You can directly apply a few drops of essential oils like Eucalyptus Oil to your body or add a few drops in a diffuser.
- Getting an air Purifier or humidifier can also help reduce dry coughing. Dry air can aggravate an already inflamed and irritated throat. Humidifier adds moisture to the air while air purifier eliminates any smoke, dust or other pollutants in the air which might be a key contributor for dry coughing.
- Giloy, commonly known as Amrita or Guduchi helps reduce cough caused due to allergic reaction to pollution, smoke or pollen. It also helps to manage cold and tonsils and boosts immunity. Take two teaspoons of Giloy juice in a glass of warm water first thing in the morning.
When to see a doctor?
Dry cough is a common problem especially for people living in cities. It can linger for weeks after you had a flu or cold. While it can be treated at home using Ayurvedic Remedy for Dry Cough but if it persists for more than after 2-3 weeks then you should consult with an ENT Specialist or general physician. It is also recommended to see a doctor if you see any other symptoms like Blood in cough, wheezing, exhaustion, chest pain as they can be signs of any other medical condition.
FAQs
Dry Cough usually takes time to go away and there is no fast way to get rid of it. You can do saltwater gargle two times a day along with drinking Tulsi/Ginger/Peppermint tea to see faster results.
Ayurveda recommends taking Turmeric for Dry Cough. You can simply add a teaspoon of Turmeric in warm milk and take it before bedtime. It has exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Masala Chai is famous for its multiple benefits, especially in Indian Households. You can add Tulsi leaves, Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon and clove in water and let it simmer. Strain the mixture after a few minutes and consume it hot 2-3 times a day.
