Natural Dry Cough Medication Can Be More Effective

In general, there are two types of cough medicine that are often used, namely dry cough medicine and phlegm cough medicine. In fact, of the two types of cough medicine, only phlegm cough medicine is sold freely. So, is there any natural ingredient that is effective as a dry cough medicine. Dry cough itself is a cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. There are a number of things that can cause a person to experience a dry cough, ranging from allergies, flu, smoking, pollution, exposure to dust, to certain medical disorders, such as increased stomach acid, asthma, and sinusitis. But in some cases, the cause of dry cough in some people is still not known with certainty.

Various Natural Dry Cough Medicines

Here are natural ingredients that can be done as a dry cough medicine, including:

• Water

Water can be one of the simplest dry cough treatments. Water is needed by the body when the air is dry to keep the throat moist. Therefore, start fulfilling your fluid intake by consuming at least 8 glasses of water a day.

• Honey

Honey is also believed to reduce dry stones or cough with phlegm. A study revealed that honey is more effective in relieving cough compared to other medicines. To get the benefits of honey, you can mix two spoons of honey in your warm drink, like tea or lemon water. Avoid giving honey to children under the age of one, because it risks causing botulism.

• Foods that contain probiotics

One cause of dry cough can be caused by lack of proper functioning of the immune system. Therefore, to support the performance of the immune system, you are advised to consume foods that contain probiotics. Several studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections in children. Although probiotics do not work directly to relieve dry cough, but the microorganisms in probiotics are able to maintain the balance of the immune system. You can also try foods that contain probiotics, such as tempeh, cheese, and yogurt.

• Salt water

Gargling with salt water is the next natural way to relieve dry cough. Although it looks simple, but this method can help eliminate the itching in the throat which causes dry cough. Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. Children under the age of six years are not recommended to use this method, because it can not rinse properly.

• Pineapple

Pineapple can be used as a natural remedy to relieve dry cough. Bromelain substances in pineapple are thought to be able to expedite the respiratory tract and help reduce dry cough. However, there is no medical evidence that can prove these allegations.

• Ginger

Some things like the increase in stomach acid and laryngitis due to the flu can also cause a dry cough. Ginger is a good choice for natural dry cough medicines because it can reduce the symptoms of excess stomach acid and relieve cold symptoms. However, the clinical effectiveness of ginger to deal with dry cough still needs further investigation.

How to Relieve the Symptoms of Dry Cough

In addition to using natural remedies, you are also advised to do the following things to relieve the symptoms of dry cough:

• Use an air humidifier

Using a humidifier is another way to reduce dry cough. Breathing air that has been moisturized has been proven to relieve coughing, relieve itching in the throat, and smoothen your respiratory tract.

• Enough rest

Adequate rest can be one way to relieve symptoms of dry cough. This is because when you rest, energy in the body will be channeled to the immune system to help fight the virus, one of the causes of dry cough. Therefore, you are advised to get adequate rest when you are experiencing a dry cough.

• Avoiding the causes of dry cough

To help relieve the symptoms of dry cough, you are also advised to avoid the factors that cause dry cough. Some things that trigger allergies and irritants ranging from exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, smoking, fried foods, to alcoholic drinks and caffeine should be avoided to prevent dry cough.

If the method above has not been able to relieve the symptoms of dry cough, you can try a medical cough medicine that contains antitussives or cough reflex suppressors. This type of cough medicine is often used to relieve dry cough. However, if the dry cough does not disappear within a few weeks, immediately consult a doctor.