Honey

For adults and children ages 1 and up, honey can be used to treat day and nighttime dry coughing. Honey has antibacterial properties and can also help to coat the throat, alleviating irritation. One study in 2007 Trusted Source found that honey was more successful than dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant ingredient, for reducing nagging bouts of nighttime coughing in children. You can try taking honey by the teaspoon several times daily or add it to tea or warm water to drink. To avoid infant botulism, a rare complication that can occur in infants, never give honey to a child under 1-year-old.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It may also be beneficial for several conditions, including dry cough. Curcumin is best absorbed into the bloodstream when taken with black pepper. You can add 1teaspoon of turmeric and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper into a beverage, such as cold orange juice, to drink. You can also make it into a warm tea. Turmeric has been used trusted Source to treat upper respiratory conditions, bronchitis, and asthma in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. You can get turmeric in its spice-form, as well as a capsule.

Ginger

Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shownTrustedSource to boost the immune system and relieve pain and discomfort. Ginger can be found in many teas as an ingredient. You can also make ginger tea from gingerroot by steeping the peeled or cut root in warm water. Adding honey may make it even more beneficial for dry cough. You can also take ginger in capsule form, or chew on the ginger root to alleviate dry cough.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is a type of herb. It’s used in cough syrup and in lozenges to soothe a dry cough. A survey-based study trusted Source found that it’s an effective treatment for soothing the throat and reducing the irritation caused by dry cough. Marshmallow roots may also have antibacterial properties.

Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol, which helps to numb nerve endings in the throat that become irritated by coughing. This may provide pain relief and reduce the urge to cough. Peppermint also helps reduce congestion, plus, it’s been found trusted Source to have antibacterial and antiviral qualities. There are a number of ways to take peppermint. These include drinking peppermint tea or sucking on peppermint lozenges. Try drinking peppermint tea right before bed to help alleviate nighttime coughs. You can also use peppermint essential oil as an aromatherapy treatment.

Masala chai tea

The taste of chai tea has become very popular in the United States in recent years. In India, chai is used to treat conditions such as sore throat and dry cough. Masala chai contains several antioxidant ingredients, including cloves and cardamom. Cloves may also be effective as an expectorant. Chai tea also contains cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties.