9 Best Home Remedies for Dry Cough at Night

Published on: 6th December 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Alina Gabdulbarova
List of 9 best home remedies for relieving dry cough at night

Introduction

A dry cough can be more than just an annoyance, especially when it disrupts your sleep. A dry cough is a persistent, non-productive cough that doesn’t produce mucus or phlegm. Common symptoms include a tickling or scratchy sensation in the throat, which can lead to irritation and frequent coughing. The cough often worsens at night and may be accompanied by a sore throat, hoarseness, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. It can be caused by various factors such as allergies, environmental irritants, or infections. Unlike a wet cough, which produces mucus, a dry cough is typically less effective in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
Dry coughs lack mucus and often lead to irritation in the throat, making it harder to get through the night peacefully. Here are some of the best home remedies for dry cough at night to help soothe your throat and provide relief. Remedies for a cough at night aim to ease your discomfort, promote better sleep, and help you understand how to stop coughing at night naturally. Following are some of the best remedies for dry cough at night:

1. Honey: A Natural Soother

One of the best remedies for dry cough at night is honey. Honey has long been known for its soothing properties and is effective in calming the throat and reducing cough. The thick consistency of honey forms a protective layer on the throat, providing relief from the irritation that causes coughing.

How to use it:

Mix one tablespoon of honey with warm water or herbal tea before bedtime. This will not only soothe the throat but also help you relax and sleep better.

2. Ginger Tea: Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Ginger is another powerful home remedy for coughing at night due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to relax the muscles in the airways, reducing coughing. Ginger also improves circulation, which can enhance healing in the throat area.

How to use it:

Brew fresh ginger tea by boiling slices of ginger in water. Strain the tea, add honey for additional soothing effects, and sip it slowly before going to bed.

3. Humidifier: Maintain Moisture

A young woman using a humidifier to relieve dry cough
Dry air is a common cause of nighttime coughing, especially in the winter months. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, making it easier to breathe and reducing the likelihood of coughing at night. It’s one of the best remedies for the cough at night caused by dry air.

How to use it:

Run a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can enhance the benefits, as eucalyptus has been shown to reduce inflammation and soothe the airways.

4. Peppermint: Natural Cough Suppressant

Peppermint is known for its menthol content, which acts as a natural cough suppressant. It helps to cool and soothe the throat and can also help open up the airways, making it easier to breathe at night.

How to use it?

Drink peppermint tea before bed, or inhale steam from boiling water with a few drops of peppermint oil. Both methods can help to stop coughing at night and allow you to get better rest.

5. Saltwater Gargle: Reducing Throat Irritation

Gargling with salt water is a time-tested remedy for sore throats and can also help reduce dry coughs at night. The salt in the water helps to reduce inflammation in the throat and loosen mucus, which may be contributing to your cough.

How to use it?

Add half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gargle with it for about 30 seconds. Do this just before bed to soothe your throat and lessen nighttime coughing.

6. Licorice Root Tea: A Traditional Healer

Licorice root is another excellent home remedy for coughing at night. It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help reduce irritation in the throat. Drinking licorice root tea is a great way to ease coughing and promote a peaceful night’s sleep.

How to use it?

Brew licorice root tea by adding dried licorice root to boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. After this, strain it, and drink it before bed.

7. Elevate Your Head: Better Breathing Position

The position you sleep in can have a significant impact on your ability to stop coughing at night. When you lie flat, mucus can accumulate in the throat, which may trigger a cough. Elevating your head allows the airways to stay open and reduces the chances of coughing.

How to use it?

Use one or two extra pillows to raise your head up at night. This helps keep the airways open and reduces the likelihood of coughing fits during sleep.

8. Turmeric Milk: Ancient Ayurvedic Remedy

A glass of turmeric milk, a natural remedy for soothing dry cough
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and combining it with warm milk makes for a soothing bedtime drink. This is a common remedy in Ayurvedic medicine for respiratory conditions and is considered one of the best remedies for dry cough at night.

How to use it?

Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk. Drink it before going to sleep to reduce throat irritation and calm the cough.

9. Stay Hydrated: Thin Out Mucus

One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for dry cough at night is staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to thin out mucus, which can reduce coughing and improve the ability to sleep soundly.

How to use it?

Keep a glass of water by your bedside, and make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day. Warm beverages, such as herbal teas or broths, are especially soothing for the throat.
Some Other Remedies suggested by the Ministry of Health are:
  • Curcuma
  • Garlic
  • Guava leaves

Additional Tips to Stop Coughing at Night

Avoid irritants

Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and other allergens can aggravate a dry cough. Keep your bedroom free from irritants and consider using hypoallergenic bedding.

Herbal lozenges

If your throat feels particularly dry, sucking on a herbal lozenge can help to soothe irritation and suppress a cough.

Breathing exercises

Women practicing deep breathing to reduce night time cough
Practicing deep breathing exercises before bed can help relax your airways and reduce the intensity of nighttime coughing.

Why Choose First Response Healthcare for Doctor At Home in Abu Dhabi for Dry Cough

First Response Healthcare is one of the most reliable providers of home healthcare services in Abu Dhabi, delivering high-quality, patient-centered care directly at your location. Whether you’re at home, in a hotel, or at work, First Response Healthcare ensures that you have 24/7 access to high-quality healthcare services. Our team of certified and experienced doctors is available around the clock, including weekends and public holidays, so you can receive prompt medical attention whenever needed.
With First Response Healthcare’s doctor-on-call service, booking an appointment is quick and easy. Once confirmed, our doctors typically arrive at your location within 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring timely care. We provide treatment for various health issues, from common conditions like dry cough, flu, colds, and fevers to more complex problems such as respiratory issues, chronic diseases, and skin conditions.

Why Should You Choose To Have A Doctor At Home?

Having a doctor at home for dry cough treatment offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides personalized care in the comfort of your home, where the doctor can assess your environment and suggest tailored remedies or adjustments that may help improve your condition. This convenience eliminates the need to travel, which can be especially helpful when coughing is persistent or exhausting.
Additionally, a home visit reduces the risk of exposing yourself to other illnesses in crowded clinics, ensuring a safer, stress-free experience. The doctor can offer a faster diagnosis and treatment plan, potentially addressing underlying causes such as allergies, infections, or irritants. Immediate medical attention also prevents the cough from worsening or leading to more serious respiratory conditions. Overall, having a doctor visit your home for dry cough treatment is a convenient, efficient, and personalized way to receive care and begin your recovery in a more relaxed setting.
To book an appointment, you can call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC, or visit our website.