Hoping to ease that persistent dry cough?

From honey to thyme, discover dry cough remedies that will stop the hacking.

Of course, even if your bronchial tubes arent inflamed, you could still experience a dry cough.

alt

Which brings us to todays topic: dry cough remedies.

What is a dry cough?

A dry cough is exactly as it sounds.

Collage graphic of the best shoes for standing all day according to nurses, with the top pick being FIGS New Balance 3447 Zip shoes in gray, black, and white against a pink and orange background

board-certified physician and founder ofAMMD

Its one that does not produce sputum, or phlegm, says family medicine physicianMarjan Koosha Johnson, DO.

According to Dr. Johnson, dry coughs can fall into one of two categories: acute or chronic.

Where acute dry coughs are short-lived, chronic coughs are persistent or they regularly reappear.

close up of person drinking a green smoothie that may cause their poop to be green

Truly, the statistics are staggering.

But the point is: Dry coughs are by no means rare.

And as such, people have come up with some pretty stellar dry cough remedies over the years.

alt

So, without further ado, keep reading to uncover the best dry cough remedies, according to doctors.

When you suck on a throat lozenge, it dissolves, releasing the medication to soothe your throat.

To do so, Dr. Myers suggests a humidifier.

cup of matcha green tea sitting on a wooden ledge

board-certified physician and founder ofAMMD

(Dont have one?

Honey water is simply water with honey dissolved in it.

Try elderberry

Another natural remedy iselderberry, which contains natural substances called flavonoids, Dr. Myers says.

LOS ANGELES - FEB 10: Patrick Schwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 Premiere at Paramount Studios on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA

They can reduce swelling, fight inflammation, and boost the immune system.

Gargling salt water can be particularly helpful if you also have asore throat.

TheBeekeepers Naturals Propolis Immune Support Throat Spray($14).

Woman drinking a protein meal replacement shake in the kitchen

Try adding thyme to your medicine cabinet

Another natural substance thats said to provide dry cough relief is thyme.

If thats the case, start with over-the-counter cough suppressants.

How long does it typically take to get rid of a dry cough?

The severity and duration of a dry cough both depend on the cause.

A tight chest is usually a symptom that I would recommend seeking more immediate care for (i.e.

emergency room), Dr. Johnson says.

If youre not sure what is causing your dry cough, contact your doctor, Dr. Myers says.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.