Cold weather often brings illness, and with the flu can come a nasty cough. Even after recovering, a dry cough can still linger and is irritating to cope with on a daily basis. Cough drops and over-the-counter medicine are great temporary fixes, but sometimes a simple home remedy is all you need to get rid of it for good.
Humidifier
One of the most effective ways of treating a cough in your own home is by increasing the humidity. With a humidifier, your lungs will be getting the necessary moisture to chase away the cough and stabilize. Your throat and sinuses will most likely be clearer as well, making for a more comfortable atmosphere to live and breathe in. If you don’t own a humidifier and you’re suffering through a coughing fit, run a hot bath or shower and inhale the steam. This is an old trick that reduces a dry cough in minutes.
Water and Vinegar
Getting rid of a bad cough is all about relieving your airways and giving your lungs what they need to fight it off. The best way to do this is to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water. Water will keep your respiratory system moist and dull the cough. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to each glass of water to reduce the inflammation you may have in your lungs. This is a probable cause of coughing, and can be easily treated once the inflammation goes down.
Vicks VapoRub
Mothers and grandmothers have been swearing by it for years, and when you’re suffering from a bad cough, there’s no greater home remedy than Vicks VapoRub. This vaseline-based gel is a topical treatment for coughs and congestion. Eucalyptus extract is a key component in Vicks that soothes the body upon inhalation. It lasts for hours, and gets rid of pesky dry coughs and stuffy noses. It can be used on everyone from small children to adults without any harm upon applying generously. Rub a bit of this under your nose and on your chest before you hit the sack, and kiss the congestion and cough good-bye.