Best Home Remedies for a Sore Throat and Dry Cough

This post is all about the Most useful and effective home remedies for a sore throat and dry cough that you must know about.

What causes a cough and sore throat?

Best Home Remedies for a Sore Throat and Dry Cough

#1  Herbal Teas for colds

There are certain herbs very beneficial in healing the body when it comes to dealing with cold symptoms. These herbs can be combined different ways to create an herbal cocktail that is pleasing to your taste pallet.  

We will go over the benefits each herb contributes to curing your cough and sore throat, and further below there are herbal tea recipes that we have used when fighting a cold.

The herbs provided are chosen specifically based on how well they work as well as the precautions to be aware of concerning herbal usage and their specific attributes.

Marshmallow Root tea

This herb can be found along banks of rivers and in marshy and damp areas.

Marshmallow Root is a very soothing herb great for coating the throat.  This root comes from the Marshmallow plant.  It has been used for many years in soothing mucous membranes that are inflamed. This study here shows the possible beneficial effects of marshmallow root on a dry cough.

Also, this herb contains the element A. officinalis, which according to this study, shows to be beneficial against a dry cough. Marshmallow root is safe to use as well as effective.

Purchase Marshmallow Root Here.

Mullein tea

This herb is fuzzy stemmed herb with yellowish flowers.  It was used during the middle ages as a cold remedy for both dry and wet coughs.

Mullein's expectorant and demulcent attributes have been used by herbalists to treat dry coughs, whooping cough and infections in the respiratory tract.  

Some of mullein's other properties included antioxidant and antiviral as well as antihistamine properties.  The glycosides it contains make it good for also reducing inflammation.  It is coating and soothing which make it an effective herb for treating a cough and sore throat.

Purchase Mullein Here.

Linden Flowers tea

Linden Flowers have been used in Europe for centuries.  They have a sweet smelling aroma and a cream-like color.

This study discusses linden flower's mucilage properties.  Mucilage is linked to being effective against cold symptoms.  

It has antibacterial and calming properties which make it a useful herb for fighting colds, coughs, and sore throats.  It has been used for centuries for as a remedy against coughs and sore throats as well as other cold symptoms.  

Interestingly enough, however, studies have not been performed to confirm its effects although European folklore found favor in it which has carried to today. 

This herb can be interchanged with the hibiscus recipe if you choose to.

Purchase Linden Flowers Here.

Hibiscus Tea

This has a stronger flavor and a vibrant, reddish color.  Hibiscus is high in vitamin C, contains mucilage, pectin and antioxidants that are all beneficial in the healing process of cell membranes.  The vitamin C and mucilage are what make it effective for relieving cough symptoms.  

Hibiscus was brought to the United States by slaves.  Originally, it has been thought to originate somewhere in southern Asia.

Hibiscus is generally regarded safe to use.  However, consult a doctor if using diuretics or have high blood pressure or heart disease.  Recently a friend of mine began taking hibiscus to help reduce his blood pressure and said it was remarkable.  He has never had something work so well.  You must consult a knowledgeable professional to see if this would fit your needs.

Purchase Hibiscus Flowers Here.

Licorice Root tea

Licorice root is known for its abilities to help sore throats and fight colds and coughs.  It has been used since ancient Greek times.  

This herb contains thick mucilage as well which as stated prior, is known as a soothing and coating agent.

Licorice comes with some precautions according to herbalists.  Those will blood pressure issues, pregnant, breastfeeding or potassium issues should consult a doctor prior to use.

Purchase Licorice Root Here.

Slippery Elm Tea

This herb was used by the Native Americans and were adopted by the early American settlers for medicinal use.  It is another soothing remedy useful for easing throat and cough irritation as well as irritations in the digestive tract.

The flavor of slippery elm is quite distinct though.  Using it alongside other herbs or with other ingredients is how I prefer to use this herb.

Interestingly, from 1820 to 1936 slipper elm was used as an official drug in the United States.  It is regarded as a safe herb to use and is used often where inflammatory conditions persist.

Slippery Elm is not used in the tea recipes below, but it can be stirred into either tea recipe for an additional health benefit.  You will want to be careful of how much you add though since slippery elm's taste is distinct.

Purchase Slippery Elm Here.

Here is a tea to purchase with individual tea bags for colds and sore throats.  You may want to add honey to mellow out the taste because although the tea is very beneficial, I think it taste strong.

Two Tea Recipes For a Sore Throat and Dry Cough

Scroll further down to see more home remedies for a sore throat and dry cough.

#2  Honey Home Remedies for a sore throat and dry cough

Honey has so many amazing benefits for the body and helping to heal a dry cough and sore throat is one of them.

It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that make it an ideal candidate to add to a cough remedy.  Studies have 

As can be seen above, both of the tea recipes I included use honey.  It adds a nice sweetness amongst all of its other healing benefits.  

The quality of honey you purchase is very important, and you want to make sure you buy it from a reputable source.  There are different varieties and colors of honey to purchase as well dependent on the time of year and flowers used.  My personal favorite to use is wildflower.  I get mine from my local health food store because their wildflower honey is so, so good. Here is another reputable source to purchase your honey from in case your are looking.

Ways to Use Honey For Cough and Sore Throat:

1. Mix 1 Tbsp. of honey and 1 Tbsp. of Apple cider Vinegar and warm slightly in a pan on the stove.  You do not want to overheat because you want to maintain the honey's healing properties.  Sip the mixture down.
2. Add unfiltered honey to a tea like shown in the recipes above.
3. Take a honey supplement-  I cannot highly recommend this honey spray enough for colds, sore throats, or any time you feel your body is not quite right.  My mom swears by taking this as soon as she feels a cold hitting.  Every time it is no longer a problem. They have a kids' version as well at a lower dosage.  Kids 1.5 or younger should NOT be given honey.  We keep it on hand all of the time!

#3  Gargling remedies

1. Salt and Water-  Mix  cup distilled water (8 oz.) with 1 tsp. salt.  and gargle with it for a minute or so.  Repeat the process several times.

• According to this dentist, bacteria in the throat will not thrive in a salty environment.  Gargling with salt water creates a non-acidic environment working against the harmful bacterial causing the throat discomfort. The salt also kills bacteria in the throat.

     2. Fennel Tea Infusion- Infuse 3 tsp. of dried, organic fennel leaves or 3 tsp. of crushed fennel seeds         in 1 cup of hot distilled water for 15 minutes.  Allow the infusion to cool to a comfortable temperature            before gargling with it.  Once cooled, gargle with the infusion.  Repeat the gargling process several                times.

• Fennel is effective at relieving sore throats, aiding fresh breath as well as healing gum infections. This herb is regarded as a safe herb.  However, pregnant women should eat fennel found in foods only as a precaution according to some herbalists.

Purchase Fennel Herbs Here.

#4  Garlic Home Remedies for a sore throat and dry cough

Garlic is antiviral and antibacterial which make is very useful when fighting cold symptoms.  It can be harsh on the stomach and should be used with caution if you have a sulfation issue.

Garlic is a wonderful ingredient to use in so many healing remedies, and many people have it on hand.  The allicin in garlic is the bacterial killing compound in garlic.

1. Take a galic supplement.   We personally have taken this one when needed and love it.  It is a great company.
2. Crush 1 clove garlic (or dice finely) and add to a spoonful of applesauce and swallow.  Allow the crushed garlic to sit for 10 minutes or so to maximize the allicin benefits.
3. Add 1 clove crushed garlic to a small amount of honey to swallow. Do the same thing with the garlic and let it rest first. 

Here is a great tool for crushing garlic if you don't feel like chopping.

Be careful of adding too much garlic at a time since it is harsh on the stomach.  I remember my mom telling me that she told my uncle to take a clove of garlic for his cold.  He ended up taking the whole compound bulb by mistake.  He was complaining of his stomach bothering him but he said his cold was knocked out.

This post is all about the most helpful home remedies for a sore throat and dry cough.

Disclaimer:  No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, a qualified clinician or other qualified health care professional.