How to Stop a Dry Cough
A dry cough can be both irritating and embarrassing. Here are eight ways to stop a cough.
It happens when you’re in an important meeting and everyone turns to stare. That nagging, irritating dry cough draws everyone’s attention to your plight as you continue to disrupt the meeting with your coughing frenzy. Fortunately, there are some simple, all natural remedies that will help to stop a dry cough and take the scrutiny off of you.
What causes a dry cough to occur in the first place? The causes of a dry cough vary from allergies, asthma, a viral infection, exposure to chemicals or other foreign matter, as well as excessive smoking. Here’s how to stop a cough quickly and effectively:
A natural tea based cough remedy
Prepare a cup of warm tea with a squirt of lemon and a tablespoon of honey. The honey in the tea will help to coat your irritated throat and enable you to stop coughing.
Take a warm bath or shower
The steam from a warm shower helps to hydrate your irritated throat passages stopping the cough. Stand in the shower for at least ten minutes and breathe in the warm steam. This can be quite therapeutic.
Hot milk and honey can stop a stubborn cough
Prepare a steaming glass of milk to which you’ve added a tablespoon of honey. Drink this slowly before bedtime to prevent nighttime coughing. The warm milk can also help you to sleep if you have insomnia.
Chew on some peppermint candy
Keep a package of peppermint candies in your pocket and chew on one at the first sign of cough.
Add some humidity to your home
Dry coughs tend to be exacerbated by dry air. Invest in a good humidifier to increase the humidity in your living quarters. Not only can this stop your cough, it also may reduce your risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections.
Discover the power of vinegar to stop a cough
Add several teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink this slowly when you feel the impulse to cough come upon you. Vinegar helps to reduce the inflammation in your throat and upper respiratory tract which can help to prevent coughing.
Use fresh ginger to stop a cough
Ginger can be a very effective cough remedy. Peel a small piece of fresh ginger and chew on it slowly. Your impulse to cough should slowly disappear.
Drink lots of water
If you’re in a situation where you’ll be talking a great deal, always have a glass of water by your side. Sip it whenever you take a break from talking. This can help to keep your throat passages moist and reduce irritation.
Knowing how to stop a cough can help you avoid embarrassment when you’re with an important client, speaking at an important meeting, or at a social event. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have fewer coughing spells to deal with in the future.
Liked it
Krissy | Feb 19, 2008 | Reply
One more! It’s not all natural but it’s VERY effective. Rub Vick’s Vapo-Rub on your feet before putting socks on. It takes the cough away almost immediately and lasts several hours.
steve | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
Okay…all those remedies are like putting a bandaid on a bad laceration. How do you get the dry, nagging cough to stop permanently? I’ve had this cough for 4 weeks, I don’t smoke, and it’s the first health problem I’ve had in 3 years. I’ve been to 2 doctors, obtained prescription medication and have been taking Mucinex…nothing seems to help. It’s dry, with a constant feeling of irritation in the back of the throat. It’s at its worst at night and early morning for a few hours after I wake up. When I think it’s going away, then it’s back again….help!
kamille | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
I like and have used krissy’s suggestion. I was amazed at how it quickly calmed down my cough. Typically when I get this type of cold the cough will last for 4 or more weeks, but I’m just starting on week 2 and it’s quickly disappearing. It also helps soften dry cracked feet too.
x501 | Apr 13, 2008 | Reply
Krissy, I think you breathed too much Vick’s Vapor Rub in!!!
person who wants there cold gone | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
this dosent tell me wat i wanted to know
lolololol | Aug 7, 2008 | Reply
this is pretty ordinary site
:] | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
yeah, how does putting vicks on your FEET help??
That made me laugh, but I will try it!!
lol
I started coughing today in my maths test, and my AST is tomorrow, so this information will help me very very much
:] (again!) | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
the AST is the final year 12 exam, btw. for those who didn’t know.
Don’t know how it’s relevant to this topic, but oh well!!
:]
Mjohn | Sep 25, 2008 | Reply
Krissy,
My wife is going to try it tonight…will let you know how it works.
Britanny | Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
i have flam i can’t cough out.
i also have dry cough
when i try to cough out the flam,
it doesn’t come out
what should i do?
Lee | Nov 6, 2008 | Reply
Have someone cup their hands (bring all fingers together & make a hollow , like a cup) & rythmically hit you on the back while you lie on your stomach.
This will help loosen the Flem
Robin | Nov 14, 2008 | Reply
I want to know if the vicks on the feet actually will work has anyone else tried it.
Kelly | Nov 22, 2008 | Reply
No the Vicks did not work for my daughter or I or our friend who was sick. My step-mom sent me a email about it. I thought what the hell can not hurt. Well it did not. My daughter went from bad to worse. no fever just hacking and dry cough
Ozzie | Nov 25, 2008 | Reply
you also rub Vicks on Chest and back and keep your head warm.It works for me.
Jamie | Dec 1, 2008 | Reply
I have tried the Vicks on the feet and it does work. Well, for me anyway. My mom says she tried it and it didn’t work for her. I was ready to try anything because even cough syrup for the dry cough wasn’t working for me.
remy | Dec 3, 2008 | Reply
omg, my dry cough is making me tried! and my co-workers are getting annoyed. hell so am i! i need help!
ThisWillHelp | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
For all of the comments about vicks vapo rub, you are not supposed to put it on your FEET! it says clearly on the bottle, “On chest and on throat.” (its on the uses part at the top) if you put it on your feet it most likely wont do a thing. If you put it on your neck, it helps ALOT cuz the SMELL goes into your NOSE and STOPS your COUGHING while it seeps through your SKIN to ALSO stop the coughing. How is it supposed to seep through your skin or go up into your nose from your feet?
-I also just randomly have to add that i had peppermint mints in my room and this said that peppermint mints work and i havent coughed since its been in my mouth. GO TRY THE PEPPERMINT MINTS!!! (you can get them at starbucks.)
Omggee Its Mee :D | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
hehe I will try dee Vapor Rub!!
My Coughing is killing me! i cant go 5 minutes without coughing!
and its also waking up my brother in the middle of the night :0
Ralf | Dec 10, 2008 | Reply
didn’t help at all.
i ended it by sleeping on my side with wet hair, seriously try it!
=) | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
Krissy, I think yo have a lung infection. My older sister has had a very bad cough for 6 weeks and now I think I have one too
=) | Dec 11, 2008 | Reply
I meant Steve instead of Krissy
Hot Firefighter Brandon | Dec 13, 2008 | Reply
I think the Vicks on the feet works. It is just like if you put garlic on your feet, you can almost “taste” it in a short while. At night, I put Vicks on my feet and on my neck. Not a single cough during the night. Right now, it is on my neck, the only bad thing about it being on your neck is when your eyes are open, the fumes from it make your eyes water.
KG | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
So I’ve had this cough for 2 weeks now. I tried taking a tablespoon of vinegar twice a day (once right before bed when the cough is worse). I just started trying this. The cough hasn’t gone away completely yet but it has been less frequent.
frank | Dec 14, 2008 | Reply
i am going to kill my wife if she don’t stop her bloody coughing . i swear i will .i’v had enough now this must stop for the love of god
loler | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
do it bro
ballin | Dec 18, 2008 | Reply
ur all retarded put the vick’s on ur genitals that works
RadiologyMedGirl | Dec 24, 2008 | Reply
Hello,
To those who have tried and those to scared too. The Vicks Vapor Rub does work. It is not about getting the vapors to your nose, it’s about absorption through the body. Just like using Aspercreme, or Icy Hot. It’s all about absorption.
My young son uses it on his feet, and when the cough worsen on his chest and feet. It works great. My mom uses it and it works; which is good cause most things like this don’t work for her. OTC and Rx don’t work much for here either; we always tell her she’s an alien. Heehee
However, when I use it, I don’t feel it works. Each person is different and it may work for some and not for others. So don’t knock it till you try it. If you did try it and it didn’t work then remember: “Sometimes you win some, and sometimes you lose some”.
As far as Steve, you do sound like you have either a URI (Upper Respiratory Infection) or maybe even Bronchitis, I would suggests you see a doctor and have a chest x-ray to make sure.
As for Frank, lets not kill anyone; it’s just a cough. One of you could sleep in another room to help ease the annoyance of your wife’s cough; no need for violence.
BTW, Lee I think your suggestion to Brittany was a good one. For most persons who suffer from respiratory issues such as Asthma, Bronchitis, and Cystic Fibrous that is the only way to release the nasty mucus that is making it so hard to breath and live life. Good Suggestion and I hope she tried it.
I just wanted to share a few opinions. Everyone, just remember this is a freedom of speech country and your reading from opinion posting center online. So don’t take everything so seriously. If you wanted a real medical opinion or explanation you would seek a doctor not a webpage.
MLE | Dec 26, 2008 | Reply
I’m going to try the Hot Milk and 1t of honey before bed tonight.
MILF | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply
that vicks crap doesnt work, dont try it.
either does the honey, or the milk.
you know what works, long hours of resless coughing and non-sleep until it goes away
oh yeah and lots of nyquil…haha
gema | Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
ive tried every thing to stop this dam cough n nothing has worked,been coughing for like 2 hrz non stop now!!!! urghh HELP!!
COUGH | Jan 10, 2009 | Reply
I’ve tried Vicks before and it sometimes helps me. But whenever the cough keeps me awake I always put a cough drop in the side of my mouth.
Dillon | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
Hey to all! I read all of your suggestions to getting rid of a nagging cough. Most of them I have tried. Except for the Vicks on the feet. Lol. I feel for all of you.
it’s so hard to get rid of a cough that hangs around for what seems like forever. But just let it do it’s thing. I am a 10th grade guy and have had a cough for about a week or so. But I have gym class for the last period of the day and always get a bad cough. It starts to irritate rreal badly. So I came home and put on some Vicks on my chest. It works amazingly!!! Also make sure you drink a lot of water. And have some cough drops handy.
Peace out guys.
Hope all of you get better!!
Mika | Jan 12, 2009 | Reply
I can’t get Vick’s where I am. I have tried menthol and regular cough drops.
What helps a little is hot water+honey+lemon+some salt. This seems to help loosen up what i have in my throat.
However every so often I get this nagging tickling in the back of my throat and I start coughing like a maniac. Only been 3 days and it came with a flu.
Any other suggestions aside from the Vick’s? Are there alternatives to be sought? I am currently in Finland and can’t seem to find the equivalent.
I am told the air is more “wet” here than in Toronto Canada, but I think its actually drier… could this be the reason for the relentless coughing?
Dillon | Jan 13, 2009 | Reply
The humidity has like everything to do with it. I would highly suggest getting a humidifier! Helps a lot. My little sister has am allergy to the wood for the wood burning stove so we had to get one. But a good remidy is a mixture of vinegar honey and hot pepper. It warms the throat and helps a lot. My mom makes it all the time when we’re sick. I’ll get the amounts in a few.
And everyone keep posting. I check this all the time.
PEACE
Rachel | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Try putting a small amount of Vicks around your anal region. It makes you forget about your cough very quickly
Dillon | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
Yeah I’m sure Rachel. Lol.
Rachel | Jan 15, 2009 | Reply
OMG, can’t believe I wrote that (never mix wine and internet late at night!!!!) – I had to do it once to relieve an itch and it felt great …. for the first two minutes, ouch
Dillon | Jan 16, 2009 | Reply
Lol that’s hilarious. Yeah the mixture is pretty funny. My mom drinks a glass a night. It’s actually good for u.
brit(: | Jan 17, 2009 | Reply
try that new neti pot (:
lol seems gross
but it dose clear your nose
for about a few hours
just blow your nose
once it gets stuffy
oh yeah and putting vick’s
on ur feet dose work
i tired it (:
brit(: | Jan 17, 2009 | Reply
oops i ment tryed
Brett | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Putting vicks vaporub on your feet helps.
Why do people snicker at the suggestion?
I see many other websites suggesting this idea.
Nicole | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
Just stumbled onto this thread for obvious reasons. One person suggests putting Vicks vapour rub on their feet, another wants us to put it on their bottom holes (sorry, best description I could find) …. isn’t the idea to put it on our chests?????
sport | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
Trust me the Vicks works. My son has been coughing for a few days, put the Vicks on his feet and wow, it works … don’t laugh if you don’t try it.
Just Me | Jan 21, 2009 | Reply
Brit,
you meAnt trIed.
PJ | Jan 23, 2009 | Reply
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The vicks on the feet really does work, I went one step further after putting on the vicks i wrapped seran wrap over my feet then put my socks on, I felt like just putting socks on would lets the vicks rub off on the socks!!
Max Payne | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Hi any help what to do if you shot your wife and shes coughing up blood? Should i just slap her, or kiss her or, do I have sex with her. I tried beating her up with my baseball bat, and stabbing her with my knife and cutting her face. Will this make her stop coughing up blood? Tonight im gonna try to cook my daughter alive in front of her maybe then she will fell better. : ) PLEASE HELLP!
Michael Jackson | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Welcome to Neverland children!!! Now take off your clothes and sleep with me. I got some thing in my pocket for you… give a little squeeze and say how do you do? Yep u suck on it its good for ya! it makes you grow up and makes u cough up spermy seamen like Paris Hilton!!!! YEAH!
Pedafile | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
Any children here? Want some candy? I got some ice-cream in this bucket! You have no idea whats been in this bucket ! Some yogurt! i made by myself! home-made! or shuld i say .. self-made!
Rachel | Jan 26, 2009 | Reply
If that yogurt y’all sayin’ is what im thinkin’ its i WANT IT IN MA ASS AND MOUTH AND IN MY VAGINA HOLE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dillon | Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
LOL rachel. Lay off the wine and Internet mixture. Not good LOL.
pikey | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
i have had this cough 4 day now which has come after havin the flu. its really annoying me now as every so often im bein sick when i cough every time i eat i then cough n bring it back up. an i havent got any of the stuff mentioned above in the house to try apart from vinager which sounds gross. any help would b great as if i cough any more i fink my throat is gonna pop open. yes i do smoke but its hard not to in a stressfull house lol
pikey lol rachael dirty dirty | Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
lol rachael dirty dirty
Mark | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
This ought to work for folks that have the dry, non-productive cough, with no sinus involvement.
On the way home, stop at Home Depot/Lowes/whatever, and pick up a good, small room humidifier.
While up and about in the house, make sure you try to breathe through the nose as much as possible, which helps moisturize the air.
Take that humidifier, fill it up, and start it up now. Close the doors to your bedroom, and let it run a few hours. Before bed, fill it up again, let it run all night while you sleep.
Wake up, if not cured, then at least feeling significantly better.
Repeat until feeling better. Continue running humidifier till winter breaks.
Hope that helps some folks…..
-Mark
Sandra | Feb 6, 2009 | Reply
Try benedryl to dry you up. One type of persistent cough can be created from sinus drip down the back of the throat. If you dry it up with an anti-histamine, it will stop the drip and the throat irritation, therefore the cough.
immature people..... | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Whenever im sick, whether it’s a cold or flu, I drink warm milk and honey, but add in the honey until the milk has just a LITTLE bit of flavor in it! Then put a pinch of sugar! ONLY A PINCH! drink this before you go to bed, it helps wonders!
It also helps if you are having trouble sleeping, whether your sick or not.
Right before you go to bed heat up some until warm-almost hot, but not too hot- and then add in some honey but no sugar!
the warm milk’s fumes helps put you to sleep and the honey just adds flavor….also a warm milk bath also helps with skin:
it softens, heals burns (sunburns), and if you could also use it to help your baby go to sleep faster or to go to sleep period, just basically lather or rinse him/her with nice warm milk for about 5 minutes, again the healthy fumes from the milk will relax the muscles and mind,and then just rinse them off with nice warm water and then its…beddy time…
immature people..... | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
i meant “heat up some milk-
heehee ^_^
immature people..... | Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
i am actually sick right now and my boyfriend is trying to help get rid of my cough! i cough to the point where i almost vomit so the honey and milk and sugar does work! trust me!
>=[ | Feb 12, 2009 | Reply
nothing worked…
i effin hate dry cough!!!
>=[
ineedadietcoke | Feb 13, 2009 | Reply
Vicks on feet do work. Trust me. My mom and I have been doing it for years.
The Plumber | Feb 14, 2009 | Reply
I am constantly coming into contact with sick people and extreme temperature changes due to nature of my business. I work in hospitals as well as senior homes and schools, so I have a tough time trying to constantly avoid all those germs and viruses. Has anyone tried (and the taste is not the most pleasant, even if u are Italian…) chewing on a clove of Garlic and gargling with sea salt and luke warm water ? You may be surprised, Garlic is very good for many illnesses even a sore throat.
doctor Child | Feb 17, 2009 | Reply
they actually did a report on the vicks vapor rub on your feet and it works. They tested it by putting garlic on peoples feet and a fair amount of them reported tasting garlic at somepoint. Your feet are an absortion point and the vicks on your feet works really well. I have really bad asthma and when i cough i cough for weeks, the vicks makes it a ton better
Pete | Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
Milk and honey didn’t walk at all for me but Vicks certainly helps. Try massaging Vicks into your testicles every night just before going to bed.
Jen | Feb 20, 2009 | Reply
why not a hot tottie? they work wonders…
Steven | Feb 22, 2009 | Reply
If you have phlegm in your throat, try tipping your head back all the way and coughing. Many times, this can break it loose.
despar8 4 help | Feb 22, 2009 | Reply
i’ve tried everything on this site. the vicks didn’t work 4 me this time. i’ve had this cough 4 like a week. it’s dry, scratchy, but sometimes it’s not always dry. i’ve been 2 the doc’s ive tried O-t-c meds and perscription and i’ve used my inhaler and humidifyer. any1 got any other suggestions??? please let me know! i can’t miss any more school!!! but i can’t go 2 school if i’m coughing evry 100 seconds!!!
despar8 4 help | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
oops i met 10 seconds.
josh | Feb 25, 2009 | Reply
i just tried the milk and ho ne y and the vicks on the feet,chest,and around the nose.Ialso have a humidifier and nothings working yet so well see how the rest of the night goes i feel bad for my daughter coughing so much shes only 7
g2 | Mar 1, 2009 | Reply
The last few days i have been coughing and i found out sucking on ice will stop your coughing for hours if u keep it up!
zack | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
i have this dry cough for the last 4 days or so. tried antibiotics, cough syrups, cough drops, lozenges, everything. nothing worked. finally i did the steam for 5 minutes with a capsule of karvol and its been half an hour now without cough. hope it lasts!
Sadie | Mar 4, 2009 | Reply
Vicks on the bottom of the feet works and I know it because I’ve tried it. My mom taught me this, you put it on the bottom because basically the menthol will run through the body and make you feel better.
Concerned | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
Wow…..some of you should seek help(Rachel)…my twelve year old son had a bad cough and he just happened to find this site and tell me…….thanks
MM | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
Dont use vicks it doesnt work!!!!!!!!!!
Damn | Mar 7, 2009 | Reply
Here it is 5:36 am i cannot sleep because i caugh literaly every 2 minutes. I caugh when i start talking or swallow saliva. I think im gonna cut myself.
Although theres one positive effect. My abs are so nice now.
Ian W. | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
I want 2 meet this rachel character lol jk btw this post has anpoint though Vicks+Feet=no cough 4 sure my brutha A-town 4life btw im an d0uche lol no one talk 2 me EVER
tupac shakur | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
IM NOT DEAD!!!!!!!!!!
Humboldt County 4 Life | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
legalize you got to recognize btw keep blazing-tobacco of course- it gets rid of coughs
Damn | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
legalize you got to recognize, we gonna throw rhymes here, oh nice. first caugh is not nice, it sucks and twice we don’t know what will help you, so throw a dice and sacrifice your money to heal your problems, guys.
I can throw a rhyme like 1,2,3 homie don’t you see it’s just me so continue if you wanna battle with the G.
Mr.Bond | Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
Ive been coughing every 5 minutes non stop for the past few days and I have a migraine from it. I am so sick of coughing i thought about cutting my throught to stop coughing but then i would drown in my own blood. Im going to try vicks on my throught to see if it helps, maybe on my feet to. Rachel sounds kinky ill do you in the butt lol. and im not drunk
Michelle | Mar 21, 2009 | Reply
I have had this Darnn COUGH for like 3 1/2 Months until i went on Vacation to California and my father in law recomended some
tea. its called “BRONCO TE” NADE BY “TADIN” … it says 100%Natural on it and it also states on the box that..” “Eucalyptus is well known to open the bronchial passages,while mullein helps keep them clear. Elder flowers support the sinuses. Licorice and ginger add flavor while soothing the throat.”
Try it… Works Real Good and had taken my cough away.
i took it 3 times daily until the entire box was gone using 2 tea bags per cup of tea..
try it guys and you will see!!!!
daisy | Mar 22, 2009 | Reply
Some of you are nasty little boys on here ~. You might want to find a chat room or something, maybe try a bath in Vick’s.
sammy | Mar 28, 2009 | Reply
so many options which do i try first?
Kristine | Mar 30, 2009 | Reply
I am in Agony… I had a sinus infection and that got better and now I am left with a HORRIBLE nagging cought that has just took over my like. I went to the doc today and he says it will go away! Yeah right! It has made me Gag and throw-up and I am most misrible. I just drank the Warm Milk and put the Vicks on my feet.. I cant sleep. I guess I will end up losing my Job from Lack of sleep… Sigh…. wish I could do something!
Kristine | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
DOc gave me Cough Syrup with Codine, took it with Benadryl also drank a shot of Schnapps.. Nothing is working! I am crying..
Just want to die right now.. dont care
NotaDoc | Apr 3, 2009 | Reply
Dry cough with no mucus: Try putting Vicks Vapo-Rub on your chest, throat, feet and genitals. Also, a humidifier DOES work. Just make sure to shove it up your anus right and tight.
If this doesn’t make the cough go away…NOTHING will!
WTF | Apr 5, 2009 | Reply
Six weeks of coughing, that is just sickening. The worst I’ve had is probably a little under two weeks. I feel for everybody who has had the grievance of the ‘dry cough.’
BabaLuka | Apr 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi All,
I’ve had this very dry cough for nearly four weeks.
The coughing gets so violent that my stomach and chest ache so much. I’d occassionally cough up a bit of blood, mostly early in the morning. I tried everything and nothing seemed to have worked.
Fisherman’s Friend (Cherry – low sugar) helps a bit but doesn’t get rid of it.
Anyway, I decided to heat-up some milk (Cavendale in a blue carton), mixed with red peppers(Sainsbury’s – dried red peppers which you grind by yourself), olive oil and brown sugar.
The violent coughing stopped immediately after taking the concoction! My throat doesn’t feel irritable anymore either.
It’s early times yet, so, I’ll see how it goes tonight and tomorrow. I’m hoping that it would help me get rid of it once and for all. Would let you know.
Bye.
annie | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
My daughter-in-law asked me to rub Vicks on my 2-yr old granddaughter’s feet and chest to relieve her cough and it worked! Also, Whoopi Goldberg said on “The View” the other day that she did the same when she had a bad cold/cough and it worked for her. I am now sick and have tried it for a couple of nights to no avail. Maybe, it’s not for everyone! I feel I’m going to cough up a lung any moment now!
BabaLuka | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
Hi All,
I did mention the concoction for my very dry and violent cough in my posting of yesterday.
Glad to say that THE COUGHING HAS STOPPED COMPLETELY. I had the most peaceful sleep last night – no coughing whatsoever.
I haven’t taken the concoction today because there is NO MORE cough for me.
Try it if you can manage the hot peppers. IT DOES WORK!
PS:
I meant CRAVENDALE milk (not Cavendale). You’ll get that from most supermarkets.
capri | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
I was told this years ago and everytime my cough came back, I would use it and it would take less than a week for it to work. Buy COD LIVER OIL. This is fish oil. DO NOT buy the pills, ONLY buy the oil. Sure it tastes bad but it does the trick.
The dry cough is due to the fluids from your brain that leak down to your throat which irritate your throat. When you use cod liver oil, it somehow eliminates the fluids.
Take 1 tea spoon per day onl at night before you sleep. DO NOT DRINK OR EATANYTHING AFTER YOU TAKE THE OIL.
sQ | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
Someone above mentioned hot toties… whenever my siblings and I were sick as kids, my dad would mix a large batch of the stuff and keep it in the fridge, and make us drink a small glass full of it each night until the cold was gone. Oh, was it sour and strong! It worked, but I also think it got me drunk once as an eight year old.
Gahhh, I’m going to try the shower trick I think. This cough is probably annoying the hell out of my room mate.
lgrsh | Apr 10, 2009 | Reply
For a persistent cough put two to three cloves in your mouth and it will stop the cough.
simon | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
try using Coke. Get a can, warm it up in a saucepan, dont let it boil and squeeze a lime or lemon in it. Then sips slowly. it helps to clear the phelgm and soots the throat .
i wa5 h4k3d | Apr 19, 2009 | Reply
Use vicks on ur chest and forehead. The garlic thing also works along with some ginger.
by ? | Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Vicks cream works on feet because you have pressure points on your feet. So when you rub the cream into the pressure points it well go through your whole body . EXample for your head, nose back, chest ect. Important you need to put socks over your feet with vicks to keep the heat in. Heat takes the poisons out when you sweat. Also put it on your chest and upper back and neck. Use a cold humidifer and window cracked open and sleep on side never your back. You can also try bringing mattress up or prompting pillows. Lemon squessed with warm water and a little honey works to soothe throat and is good for you. I f you don’t have vicks use a natural product called peppermint oil on your feet. Keep doing this for a few days.
TimeIsMoneyFreind. | Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
ive had the same problems, bad coughs, et. and its so anoiying! ive tried allergie medicen and everything. no help. im gunna try some of the suggestoins on here, but besides haveing to spend a ton of money *like for a “good” humidifier, is there anouther easy way to get rid of it completetly?
Kate | Apr 25, 2009 | Reply
I am trying the vicks on my feet an chest tonight…have had this damn cough for a week and I am fed up!! need sleep!
lmao | Apr 28, 2009 | Reply
lol. im liking rachel =] lol. but the feet vicks thing does help. good call. nd get at me rach
lol
momof3 | May 3, 2009 | Reply
You have to be laying down for the vapor rub to work. I think some people are trying it while standing and walking and sitting. It only works while lying flat. The heat makes the blood run to your feet and opens up your lungs better. I have used this on two of my daughters for years and it works. They have a tight cough before bed and sleep through the night and then wake up with a loose cough.
Amanda | May 4, 2009 | Reply
Mucinex works just have to wait till it kicks in now if i could find me that zicam that helps you get over your cold faster not a home remedy but it saved my life once coughed up the liquid building in my lungs that would have drowned me
pleasehelpme | May 6, 2009 | Reply
I have had the same cough for six weeks now. I just tried the milk, honey, and lemon. It seems to have loosen my cough, but hasn’t gotten rid of it completely. Any other suggestions? I really don’t want to buy anything. HELP
adam? | May 9, 2009 | Reply
I have had a real bad cough for the last 4 days.
abcabcabcabcabcabcabcabcabcabc | May 9, 2009 | Reply
cough cough cough HELP
waa ' waa' | May 10, 2009 | Reply
im suffuring from that dry cough since 3 weeks .. im taking now “dry cough surup..” but it seems nothing is changing .. any sugguestions ??
pleasehelpme | May 21, 2009 | Reply
Make my cough 9 weeks now. I am always coughing in my classes and it’s really embarrassing. HELP ME! I am SICK(literally) and tired of coughing!!
two most important words here:
HELP ME!
Docs the answer | May 25, 2009 | Reply
i tried all these remedies..and come to find out that my cough was caused by a sideeffect of one of my medications…He changed my perscription and the cough almost immediately went away
daniel vikniswaran | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Stop breathing thru mouth but try by nose.Hold each breath for 6 seconds and at the same time use a good balm for your feet, chest and back.Take morning and night phlegm medicine as well.It works.
Rachel | Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
i love anal mentholated stimulation!!!!!!!!! i tried rubbing some vinegar and milk and honey on it too but that didn’t work. did you know that wine and mornings and the internet doesn’t mix EITHER?!
stooge | Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
ur all gay
Steve | Jul 7, 2009 | Reply
have somebody judo chop you right in the throat when you dont expect it, i suggest someone like a mother or older brother, or cousin.
the judo chop will make you forget about your cough and make you concentrate on the intense pain in your throat, thus scaring away the dry cough, much like you would the hickups
Smiley | Jul 22, 2009 | Reply
I have the same problem, if I get sick it will last a couple of days but the hacking will last for weeks and when I’m driving the aircondition gets my going so bad I have to put it blowing on the floor and crack a window.
GasMan | Aug 15, 2009 | Reply
I farted.
Cough Help | Aug 16, 2009 | Reply
Humidifiers work, cough suppressents sometimes helps, a rescue inhailer helps if you feel like your lungs are closing up (asthma, can be an alergy reaction too).
The Vicks on the feet thing does help. Put on a thick layer and put some socks on. It works fast (especially if you have few calouses on your feet) since your feet are very pourus and will soak it up quickly (keep em warm too while the vicks is on them).
Banannas help and oddly enough cooking a bananna over an open flame, smushing it in a bowl or cup (or plate) and adding a bit of pepper sooths the cough almost immediatly.
Try getting one of those breath right strips that you put on your nose to help you stop snoring and using it. It opens the nasal passages and will allow for better breathing.
Julie | Aug 27, 2009 | Reply
does any one know how to stop a cough with mucus inside? ive never seen my dad not cough in my entire life and he doesnt listen to me when i say its got to do with him smoking. someone pleez help me.
dee1212 | Aug 31, 2009 | Reply
I have that now. It won’t go away. I have tried all remedies over the counter too. I don’t smoke and can’t even imagine how your dad can smoke with a cold, and bad cough. You can’t do anything about him not smoking. He can be the only one to quit. When I do have all the flem and can’t get it all up, I seriously drink some milk, as it brings it up more, go in my shower and this is gross, but I make myself throw up. SO much of it comes up. Someone told me that years ago and it helps get rid of it. good luck w/your dad.
The poppit of weasel town | Sep 5, 2009 | Reply
HaHA omg Rachel your great!
Michelle | Sep 5, 2009 | Reply
one word
SMOOTHIEEEE
lindsay | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
I have had a cough for nearly three weeks now. It’s horrible! I have gone to my doctor twice, done two rounds of antibiotics, used the prescription cough syrup (which just makes me fall asleep), and I am debating on filling my perscription for an inhaler (I am not sure if it is completely necessary since I am able to breath its just I keep coughing). It is a persistent dry cough that is worse at night, sometimes when I cough there will be something in my throat but that is mostly after I have had about 4 cough drops in a row. I am going to try the vicks and the vinegar thing! I figure it’s worth a try!
But for a tip! Neti-pots are amazing!! If you are afraid of using the “pot” style, they make a sinus rinse, which is the same concept as a neti-pot. It also really helps if you buy the zinc drops to put into the saline mixture. They are rather expensive but completely worth it! I’ve been using my neti-pot for my cough but it doesn’t seem to be working since I don’t have any mucus in my throat… But it works well if you have a nasal drip or sinus infection, and sometimes a slight stuffy nose.
Anand | Sep 12, 2009 | Reply
I came to this site looking for relief from dry cough. My cough is the side-effect of a viral infection.
I started with a few coughs here and there and in a couple of days it has become intense and strong. It is very very frustrating and I thought I would cough my eyeballs out.
After reading all the posts, I started with simple and then thought I will keep adding more things to make my cough go away. The easiest was rubbing Vicks Vaporub on the throat and sleeping on my back.
The first few inhales itself stopped my cough immediately. A minute or later there were a few cough relapses here and there but after a couple of minutes .. my cough completely stopped.
So I will see how I feel in the morning. I’m not sure if this will cure my coughs permanentely but time will tell.
Besides I still have more things to try ..
I think some people are just plain sick making fun on here and wasting times and resources of genuine people who come with terrible hear wrenching coughs. So please keep it clean. Shouldn’t this be moderated?
Manda | Sep 17, 2009 | Reply
You guys are all wierd lol.. I just did everything.. I put vicks on my feet, chest, neck, and under my nose. Also had some tea with lemon and honey, and a spoonful of peanut butter.. Its finally somewhat under control. THANK GOD! Also if you can get your hands on a fast-acting inhaler, do! I think thats what helped me the most.
changminluv | Sep 20, 2009 | Reply
im willing to try ALMOST anything to get my cough away….i have school 2morro and its embarrasssing coughing and interupting the class..im pretty sure its not gonna go away right away..but i wanna make it get better at least…ive been coughing NONSTOP…i have a test soon and im hoping i could study and sleep well..
i really dont wanna get anyone sick…im really hoping this is gonna work..
hayley | Sep 23, 2009 | Reply
i wanted a serious solution, but after reading all comments, i love the “judo chop to the throat” suggestion, hysterically laughing distracted me from cough, thanku
Ralph | Sep 25, 2009 | Reply
bad,horrible hard cough ,especially at night ,like right now going on for second week.I have been fighting this cough thing for 4 hours straight now….started reading all you good people’s comments on how to treat this dry hacking cough that want
go away. I do not have fever ,but ache in my lower abdomen from so much coughing….
I am unemployed, old and married,seeking relief for this
nagging cough that is bad for my health problems….
Have tried the neti pot with salt every day,cough drops,spoone of honey,honey in cereal,honey in coffee,honey by hand,honey by finger,coke with ice,hot coffee….just tried the vicks on the bottom of feet remedy and covered up with socks(HAVENT COUGHED IN 5 MINUTES NOW) AND ITS 4:59 AM
My doctor was as much help as a toad on a log in the bottom of the sea. He sent me a prescription for cough syrup with codine in it, that helps for a little while,tasted good ,then back to 2 minute coughs that appear to want to extract my lungs.
The price of the 4 oz syrup was $85 dollars…tussinex
I have already used up that 4 ozs ,now trying something different.
Appears the vick’s ointment rubed on the bottom of each foot
is working,,,have not coughed in 15 minutes…thank you
someone on this site for telling me remendy…
You are to be commended for this brave and workable feat.
Hope to see you in heaven some day for a game of golf..
There are no sand traps in heaven and the cup size is a
“DD”
Good morning people ..its 5:18 AM AND NO COUGHS YET
Robert | Sep 25, 2009 | Reply
Okay well, this might sounds nuts to you but hear me out….
I am a heavy smoker. Pack a day-er. Needless to say I get sick a few times a year. Once I feel the cough coming on this is what I do and it’s worked for me…fight it. Yes, that crazy stupid little tickle…do everything in your power NOT to actually start coughing.. take DEEP DEEP breaths to satisfy the tickle in your throat. If you can hold out long enough and use the usual methods you might just skip the worst of it
Jig | Sep 25, 2009 | Reply
I think I am going to use vicks on my feet. I am in ur world now first day of blody cough. I have every year. Currently i am annoying people next to me in tube. Really like it
Sian | Sep 25, 2009 | Reply
Just for all you people who cant spell, its spelt PHLEGM. Im 12 and i learnt that when i was 6. My new favourite word. Say it flemm. Thats the gross sticky stuff you cough up.
terell | Sep 27, 2009 | Reply
okay i don’t know how u came about knowing this thing with the vicks on the feet, but this stuff actually works. me, my wife, my son, my twin brother and his 2 kids all had colds when we got back from japan. i looked this up online and tried it and laughed whole trying it and then BAM!!!
terell | Sep 27, 2009 | Reply
everyone u have got to try this vicks on the feet thing it really works. my whole family is doing it now when they get colds. u might laugh but this stuff works wonders. i was sick and i smoke and i don’t cough. at first u might cough here and there for about 10_15 minutes and then this vicks kicks in and whoop ass ant take names on your lungs it was like i had a kung fu match in my throat and the vicks on thee feet won. oh yeah down side is that your nose runs from vapors and people might think u do coke or somthing if u don’t say u r sick. i’m just saying…
dasdasdas | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
try this. get a bottle of water. stand somewhere looking up.(literally looking up so your back neck is like bent) then take one up and leave it in ur mouth. den swallow a little bit of the water that u took from the water. keep drinking that \”gulp\” after 2 secdonds and keep repating it… drink the whole bottle. den sit back and watch the cough go
finallyrested | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
O.k. I had tried it all. Finally, I figured out a good combination. Worked for both my child and I. I washed my feet with hydrogen peroxide then put the vick’s vapor rub on my feet, chest, and neck after taking a long warm shower with antibacterial soap. I took silver biotics 1 tablespoon every 6 hours along with 2 capsules of clear lungs extra strength every 4 hours. I take a 1,000mg vitamin c ester c tablet about 4 times throughout the day. I had been coughing, coughing, coughing. Everytime I get sick, I use this remedy. I used to stay sick atleast 2-3 weeks. Now, only about 1 week if I start at first symptoms. Atleast I’m not coughing the whole way like I used to.
finallyrested | Oct 14, 2009 | Reply
Oh, I almost forgot…when I take the vitamin c, I also take it with 200mg of vitamin e.
Vera | Oct 21, 2009 | Reply
The best remedy for dry cough: Glass of warm milk with teaspoon of honey, teaspoon of butter and nip of rum. Try it. The caugh stops and you will sleep like a baby. The Vick’s works too but you have to massage it into your feet properly and add some more on your chest. But I am big fan of the milk and rum. Works like a clock.
MOrgan | Oct 21, 2009 | Reply
i never kneew this was and herad it before bu it ruly does work thanks!
Jimmy | Oct 29, 2009 | Reply
this didnt help at all… its 2am and i am still coughing… thanks stupid site
cuddy87 | Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
i put the vicks vapour rub on my feet, and also did two shots of pickle juice (because i dont have any vinegar) and it has worked so far.
i don’t know which one actually made the coughing stop, since i did both of them, or if it was the combination… but it works for me!
karen | Nov 2, 2009 | Reply
I have Multiple Sclerosis and, i take a immune sytem suppresant to slow the disease down and, now i got the H1N1 for 2 weeks with this bloody flippen cough!!! so i tried the vicks IT WORKED! i have been coughing up a lung all day and, when i put the vicks on it stopped in about 5 minutes. Ill do the warm milk tonight . I have also been on antibiotics for 7 days so looks like this baby is hanging around!
Grace | Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
I tried chewing a piece of Ginger stopped my cough for a couple min but suprisingly soothes the throat. Then I tried the vapo rub on the feet and it seems to be working. Now I am sipping a cup of green tea with a piece of Ginger to sooth the pain a bit. Good luck to everyone out there who has the big scarry flu going around!
Freddie | Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
For a dry cough or a persistent cough, do this. Find a eucalyptus tree, pull as many leaves as possible and boil them in a large pot. Then, put a towel over the pot and rest on table, constantly inhale as much as possible. Eucalyptus is what is in vicks, main ingredient.
Tera | Nov 7, 2009 | Reply
steve i feel for you man..im having the same problem..word for word..its crazy .. i want a remedy for this freeken cough,.. and i want one soon…i work in a dance club and every one smokes ther..so …pleas if you found out what to do about that stubbern cough…pleas PLeas let me know…!!!
crystal | Nov 8, 2009 | Reply
Everyone is laughing at Krissiy’s vick vapo rub on the bottoms of feet! It really does work! my grandma had 9 kids…….she swears by this! with a set of twins that were suseptable to colds from the rest of the family, the vicks on their heels at night worked!!!!
D. Chen | Nov 8, 2009 | Reply
I’m trying to figure out how to get into a steamy hot shower while I’m in the middle of a meeting.
Frothbeast | Nov 10, 2009 | Reply
Rachel,
Should i put the vick on the surface of my hole or right inside?
Thanks,
Frothbeast
Frothbeast | Nov 10, 2009 | Reply
oops I meant vicks
Peter | Nov 15, 2009 | Reply
The ad system sucks!!!
Tankstee | Nov 19, 2009 | Reply
I’m about to BATHE in Vick’s Vapo-Rub to make sure TGIF cough goes away it’s killing me! And I can’t go a full minute without coughing!!! Especially at night. I just wanna sleep.
MILPA | Nov 22, 2009 | Reply
IM GETTING FUCKED!!!
Oprah | Nov 22, 2009 | Reply
Just try some honey and lemon juice. It works.
erika | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
ive had this cough/cold for abot 5 days now and its just gotten worse the last few days, ive been to the docter and got antibiotics, robitussin and vicks. none of these have seem to work. but i have just tried the vicks on the feet. its working so far. now im off to get the warm milk and honey. lets hope it works! thanks for the info guys