Coughing constantly from an irritated, scratchy throat can disrupt sleep and daily activities. Unlike a chesty cough, which causes congestion and mucus in your lungs, a tickly cough is similar to a dry cough in that it does not discharge mucus or phlegm. While coughing is the body’s way of clearing the airways, prolonged bouts of coughing can be uncomfortable. In this write-up, we will discuss how to stop a tickly cough instantly in 10 different ways. 

How to stop a tickly cough instantly?

1. Honey

Honey coats sore throats and naturally suppresses coughs. Follow these steps:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of raw, unpasteurized honey to a cup of warm tea or lemon water. 
• For extra soothing benefits, use manuka honey.
• Drink the honey tea or lemon water, allowing the honey to coat your throat as you swallow. 
• Repeat this 3 times per day to control coughing.

2. Steam 

So, how to stop a tickly cough instantly? Inhaling warm, moist air loosens mucus and reduces inflammation. 

• Boil a pot of water on the stove and remove from heat. Carefully transfer to a bowl.
• Place your face 12-15 inches above the bowl and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
• Inhale the steam for 5-7 minutes, being careful to not burn yourself. Breathe deeply and slowly.
• Repeat 2-3 times per day or when coughing persists.

3. Salt Water Gargle  

Gargling with salt water washes away bacteria and phlegm.

• Mix 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. 
• Take a mouthful and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting out. 
• Repeat gargling 2-3 times to cleanse the throat.

4. Marshmallow Root Tea

The mucilage in the root coats sore throats. 

• Place 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root in a mug and pour in boiling water. 
• Let it steep for 20-30 minutes, then strain the tea.
• Drink 1-2 cups per day to ease coughing.

5. Ginger

Ginger relieves coughs by soothing inflammation and expelling mucus.

• Stir freshly grated ginger into hot water or green tea. 
• Drink this mixture 2-3 times per day to reduce coughing fits. 
• You can also chew crystallised ginger.

6. Chicken Soup

The broth thins mucus while the cysteine amino acid loosens it. 

• Slowly sip on homemade chicken noodle soup a few times a day.
• Make a large batch and reheat bowls whenever coughing worsens.

7. Licorice Root Tea

Many doctors recommend Licorice root tea to those who want to know how to stop a tickly cough instantly.  

• To make it, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root to a mug and pour in boiling water. 
• Allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain out the roots. 
• Drink the tea up to 3 times per day, sipping slowly to allow the licorice to coat your throat. 

The antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds provide relief fast without side effects.

8. Capsaicin 

Capsaicin is the active compound in chilli peppers that can help you if you are looking for how to stop a tickly cough instantly. 

• To use it, mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into 1 cup of warm water or herbal tea.  
• Sip the mixture slowly, allowing it to coat your throat. You will get relief and fell the warmth. 
• Drink this 3 times per day to relieve coughing fits. Be sure to start with a small amount of capsaicin. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to dilute the heat. With regular use, capsaicin can curb coughing fast.

9. Use a Humidifier

It adds moisture back to dry air to prevent coughing.

• Start by filling the water tank with cool, clean water as directed by the machine’s instructions. 
• Place the humidifier on a flat surface in your bedroom and turn it on according to the settings for your room size. 
• Allow it to run overnight while sleeping, refilling the tank each morning with fresh water. 

10. Peppermint Chest Rub 

Peppermint chest rub is a great way to stop tickly cough as menthol makes breathing easier.

• Begin by adding 4-6 drops of peppermint essential oil to one tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. 
• Using your fingertips, gently massage the oil mixture over your chest, stroking from the top downwards before bedtime. 
• Inhale deeply as you rub, allowing the menthol vapors to open up your airways. The peppermint will act as a decongestant and make breathing easier. 
• Apply nightly before bed to reduce coughing fits so you can rest easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What causes a tickly cough?

A: A tickly cough is caused by irritation or inflammation in the throat or airways. Colds, allergies, dry air, smoking, or asthma can trigger coughing fits. 

Q: Why does a tickly cough happen mostly at night?

A: Lying down causes mucus to gather in the back of the throat which triggers coughing. Also, dry winter air at night dries out airways.

Q: When should you see a doctor for a tickly cough? 

A: If you know how to stop a tickly cough instantly and apply them, yet the tickly cough is not gone- go and visit your doctor.

Q: Should you take cough medicine for a tickly cough?

A: Cough suppressants can provide short-term relief but don’t treat the cause. 

Q: What foods or drinks soothe a tickly cough?

A: Warm fluids like herbal tea, broth, water, milk, and soup can coat and soothe the throat.

Q: When does a tickly cough stop being contagious?

A: It’s contagious for at least 3 days after other symptoms go away. After a week it’s usually not contagious.

Overview

Knowing how to stop a tickly cough instantly

allows you to treat symptoms without side effects. Ingredients like honey, peppermint, ginger, and licorice root work to coat, soothe, thin mucus, and suppress coughing fits. They are safe, affordable options that bring fast relief while allowing your body to heal on its own. Home remedies reduce throat irritation and inflammation so you aren’t kept awake coughing all night. And they may shorten the duration of cough illnesses.