Natural Treatment for a Cough
A cough is the body's way of ridding the respiratory system of unwanted pathogens. There are two kinds of coughs; productive, and unproductive. A productive cough is bringing up all the icky mucus and junk for the body to remove. It is performing a vital action, and shouldn't be supressed, but rather allowed to do it's thing. An unproductive cough, on the other hand is that dry, annoying hack that is caused by the tickle in the throat left over from a cold or flu. This kind of coughing does little more than aggravate us and keep us awake at night when we really need to rest. A persistent cough may be a sign of a serious condition. If cough persist for more than 1 week, tends to recur, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache, consult your health care practitioner. Useful Herbs & Supplements A dry cough can be eased by sipping an herbal tea.Here are some good choices: Ginger Root Slice a thumb sized peice of the fresh root and simmer in water for 20 minutes, then strain add a bit of honey if desired and sip as needed. Marshmallow relieves irritation by coating inflamed surfaces. Slippery Elm Bark The mucilage in slipper elm bark also relieves inflammation and irritation in the throat. Mullein The soothing mucilages of mullein coat sore throats and make coughing more productive. Horehound is a useful cough remedy for people whose upper respiratory symptoms are caused by acid reflux. The marubiinic acid in the herb both stimulates the release of phlegm and stimulates the release of gastric acids so that digestion is complete more quickly and nighttime gastric reflux is minimized. This compound is also mildly analgesic, relieving pain caused by cough or indigestion. Homeopathic Remedies for Cough Aconite For hoarse, dry cough that is painful, forceful, takes breath away. Belladonna is indicated when cheeks are red or when the cough is worse at night. Bryonia for a cough that is hard, dry, very painful. Person holds chest while coughing. Wants cold drinks. Feels better sitting up. Worse from warm room. Drosera For painful, barking coughs that are incessant, and cause retching. Tickling in throat. Hepar sulph For a painful, barking, cough that is worse in cold air. Cest rattles with thich mucous that is difficult to bring up. Person feels weak and bad tempered. Aconite For a croupy, wheezing, cough that comes in exhausting attacks - generally at night. If this remedy doesn't work, try Hepar sulph. What Else You Can Do Add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil to steaming water and inhale slowly to help open clogged sinuses, and clear out the respiratory passages. This minimizes bronchial spasms and painful coughing.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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