Fight Cough … Naturally

  • Jaspal Bajwa
  • India
  • Nov 21, 2014

 

 


One moment we are in the midst of our day-to-day activities, quite oblivious of our underlying life-giving breath...and the very next instant a breakout of cough brings our throat, lungs and airways into our field of consciousness. Traditional healing systems view coughing as a natural body reflex that helps keep the respiratory system clear of foreign materials and toxins. However, a persistent and racking cough can make us irritable and anxious. The approaches taken to cure a cough are varied – from a simple gargle to a plethora of OTC (Over The Counter) cough syrups, pills and medicated lozenges. If the cough is keeping us awake or interfering with our daytime activities, medication becomes necessary. However there are many side effects to the cough medicines - such as irritability, sleepiness or dizziness. The lure for a ‘quick-fix’ can also often result in over-medication. This is especially the case with young children. Health Canada has announced that all oral cough and cold products should state ‘not to be used for children under 6 years’ on the label. Similar safety versus risk trade-offs are constantly being reviewed in UK and USA. Traditional wisdom suggests that, most of the time, a cough (like a common cold) does not require us to bring out the artillery. A cough from a cold or flu will usually go away on its own. In Holistic Healing systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the physician does not try to stop or suppress a cough, but rather tries to find the reasons for the underlying disharmony. Some of the common causes are a viral infection of the respiratory tract (influenza) or allergies due to smoke and dust. The most common mistake we make is to start using antibiotics indiscriminately, little realising that these do not work against viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 200 different viruses can cause the characteristic runny nose, cough, sore throat and sneezing that most people experience at least once per year. Typically, the symptoms are worse in the first 2-3 days and then ease off over the next few, as the immune system kicks in to clear the virus. 

From a dietary standpoint, it is good to keep the immune system robust, so that the issue can be nipped in the bud. However, once a cough sets in, any food or beverage that causes aggravation of the throat lining must be avoided – especially overly-iced drinks. As in all syndromes involving phlegm, diet is extremely important. It is best to avoid cold foods, dairy products and sweets, as all these create mucus. It is better to switch the diet to soups, ginger tea, hot herbal teas and plenty of liquids. Cooked vegetables, whole grains and small amounts of raw juices at room temperature can assist in moistening the lungs, leading to easier expectoration. Supplementation with Vitamin C and Zinc can also help build our immunity. Once the situation becomes better, certain herb-based supplements can be considered. This will strengthen the ‘qi’ and yin of the lungs. When we fail to give our body adequate rest and do not take measures to improve our immunity (like eating nutritious foods), a cough can linger for weeks; in fact this often leads to a series of colds, owing to our weakened immunity. 


Tip of the Week 

‘Prevention is better than cure’ most aptly applies to colds and coughs. We must keep our nasal and throat air passages clean - either through daily nasal-irrigation (‘neti’) or by gargling with mildly salted warm water. A Mayo Clinic study had found that the participants who gargled regularly were 40% less likely to end up with a respiratory infection. The salt in the water helps drain any excess fluid from the inflamed areas. Gargling also removes irritants in the throat and thins the mucus. A vigorous chest rub at bedtime is another effective method. A home-based rub can easily be made by crushing 1-2 cloves of sautéed garlic in either mustard oil or cold-pressed castor oil. A tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, 3-4 drops of Eucalyptus oil and a touch of Cayenne pepper can also be added. Several essential oils that are particularly good for the respiratory system are lemon, frankincense, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, rosemary and tea-tree.


Natureís Wonder Food(s) of the Week : Homemade Cough Remedies 

Honey is probably the best known ‘at home’ remedy for coughs – it helps to soothe them. Not only is it anti-microbial, it also helps moisten and lubricate. However, it should not be given to infants aged below 12 months. Other naturally anti-microbial foods, like turmeric, onion and garlic and herbs like sage, thyme and oregano find an important place in homemade remedies. To make an effective cough syrup at home we can grate horseradish and ginger, add them to honey, and then allow the mixture to steep. This remedy also offers digestive benefits. A mixture of pineapple juice, raw honey, pepper and salt also works well, as it helps to disperse the mucus. Excellent results have been reported by using a mixture of honey and turmeric - especially for a dry cough. Adding a dash of black pepper to the turmeric can greatly enhance the body’s absorption of the anti-inflammatory component. Fresh lemon helps break up the mucus, as well as soothes an irritated throat (lemons are high in Vitamin C, are astringent (drying) and anti-inflammatory). Crushed garlic, sautéed in ghee (clarified butter), can be added to any warm dish or to warm water, to help cook up a medicinal soup (Allicin in garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties and can help fight the infection or virus that’s causing the cough). A study by the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that people who took a garlic supplement for 12 weeks, caught 63% fewer colds. Similarly, onions are expectorants, and thanks to their Quercetin content, also have proven anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Ginger offers a number of amazing benefits. One of the easiest ways of finding relief from a dry cough is to cut a piece of fresh ginger, sprinkle some salt on it and then chew it. Alternatively, freshly grated ginger can be added to herbal teas and soups. Various combinations of ginger, with ‘tulsi’ or ‘turmeric’, are also very potent remedies.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar has been reported to have anti-cough benefits - it can be mixed with water, along with a dash of honey and/or pepper. Amongst herbs, the best known for helping cure a cough are Wild Cherry Bark, Licorice Root, Mullein, Red Clover, Lobelia, Thyme, Sage and North American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). 

While homemade cough recipes are safe, the effectiveness can vary, depending also on one’s faith and belief in Holistic Healing. It is equally important to be realistic. If there is serious wheezing or shortness of breath, or the cough lasts more than a few weeks (that is, it has become ‘chronic’), then a doctor must be consulted without delay.υ


For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions


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