Cough

What you need to know

Prevention by keeping immune system in good order and avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke and environmental pollution that cause you to cough is advisable.

If the cough is due to an infection such as common cold or influenza then supporting your body’s natural defences, by taking plenty of rest, eating nutritiously and using supplements and herbs will help. In addition, the symptoms can be helped with various natural remedies.

The most useful Supplements:

You need to concentrate on boosting immune function, so that your body can effectively fight off the infection.

           

Antioxidant complex	1 to 2 capsules per day
Beta Carotene	30mg to 60mg per day
Multivitamin and  mineral	1 to 2 high dose tablets per day
Vitamin A	15,000iu per day
Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids	1gm 3 to 4 times per day
Zinc with Copper	15mg and 1mg 3 times per day

Propolis or Zinc lozenges are also very effective.

The most useful Herbs:

Supporting immune function is vitally important. Also look out for herbal yeast elixirs which are very helpful at boosting the system:

Herbal cough remedies can ease bronchial spasms, expel phlegm, lubricate a dry cough, or suppress an irritant one (suppressants should be avoided when trying to expel phlegm).

The following herbs are found in cough mixtures or can be used as teas with a little honey.

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathic remedies appropriate to this condition include:

• Byronia
• Cuprum met
• Drosera
• Ipecachuana
• Phosphorus

Aromatherapy

Use the following oils in vaporisers or inhalations (on handkerchiefs, tissues and bed covers) soothe the throat and airways and assist in expelling mucous. Massage of the throat and chest with diluted oils can help if you are coughing a lot.

• Benzoin
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Sandalwood
• Tea Tree - this can also be used as a gargle if you also have a sore throat (3 drops to a glass of hot water)

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes based around supporting the immune system can help to prevent coughs. If you have a cough already the following will help:

• Drink lots of water - at least 6 large glasses a day to help keep mucous loose.
• Make a drink of hot water, a dessert spoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon and sip slowly. Take it 4 times a day.
• For a bad cough, especially when accompanied by a feverish cold, a 24 hour fast raw fruit and fruit juice fast will give the immune system a boost.
• Eat foods that are easy to digest, so that your body can concentrate on fighting the infection. Good foods are fresh fruit, salads, raw vegetables, water based soups.
• Eat Garlic and lots of it to help kill the bugs and break up congestion. onions are also very good for this.
• Avoid mucous-forming foods such as Dairy products and refined carbohydrates as these will congest you further and slow up your progress of getting over the cold.

Other useful advice:

Reflexology, Acupressure and Yoga may also be useful at relieving symptoms.

It is very important to rest if you have a cough or any infection, so do not attempt do your usual routine at the gym. Research shows that exercise suppresses immune function for several hours after exercise. When you are over your cough regular aerobic activity or breathing exercises are a good way of keeping your lungs healthy.

Stress also suppresses immune function and increases the chances of getting coughs and colds. If you already have a nasty infection, it is best to take a few days off to avoid excess stress and it will give you chance to recuperate properly. 

Keeping immune function is important, but avoiding any infection in the first place is also useful. Try to avoid overcrowded, stuffy places where germs can easily spread. 

If you have a cough, smoking will only make it worse, so cut down or give up if you can.

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This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.