Put simply, a cough is a sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs. There are many reasons why you may have a cough, for example a chill or it may accompany teething, worms or colds in babies and children. Coughing is also a response to an irritation of the mucus membranes of the lungs, throat or voice box by particles of dust, food etc., that enter these organs.
A cough forcibly removes these irritants and foreign bodies while at the same time activating the vocal chords so the characteristic coughing sound is heard. Mild infections, allergy and exposure to cold air may also initiate the coughing reflex.
As with cold's and flu's, people are given a wide variety of medicines for coughs such as antihistamines which stops the respiratory tract from secreting mucous, cough suppressants, which prevents the body from bringing up the mucous produced by the lungs by suppressing the cough reflex, analgesics to reduce fever and pain. As usual, these medicines suppress the symptoms and don't address the underlying cause.
Recently, there has much debate about the effectiveness of cough medications, particularly the contradictory medicines which contain a cough suppressant combined with a expectorant - you can't suppress and make a cough more productive at the same time.
The general rule or advice given by doctors and pharmacists is to suppress a dry cough with a cough suppressant and encourage the production and elimination of mucous with an expectorant mixture. This too is being questioned as children's coughs in particular - dry or otherwise - should not be suppressed. Natural therapists see the symptoms of coughs as ridding the body of germs. If for example the lungs are full of mucous, the coughing reflex is the body's way of eliminating it so why suppress it? The mucous needs to be expectorated (coughed up). If your cough is recurring, it may be a sign of inherited weakness, so it should be addressed by consulting your homeopath.
Babies and young children should be protected from changes in weather, cold air, rain and other children with a cough. These younger ages groups do not have a fully developed defence mechanism and resistance to these cough causing factors. Coughs are also a common side effect of vaccination and under these circumstances the advise of a homeopath should be sort. Seek medical attention immediately if:
- You are gasping for breath, breathing rapidly, wheezing or your skin turns bluish.
- You cannot keep fluids or solids down, either coughing or vomiting them immediately after ingestion.
- The cough does not respond to treatment within 48 hours.
- You are unable to speak, make usual sounds or are abnormally lethargic.
- Your condition deteriorates quickly and/or you have any concerns.
Eucalyptus Oil
A chest rub or massage oil containing eucalyptus rubbed into the chest once or twice a day will help loosen congestion.
Thyme
Thyme is an excellent decongestant for the nose and lungs. 4 drops of thyme essential oil can be added to a humidifier or aromatherapy burner. Fresh or dried leaves of the herb can be added to a bowl of hot water for older children and adults who know how to inhale steam in this manner.
Thyme tea will help to expel mucous from the lungs. Older children can have 1-2 cups per day or it can be administered to younger children and infants by teaspoon or dropper - ½ a cup in total per day. A cough syrup based on thyme is another way to benefit from it. Add 1 cup (250ml) of boiling water to 3 tablespoons of dried thyme, cover, steep and cool. Strain the thyme leaves and add 1 cup of honey to the remaining tea and stir well. Refrigerate the mixture and give ½ a teaspoon every 2-3 hours to relieve a cough.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is the best way to treat coughs, especially when accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting or fever. Breast milk is best for infants.
Natural Cough Syrups
This cough syrup can be made from ingredients you may already have in your cupboard. Mix 1 part lemon juice, 1 part glycerine and 1 part honey and gently warm it over a low heat. 1 teaspoon at a time can be given to children over 2 or it can be added to warm water.
Another mixture you can try, is made by adding 2 teaspoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon together. Whisk in the white of 1 egg. Adults and older children can sip this brew when coughing comes on.
Prop Up The Cot/Bed
Placing a pillow under one end your mattress will enable you to sleep slightly elevated to help you to breathe more freely and relieve
congestion more readily.
By: Rachael Gleeson Adv.Dip. Hlth Sc. (Hom)
