With the summer gone and winter on our doorstep I thought it
might be appropriate to discuss a medical condition that comes with the
change of seasons. As the wintery months approach the change of seasons
can bring along the grim possibility of infection from bacteria and
viruses. The worst culprit is catching a cold or flu and neither of them
is any fun.
In this article I would like to discuss the symptom
most common with a cold-the cough. Coughing distracts you from your
work, spreads germs, and puts stress on your body. Since coughing is
caused by various conditions, many patients simply opt to ride it out
and not seek treatment. When it comes to coughing, however, there is no
reason to suffer. There are many natural, effective remedies that can
alleviate coughing or speed your recovery.
Two Kinds of Cough
Coughing
isn't always a bad thing. In fact, it can be highly beneficial.
Coughing may be your body's natural defense mechanism against infection.
Fortunately, it is easy to figure out whether your cough is beneficial
or not.
If your chest is congested, coughing is your body's way of
fighting respiratory disease by purging the mucous or phlegm from your
chest. Your cough will likely persist until your infection goes away.
Signs of respiratory infection include wheezing and a temperature over
101 degrees. In most cases, you should see your doctor to treat the
infection. In the meantime, natural remedies can soothe irritation and
help you recover more quickly.
If no mucous is present, you have a
dry cough. This type of cough is likely due to allergies or asthma and
serves no beneficial purpose to your body. Exposure to irritants like
dust, mold, pets, grass, pollen or chemicals are probably to blame for
your cough. Sometimes the cough is an indication of mild asthma. If you
have a persistent cough and cannot determine a specific irritant, your
doctor may be able to help with proper diagnosis.
Resolving Coughs Naturally
Many
natural and folk remedies exist for coughing. One of the first
treatments people turn to are herbs. For congestion, the herb horehound
acts as a natural expectorant, helping to alleviate congestion. You may
find it in tea bags at natural foods stores.
Other herbs suppress
the cough reflex by encouraging saliva production, causing you to
swallow less frequently. Commercial cough drops often contain the oils
from these herbs. They include peppermint, eucalyptus, anise and fennel.
Try taking them as teas. Slippery elm, found as a tea or lozenge,
discourages the cough reflex in another manner--by forming a protective
layer around the mucous membranes of the throat.
An easy steam
treatment is also a good way to not only soothe the throat, but loosen
chest congestion. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then remove it
from the heat. Hold your face over the steaming water and cover your
head with a towel to trap the moisture. Inhale for as long as 30
minutes.
Acupressure can relive tension in the chest caused by
coughing. Homeopathy is another alternative treatment that many patients
turn to. To try these methods, find a practitioner in your area.
Some
easy to find natural products can also soothe coughing. Aloe vera juice
mixed with equal parts honey can soothe a dry cough. Apple cider
vinegar is an excellent way to manage that "tickling" feeling that is so
often present in the throat when you suffer from a cough. Add about 2
teaspoons to a glass of water and sip as needed. Minced garlic marinated
overnight in honey also soothes coughs. Garlic is known to be high in
powerful antioxidants.
These remedies and many variations on them
have been used for generations to fight coughs. No matter which one you
choose, take note of its effect on your symptoms until you find the
right combination of natural treatments that work for you. If you
suspect an infection, see your doctor. If your cough persists, a medical
opinion may be needed. With proper natural care, you will be back to
feeling healthy in no time.
