Herbal Remedies For Cough

Coughing is an essential action to help clear the airways and
throat. However, there are instances wherein cough suggests a
symptom of an underlying condition usually obstruction in the
respiratory tract. Coughing is a clear skin that the body is
functioning properly because of the fact that it can defend the
body from irritants coming from the lungs, throat, and other
structures in the respiratory tract. There are times when
coughing is caused by environmental irritants like smoke, dust,
and other allergens.

In ayurveda, cough is termed as Kaasa roga, a Kapha (water)
illness, a common problem caused by irritation or stress of the
Kapha Dosha. In this belief, it is caused by poor digestion
wherein the food not properly absorbed by the body is changed
into ama (Ayurveda: mucus). This ama combined with different
motions and passages causes cough upon reaching the respiratory
system.

Based on the ayurvedic theory there are five varieties of cough
namely kaphaja, pittaja, vataja, kshayaja, and kshataja. Each
type of cough has its own identifying characteristics, causative
factors, and their own treatment depending on what caused the
coughing.

Herbal Remedies for Cough

• The bark of bay berry (myrica nagi) turned into powder is one
effective treatment for coughs caused by long-term bronchitis.

• Leaves of Betel (piper betle) are one of the most effective
herbal remedies for coughing. Preparation requires crushing the
leaves and adding water until the leaves are of paste
consistency. It is specifically applied on the chest.

• Leaves of Butea (butea monosperma) are used in treating cough
due to septic and sore throats. Solution is prepared by boiling
leaves in water and using the water as mouthwash in order to
benefit from its healing properties.

• For coughs caused by a swollen pharynx, characterized by
irritation of the throat is usually treated by means of clove
(Syzygium aromaticum).

• The humble garlic used for sautéing is one of the most
essential herbal remedies for cough particularly whooping cough
(pertussis). Usual dosage is 2-3 garlic pieces taken twice or
thrice daily.

Other good herbal remedies:

• Treat Cough with Mullein: Mullein is considered as one of the
best herbs for cough in Eastern United States.

This is primarily because this herb has no known toxicity
content. It is usually taken in the form of tincture and teas.
Native dried mullein can also be used as tobacco to treat asthma
and bronchitis.

• Cough and Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root provides for a
soothing relief for people suffering from severe coughing and
other bronchial problems.

Marshmallow root is now available at herb stores in liquid
extract, powder, tincture, and cream form.

• Peppermint Treatment: Peppermint has a natural cooling and
warming effect that is very effective in treating coughs, colds,
and fever. Peppermint has decongestant and astringent actions
that relieve stuffiness and congestion. It is available in the
form of tea, lozenges, and oils.

• Wild cherry bark for Cough: Wild cherry bark is a natural
expectorant that can flush out phlegm. This herb is commonly
used to treat coughs associated with phlegm and congestion.

Boil 4 ounces of wild cherry bark in a 500ml water. Simmer it
on low heat for an hour. Drink 1 to 3 teaspoon for cough
treatment.

• Thyme for Cough: The extracted oil thymol of thyme is used as
an antibiotic and expectorant. In fact, this herb is commonly
used in most commercial cough syrup formulation. Thyme in syrup,
tincture, tea, and oil form is very effective in treating
coughs.

Home Remedies for Cough - In addition to herbal remedies, there
are still home remedies for cough that makes use of common
cooking ingredients usually present in the kitchen of many
homes. This includes ginger, honey, pepper, and figs.

Due to multiple of probabilities in developing cough; it is
highly essential that everyone should be informed on the
simplest and most common home and herbal remedies for cough.
This is precautionary so as to prevent you from rushing directly
to a local drugstore or the doctor's clinic in search for a cure
to stop the coughing episodes.

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