A persistent cough is detrimental to the general health of an individual. Generally a cough is caused by respiratory distress due to a bacterial or viral illness. Rarely, a cough can also be caused by a post nasal drip, nervousness or sinus infection. The production of mucous is indicative of mucus membrane inflammation and the discharge is a protective barrier for the lining of the respiratory system. When an invading irritant is detected by the immune system this results in an increased production of mucus, therefore reducing irritants and improving immunity is imperative to reduce symptoms of congestion.
Building immunity and reducing respiratory inflammation
- Cod liver oil capsules are high in Vitamins A and D which help the mucus membranes to be less hyper-sensitive and also reduce inflammation.
- Warm glasses of water with lemon juice and Manuka honey are a great way of increasing fluid intake as well as providing bioflavinoids and Manuka honey is a natural antibiotic.
- People with mucus congestion may find it difficult to breathe calmly which often results in a restless sleep or an unrefreshed sleep. Reduce mucus producing foods such as dairy, wheat and sugar and consider having an allergy test to determine trigger foods and environmental allergens.
- A Naturopath may give some herbs which may help to reduce any allergic responses, such as Baical Skullcap, Licorice, Albizzia, Bupleurum, Coleus. Plus additional herbs to help support immunity and reduce congestion such as Acerola, Elderflowers, Grindelia, Elecampagne, Licorice, Mullein, Marshmallow, Sage, Thyme and Coltsfoot.
- Herbal teas such as fenugreek and rosehip, licorice, echinacea, lemon with ginger and manuka honey may help to ease congestion and also provide the body with vitamin c.
- The Oil Garden makes a Breathe Easier essential oil which when added to a carrier oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil or avocado oil and rubbed on the chest may help to break down any congestion and help to warm the lungs.
- Tissue salts such as Ferrum Phos, Kali Mur and Nat Mur may be helpful in reducing congestion and inflammation while building immunity. The Martin and Pleasance Tissue Salts are mineral formulations which work acutely to decrease cough symptoms. Some combinations which are effective are Combination J and Combination T.
- Use steam inhalations of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and spend ten minutes inhaling the vapours. This may temporarily alleviate the nasal congestion associated with the common cold.
- Take a small amount of slippery elm powder before meals as this helps to line the mucus membranes and reduce inflammation and irritation of them.
- Eat more pineapple as it contains an ingredient called bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory and helps to break down mucus congestion.
- Ensure that you keep properly hydrated (at least two litres of fluid per day) as dehydration will slow down your recovery and reduce the amount of metabolic wastes excreted via the kidneys.
- Eat simple alkalising foods such as chicken soup, miso soup, vegetable juices and steamed green leafy vegetables. These meal ideas will lighten the load on the digestive system and leave more energy reserves for the immune system, encourage liver detoxification, reduce acid and provide the body with antioxidants.
- Herbs such as Mullein, Fenugreek, Garlic, Ginger, Echinacea, Andrographis, Licorice, Poke Root, Golden Seal and Olive Leaf help to restore immune function, build white blood cells, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, reduce fever and congestion, reduce the symptoms associated with a cold, cough or flu and also provide antioxidants to the immune and lymphatic system to cleanse the body of impurities.
- It is very important to keep warm and cold wind (the invading pathogen) away from the kidneys.
- Reduce acid forming foods that contribute to mucus congestion such as dairy foods, sugar and wheat. Naturopathic philosophy considers that alkalising the body is one of the most important practices for revitalising your health. Our diets tend to be mostly acid forming. The only alkaline foods are fresh fruit and vegetables, and a couple of different grains (millet, buckwheat). All 'alive' growing foods like sprouts and soaked grains and seeds are alkaline forming also.
- Eat plenty of garlic, ginger, chillies and horseradish in your diet as these will act as a decongestant as well as help to open up the sinus cavities.
- A supplement of Vitamin C powder added to water and gargled will help to provide antioxidants to the respiratory system and help reduce inflammation in the throat. Add some Echinacea or Olive Leaf liquid for an even better throat gargle.
- Take an acidophilius supplement to help restore the immune system by providing it with beneficial bacteria.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep so that your body recovers properly.