Clarification of Answer by
nenna-ga
on
15 Sep 2005 08:05 PDT
Good morning again desert_rose!
I am glad that you were able to cure your sore throat. Now onto the
next problem ? the dry, hacking, overly annoying cough. As strange as
this may sound, coughing is a natural protective mechanism designed to
clear bacteria, viruses, dust, and pollen out of the body. Although
coughing is a necessary and helpful, it can be distressing and very
tiring to you. Continuous, uncontrollable coughing makes sleeping
difficult, and may also cause you to feel achy all over. The chest and
abdominal muscles can be pulled or strained by continual coughing.
Coughing may also cause further irritation to an inflamed respiratory
tract. Unfortunately, there is no "cure?.
Below I have listed some ways to ease (not cure) the coughing.
PRESCRIPTION:
CODEINE: This is a narcotic cough suppressant that can only be
prescribed by a physician, typically used for coughing in severe
cases. It "turns off" the part of the brain that controls the coughing
response. Codeine is a powerful drug and can have side effects,
including nausea, sleepiness, and constipation. It can also be highly
addictive.
BENZONATATE (TESSALON) is a prescription cough suppressant that works
by anesthetizing the respiratory tract. Unlike other cough medicines,
it comes in capsule rather than liquid form, and is a safer
alternative to codeine. The capsules should be swallowed whole, never
chewed.
= = = = = = = = =
OVER THE COUNTER:
DEXTROMETHORPHAN: This is a common cough suppressant found in many
popular over-the-counter medications. It is usually signified by the
initials DM on the label. It is almost as effective as codeine, but is
nonnarcotic and has few side effects.
GUAIFENESIN: This is an expectorant found in many over-the-counter
cough formulas. Expectorants are medications that work by increasing
the production of fluids in the respiratory tract, helping to thin and
loosen mucus so that it is easier to cough out. It can cause
drowsiness, so follow label directions carefully.
Obviously, throat lozenges, such as Chloraseptic lozenges, coat and
soothe a sore, irritated throat, however, they only give temporary
relief.
Lozenges with vitamin C are especially good as Vitamin C has
anti-inflammatory properties, combats infection, and is soothing and
healing to an irritated throat.
Additionally, a zinc-based lozenge can improve immune response and
help reduce infection and inflammation. Caution: Excessive amounts
of zinc can result in nausea and vomiting. Be careful not to exceed
the recommended dosage.
= = = = = = = = = =
HOMEOPATHIC/HERBAL REMEDIES
COLTSFOOT: This helps to clear congestion from the lungs. Make a tea
and drink one dose, three times a day, for two days.
Caution: Given the risk of cross-sensitivity, don't take coltsfoot if
you are allergic to other plants in the daisy (Compositae) family,
such as chamomile and ragweed or if you are taking a blood
pressure-lowering medication (an antihypertensive).
"Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) may qualify as the world's oldest cough
remedy. For centuries folk healers have used the bright yellow
flowers, roots, and wooly leaves of this daisy family member to
suppress dry coughs and soothe sore throats. In fact, part of the
plant's scientific name (Tussilago) stems from the Latin word for
"cough." In eighteenth-century France, for instance, shop owners
painted an image of the plant on their signs to let passersby know
that they sold healing herbs. It has also been an important part of
Chinese folk medicine for hundreds of years."
"Specifically, coltsfoot may help to reduce the urge to cough and
soothe a sore throat. Coltsfoot works as an expectorant, stimulating
the tiny hairs (cilia) that propel mucus out of air passages. This
action makes a cough what is called "more productive." The most
effective use for coltsfoot, however, is for a dry (nonproductive)
cough, because the herb helps coat and soothe the throat, making it
less vulnerable to irritation."
Source: Whole Health MD
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10154,00.html )
To make a tea, add 8 ounces of hot (but not boiling) water to 2
teaspoons of crushed dried leaves.
* * * * *
LICORICE TEA: This has antibacterial properties, soothes the throat
and respiratory tract, and tastes sweet. For a cough, licorice works
best when taken warm. A combination of coltsfoot and licorice can
also be used. Caution: Licorice should not be used if you have high
blood pressure.
The herb's key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin, is found in the
rhizome (or underground stem) of this tall purple-flowered shrub.
"Specifically, licorice with glycyrrhizin may help to control
respiratory problems and sore throat. Licorice eases congestion and
coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways; this makes a
cough more "productive," bringing up phlegm and other mucus bits.
Licorice also helps to relax bronchial spasms. The herb also soothes
soreness in the throat and fights viruses that cause respiratory
illnesses and an overproduction of mucus."
Source: Whole Health MD
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,801,00.html
To make the tea, pour 8 ounces of very hot (but not boiling) water
over 2 teaspoons of the herb, steep for 10 minutes, and then strain.
)
* * * * *
LUNGWORT is high in vitamin C, has astringent properties, and is known
for its ability to help clear a cough.
* * * * *
MARSHMALLOW ROOT: Soothing to the throat and respiratory tract. Make
a tea and give your child one dose, three times daily, for two days.
Cooled marshmallow root tea has been used to soothe inflamed skin or
mouth irritations; it can also be used as a gargle. Caution:
Marshmallow may delay the absorption of other drugs when taken at the
same time.
"To soothe a sore throat and suppress a cough, try sipping a tea made
with the roots or leaves of marshmallow for quelling a sore throat or
dry, irritating cough?.. Few herbal remedies have been used for as
many centuries--with such great effectiveness--as marshmallow for
irritated throat and cough."
Source: Whole Health MD
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10042,00.html )
To make the tea, add 1 teaspoon of liquid extract to 1 cup (8 ounces)
of very warm water 3 times a day.
* * * * *
PEPPERMINT OIL: Recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as an
effective cough suppressant. Menthol lozenges contain a purified and
refined form of peppermint oil.
Peppermint helps clear congestion and cough related to colds and
allergies by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages. Drinking
peppermint tea--and inhaling the menthol--may also ease breathing.
Caution: Do not take peppermint oil capsules if you are on felodipine
for high blood pressure or if you are taking the cholesterol-lowering
drug simvastatin. Peppermint oil may increase the drug's effectiveness
and side effects.
To brew peppermint tea, use 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint
leaves for each 8 ounces of water. Pour very hot (not boiling) water
over the leaves, cover the cup (to prevent the volatile oil from being
released) and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
* * * * *
MULLEIN TEA: This is a very effective herb known to be highly
beneficial to the throat and lungs. It is particularly good in the
early stages of a cough, before an expectorant is needed. Caution:
the plant's seeds are toxic, however, its leaves, roots, and flowers
appear to pose no health risk.
"German health authorities, however, do approve of mullein in various
forms (fluid extract, tincture, tea) to help clear congestion due to
colds and coughs, and sipping a tea made with the flowers may well
encourage a productive cough."
Source: Whole Health M.D.
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,865,00.html )
* * * * *
OSHA ROOT: Highly aromatic and helps to clear the lungs. It is
especially good for a dry cough. Drink in tea form three times a day,
for three to four days.
* * * * *
SAGE AND THYME: A tea made from a combination of these herbs helps to
clear mucus out of the lungs.
As stated above, prepare a tea with one cup of [each of] the dried
herb(s) and one cup hot water. Let it steep for fifteen minutes.
Strain out the herb and sweeten with honey if needed. Store it in the
refrigerator and take one teaspoon every hour as needed. Only use this
remedy for a day or two.
* * * * *
SLIPPERY ELM BARK makes a soothing lozenge or tea.
Throat lozenges containing Slippery elm are particularly effective for
easing a cough and soothing a sore throat by coating the area and
reducing irritation. You can find the lozenges at most health-food
stores.
Warm slippery elm bark tea works for cough and sore throat too, as
does a liquid extract.
To make the tea, add 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 1 tablespoon of
liquid extract to a cup (8 ounces) of hot (not boiling) water.
"Long recognized by health authorities in the United States as an
effective medicine, slippery elm bark presently has the approval of
the Food and Drug Administration as a nonprescription demulcent
(soothing agent) that can be taken internally."
Source: Whole Health MD
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10056,00.html )
* * * * *
WILD CHERRY BARK: Used by Native Americans, wild cherry bark is a
flavorful and effective herb, in a tea or syrup for coughs, colds, and
bronchitis. Caution: Wild cherry bark can be toxic in large amounts.
It should not be taken by children under four, nor by pregnant women.
* * * * *
HERBAL RUB: Take 4 tablespoons of olive oil and add 2 drops of one or
all of the following: eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, and peppermint oil.
To ease your coughing and soothe your respiratory tract, rub this
mixture onto your chest.
* * * * *
HERBAL BATH: Prepare an herbal bath by putting a few drops of
eucalyptus, sage, or thyme oil into a warm bath. Breathing in the
herbal vapors will soothe an irritated throat.
* * * * *
I hope this answers your question. If you need any further
clarification before rating, please do not hesitate to ask!
Nenna-GA
Google Researcher
Sources:
Health World
( http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=247 )
Whole Health MD
( http://www.wholehealthmd.com )
Google Search Terms:
Homeopathic cough suppressant
( ://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=homeopathic+cough+suppressant )
