Coughing	<< Page 6 of 11 >>

Description:
A cough is a natural reflex action designed to clear the airways of mucus, bacteria, viruses, or other foreign bodies. Most coughs are due to dust and smoke irritation or mucus dripping from the back of the nose. Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a mixture of mucus, debris, and cells expelled by the lungs during a cough. A productive cough brings up this material and allows oxygen to get to the lungs while and unproductive cough is dry and does not clear the airways.

Coughing is commonly a symptom of disease that is brought about by a bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory tract. However, it can also be brought about by allergies, inhaling very cold or very hot air, stress, or acid reflux.

Coughing helps protect the lungs against inhaled particles and should not be suppressed if sputum is expelled during cough episodes. A yellow, green, or brown sputum usually signals a bacterial infection while clear or white sputum points to a virus or allergy irritant.

Depending on the causes, coughing can be harsh, loud, gasping, or barking. Wheezing during a cough may point to asthma problems. A chronic, lingering cough may point to a bronchitis infection. Fever and fatigue accompanied by a harsh cough may indicate developing pneumonia.

One way to treat coughing is with medicines that desensitize the nerves that react to irritants in the airways. However, these suppressant medicines do not cure the problem but simply mask it by reducing cough spasms. Natural extracts are better for the body because they are easier to break down and help the body fight the cause of the cough.

Herbs Used:
Raphanus sativus subvar niger (Radish), Armoracia rusticana (Horseradish), and Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot).

HS Products:
Tussilin Syrup.

Recommendations:
Tussilin syrup should be used twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, It contains anti-bacterial herbs such as horseradish, which in combination with honey, exhibits fast relief and recovery. Relief usually occurs within a few days while complete recovery takes place after a couple of weeks.