Cure Your Cough

Now that we’re mostly back to normal life and habits, a cold and flu season seems to be upon us. For some Hong Kongers, that means a persistent and annoying cough and sore throat. Cough medicine and cough syrup can provide temporary relief, but if you’re looking for a more natural remedy, there are other options available. I’ll share my favorite natural products to help my body heal during times of respiratory stress.

Foundationally, I also make sure I keep with my chiropractic adjustment schedule so that my body is in the best possible shape to heal. The physical stress of coughing can cause tight muscles and joints. The chemical stress of dehydration or taking pharmaceuticals can also be extra work for the body to make energy and detox. The emotional stress of having to pause life to rest and let the body heal can be a lot for someone who is accustomed to working long hours. Chiropractic adjustments help the body deal with all types of stress so it can be in an optimal state for fast healing.

To be as specific as possible in your body, you may want to know if your infection is caused by a virus or a bacteria. A visit to your doctor for a sputum (saliva and mucus) culture will determine this, but your doctor may also prescribe pharmaceuticals rather than natural remedies. If in doubt, I like to throw all of the following at an infection, as short-term use of these supplements is generally safe for me. Again, check with your healthcare provider before taking anything.

Sweet Wormwood (from the Artemisia genus) has been shown to inhibit replication of viruses and bacteria. You may be familiar with this plant extract in the drink absinthe. This means that, yes, taken in excess, Wormwood can be toxic to humans, so ask your doctor before taking it. My go-to brand is Gaia.

Oregano oil has been used to treat bacterial infections like Staphyloccus aureus - or Staph for short - without the added risk of creating antibiotic-resistance. In addition to fighting a sore throat, oregano oil can be used topically on skin or wound infections. I like Gaia brand.

Goldenseal is also a powerful anti-bacterial. It is often found in immune support compounds like this. Goldenseal and echinacea are often found together in immune support supplements, as echinacea has been found to be more effective in preventing transmission of a common cold, rather than treating it once the infection has set in.

Cinnamon oil is also helpful in fighting a variety of infections from respiratory to skin to sexually transmitted infections. For immune support, I like WishGarden.