Frank's Homeopathic Advice on Coughs
Friday, 05 March 2010 12:13
Homeopathy can be quite effective in dealing with coughs, but it is important to analyse your symptoms carefully before choosing a remedy
Everyone tends to take cough mixture or suck lozenges for coughs and although soothing, they sometimes don't fix the problem. I do find that anything with a liquorice base is more effective than most though.
Coughs are caused by an irritation in the throat triggering the cough reflex. Irritation can be caused by phlegm on the chest, after a dose of cold or flu, by a change in atmosphere, hot to cold or vice-versa. Also sinusitis and 'post nasal drip' sometimes caused by allergies.
A new persistent cough that does not resolve within a few days means a doctor's visit.
some of the remedies available
These a few of the main cough remedies that I use (all 30C potency):
- Bryonia- for a painful cough, worse for movement, when you have to hold your chest
- Phosphorus- for a tickly cough, worse for talking, usually after a cold. Can be painful.
- Pulsatilla- for a cough from allergy or a really runny cold, feeling weepy. Usually caused by 'post nasal drip' but can be very chesty with lots of mucous and phlegm. Worse at night.
- Causticum- a cough with hoarseness, irritating and tickling. Also a feeling that something is stuck on the chest.
- Drosera- Very good for night coughs in children especially if it makes them sick. Coughing as soon as they lie down.
- Ipecac- Wheezy,chesty cough with lots of phlegm. Always better after coughing.
- Kali Bich- Coughs associated with sinusitis, rattling with lots of phlegm.
This list is not complete as there are many more remedies indicated for cough. The remedies I have listed cover nearly all coughs but if you are still having problems, I may be able to help.
Remember if a cough is persistent and you have had it for longer than a few days a doctor visit is a must.
