Home Remedies
HERBAL REMEDY FOR DRY COUGH BY BABALAWO OBANIFA -Obanifa extreme documentaries
This work will document in detail some of the
herbal remedy available in Yoruba herbal
medicine for the treatment of dry cough(Iko Egbe ). The work
will first explore some of the medical explanation on dry cough present
by medical authors. The work of Corinne
O'Keefe Osborn Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD on January
3, 2018 title ,What is dry cough? Will be adopted in this work in presenting
Information on Dry Cough for education purpose. Before I embark on this documentation.
According
to Corinne
O'Keefe Osborn ,a cough
is a reflex action that clears your airway of irritants and mucus. There are
two types of cough: productive and nonproductive. A productive cough produces
phlegm or mucus, clearing it from the lungs. A nonproductive cough, also known
as a dry cough, doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus.
Many
things — from allergies
to acid reflux —
can cause a dry cough. In some cases, there’s no obvious cause.
Regardless
of the cause, an ongoing dry cough can seriously impact your day-to-day life,
especially if it’s worse at night.
Keep
reading to learn more about the possible causes of a dry cough and ways to find
relief.
Asthma
Asthma is a condition in
which your airways swell and become narrowed. Asthma-related
coughs can be both productive and nonproductive, but they’re frequently
nonproductive.
Coughing
is a common symptom of asthma, but it’s usually not the most prominent one.
However, there’s a type of asthma called cough variant
asthma (CVA) that includes a chronic dry cough as its main symptom.
Other
symptoms of asthma
can include:
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- tightness or pain in the chest
- trouble sleeping because of wheezing or coughing
- coughing or wheezing attacks
- a whistling sound while exhaling
Long-term
asthma treatment often involves long-acting medications like inhaled
corticosteroids, such as:
- fluticasone (Flovent)
- triamcinolone (Azmacort)
- budesonide (Pulmicort)
Short-acting
medications used for treatment of occasional asthma attacks include
bronchodilator inhalers such as albuterol
(Proventil, Ventoline). These can also be part of a long-term treatment plan. Find out which
type of treatment is best for you.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
(GERD) is a type of chronic acid reflux. It happens when stomach acid
regularly flows back up into your esophagus, which connects your mouth to your
stomach. Stomach acid can irritate your esophagus and trigger your cough
reflex.
Other
symptoms of GERD:
- heartburn
- chest pain
- regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- feeling of a lump in the back of the throat
- chronic cough
- chronic sore throat
- mild hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing
Most
people find relief from GERD through a combination of lifestyle changes and
over-the-counter (OTC) acid reducers such as omeprazole
(Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid). You can also try
these home remedies for acid reflux and GERD.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip refers
to extra mucus dripping down your throat. When you have a cold or seasonal
allergies, the membranes in your nose respond by producing more mucus than
usual. Unlike normal (healthy) mucus, this mucus is watery and runny, so it
drips easily down the back of your throat.
Postnasal
drip can tickle the nerves in the back of your throat, triggering a cough.
Other
symptoms of postnasal drip include:
- sore throat
- feeling of a lump in the back of the throat
- trouble swallowing
- runny nose
- coughing at night
Treatment
for postnasal drip will depend on what’s causing it. It’s usually the result of
allergies, a bacterial infection, or a virus.
Regardless
of the underlying cause, steam from a hot shower or tea pot can help to clear
out your sinuses. A saline nasal spray or neti pot can
also help to flush out extra mucus.
Viral infection
When
you get infected with one of the many viruses that cause the common cold, your short-term
symptoms usually last less than a week. It’s not uncommon, however, for a
cough to linger long after your other symptoms have improved.
These
post-cold coughs are usually dry and can last for up to two months. They’re
usually the result of irritation in your airway, which is often overly
sensitive after a viral illness.
This
type of cough is difficult to treat and often requires time and patience.
Coughing only increases the irritation in your airway, so try using throat
lozenges and warm liquids to soothe your throat. This may help to reduce your
coughing, giving your airway a chance to heal.
Environmental irritants
There
are many things in the air that can irritate your airways, including smoke,
pollution, dust, mold, and pollen. Chemical particles, such as sulfur dioxide
or nitric oxide, can also cause problems. Even clean air that’s too dry or too
cold can cause a dry cough for some people.
If
you live in a dry climate, try using a humidifier
to add some moisture to the air in your home.
ACE inhibitors
ACE
inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec)
and lisinopril
(Prinivil, Zestril), are prescription drugs that treat a variety of conditions,
including high
blood pressure.
One
of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a chronic dry cough.
According to Harvard Health, around 20 percent of people taking ACE inhibitors experience a dry
cough.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough, which is
also called pertussis, is a very contagious condition that causes a severe dry
cough. It’s followed up by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when you breathe in. It
can be easily confused for a common cold in its early stages, but it eventually
causes uncontrollable coughing fits.
Whooping
cough used to be a common childhood disease, but now most children are
vaccinated against it. Today, it’s more common in children too young to have
completed their vaccinations or in teens and adults whose immunity has
decreased overtime.
Collapsed lung
A
collapsed lung, also known as a pneumothorax, happens
when your lung suddenly deflates. It can happen either on its own or in
response to a chest injury. It’s more common in people with underlying lung
disease.
In
addition to a dry cough, a collapsed lung can also cause sudden chest pain and
shortness of breath.
Lung cancer
While
it’s not likely, sometimes an ongoing dry cough can be a sign of lung cancer.
A cough related to lung cancer usually doesn’t go away, and it might change over
time. For example, your cough might become more painful or have a different
sound. Other possible symptoms of lung cancer include:
- coughing up blood, even a small amount
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- wheezing
- hoarseness
- unexplained weight loss
If
your dry cough is accompanied by any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.
Especially if you smoke or have a family history of lung cancer.
Heart failure
Heart failure
happens when your heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it’s supposed to.
It’s more common in people with conditions like coronary
artery disease and high
blood pressure, which can decrease your heart’s ability to pump blood
effectively. A persistent, dry cough is one symptom of heart failure. However,
it can also cause a cough that produces foamy white or pink-tinted mucus.
Other
symptoms of heart failure include:
- shortness of breath that may be sudden or severe
- fatigue and weakness
- rapid or irregular heartbeat
- swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
- lack of appetite or nausea
- abdominal swelling
- fluid retention
- trouble concentrating
Dry
coughs can be difficult to treat. Once your airways become overly sensitive,
they’re easily irritated by coughing, creating a vicious cycle. There are a few
things you can do for relief, regardless of what’s causing your cough.
Try:
- sucking on throat lozenges to moisturize and soothe irritated throat tissue
- taking OTC cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin), to suppress your cough reflex
- adding honey to a hot drink to soothe irritated throat tissue
1. Honey
Honey
is a time-honored remedy for a sore throat. According to one studyTrusted Source, it can also relieve coughs more
effectively than over-the-counter medicines that contain dextromethorphan (DM),
a cough suppressant.
You can create
your own remedy at home by mixing up to 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or
warm water and lemon. The honey does the soothing, while the lemon juice can
help with congestion. You can also simply eat the honey by the spoonful or
spread it on bread for a snack.
2. Probiotics
Probiotics
are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t
relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastrointestinal flora.
Gastrointestinal flora are the bacteria that live in your intestines.
This balance can
support immune system function throughout the body. EvidenceTrusted Source also suggests that Lactobacillus,
a bacterium in dairy, can reduce the likelihood of a cold or flu and
sensitivity to certain allergens, such as pollen.
Fortified milk is
a great source of Lactobacillus. You should be cautious, however, as
dairy may make phlegm thicker. You can also purchase probiotic supplements at
most health food stores and drug stores. Each supplement manufacturer may have
different daily recommended intakes. Probiotics are also added to some yogurt
types and are present in miso soup and sourdough breads.
3. Bromelain
You don’t usually think
of pineapple
as a cough remedy, but that’s probably because you’ve never heard of bromelain.
There’s evidence to suggest that bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem
and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs as well as loosen the mucus in your throat. To enjoy the most benefits of
pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh
pineapple juice three times a day.
There are also claims
that it can help relieve sinusitis
and allergy-based sinus issues, which can contribute to coughs and mucus.
However, there is insufficient evidenceTrusted Source to support
this. It’s also sometimes used to treat inflammation and swelling.
Bromelain
supplements should not be taken by children or adults who take blood thinners.
Also, be careful using bromelain if you’re also on antibiotics such as
amoxicillin, as it can increase the absorption of the antibiotic. Always speak
to your doctor before taking new or unfamiliar supplements.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint
leaves are well known for their healing properties. Menthol in peppermint
soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. You
can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapors from a
steam bath. To make a steam bath, add 3 or 4 drops of peppermint oil for every
150 milliliters of hot water. Drape a towel over your head, and take deep
breaths directly above the water.
5. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is
made from Althaea officinalis, a perennial that flowers in summer. The
leaves and roots of the herb have been used since ancient times to treat sore
throats and suppress coughs. There are no well-controlled studies to support
these claims, but the herb is generally considered safe.
The marshmallow
herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation.
Today, you can get
marshmallow root as tea or in capsule form. The warm tea can be soothing to a
cough that’s accompanied by a sore throat. Marshmallow root is not recommended
for children.
Get marshmallow root tea or capsules here.
6. Thyme
Thyme is
used by some for respiratory illnesses. One studyTrusted Source suggests that the essence extracted from
thyme leaves mixed with ivy can help relieve coughing as well as short-term bronchitis. The leaves
contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in
coughing and lessen inflammation.
You can make thyme
tea at home using 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves and 1 cup of boiling
water. Cover the cup, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
7. Salt and water gargle
While the remedy
may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy
throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8
ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation.
Note that children
under age 6 aren’t especially good at gargling. It’s best to try other remedies
for this age group.
How to prevent coughing
In addition to
learning how to treat a cough, you might want to learn how to prevent them in
the first place. To protect against flu, make sure you get your annual flu shot,
usually starting in October. Other steps you can take include:
- Avoid coming in contact with others who are sick. If you know you are sick, avoid going to work or school so you will not infect others.
- Cover your nose and mouth whenever your cough or sneeze.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Clean the common areas of your home, work, or school frequently. This is especially true for countertops, toys, or mobile phones.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone who is sick.
With allergies,
you can reduce flare-ups by identifying the allergens that affect you and
avoiding exposure to them. Common allergens include trees, pollen, dust mites,
animal fur, mold, and insects. Allergy shots
are helpful as well and can reduce your sensitivity to allergens. Talk to your
doctor about what plan is right for you.
When to call your doctor
Seek emergency
medical treatment if your cough is affecting your ability to breathe or if
you’re coughing
up blood. Respiratory
tract infections involve body aches and fever, whereas allergies do not.
See your primary
care physician if you experience the following symptoms in addition to your
cough:
- chills
- dehydration
- fever higher than 101˚F (38˚C)
- malaise, or a general feeling of being unwell
- productive cough that has foul-smelling, thick, green- or yellow-tinted phlegm
- weakness
Dry
coughs can be annoying, especially when they seem to drag on for weeks. If it starts to
wreak havoc on your sleep schedule, try these tips to stop coughing at night.
If
you’re not sure what’s causing it, work with your doctor to figure out the best
course of treatment. In the meantime, a combination of home remedies and OTC
medications can provide some relief.
Herbal
Remedies for Dry Cough in Yoruba Herbal Medicine as Document By Babalawo
Obanifa
1
Omi
igbin ife kan(one full cup of snail slime/water)
Oyin
igan ike kan (one full cup of natural
honey)
Preparation
You
will mix the aforementioned items together
Usage
Adult
will be taking two table spoon of it
daily. Children will be taking one table spoon of it daily.
2
Egbo
lali(lali root/unidentified)
Ogede odo(Crinum jagus)
Omi
ori ogi(supernatant of corn paste)
Oyin
Igan ( natural honey)
Preparation
You
will put everything inside clay pot and boil it with supertnatant of corn
paste.
Usage
You
will be drinking one glass of it before food
in the morning.
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