COUGH
TREATMENT IN AFRICA HERBAL MEDICINE BY BABALAWO OBANIFA -Obanifa Extreme Documentaries
-Reformed Africa Ifa Spirituality(RAIS)- Herbal Healing Series
In these
current work Babalawo Obanifa will documents in details varieties of herbal
formular available in Africa Herbal Medicine for the treatment of Cough in the field
of Africa herbal medicine. The work will for the purpose of education purpose first
examine and present medical information on treatment of cough as present by
trained health practitioners and medical authors . While the middle part of the
work will examine some widely use home remedies for treatment of cough. The
concluding part will document varieties of effective herbal remedies available
in Africa herbal medicine for the treatment of cough. According to explanation offer by Kati Blake and Daniel Murrell, MD on Cough treatment.
Kate Blake explain Coughing as a common
reflex action that clears your throat of mucus or foreign irritants. While
everyone coughs to clear their throat from time to time, a number of conditions
can cause more frequent coughing.
A
cough that lasts for less than three weeks is an acute cough. Most episodes of
coughing will clear up or at least significantly improve within two weeks.
If
your cough lasts between three and eight weeks, improving by the end of that
period, it’s considered a subacute cough. A persistent cough that lasts more
than eight weeks is a chronic
cough.
You
should see a doctor if you cough up blood
or have a “barking” cough. You should also contact them if your cough hasn’t
improved with a few weeks, as this could indicate something more serious.
A
cough can be caused by several conditions, both temporary and permanent.
Clearing the throat
Coughing
is a standard way of clearing
your throat. When your airways become clogged with mucus or foreign
particles such as smoke or dust, a cough is a reflex reaction that attempts to
clear the particles and make breathing easier.
Usually,
this type of coughing is relatively infrequent, but coughing will increase with
exposure to irritants such as smoke.
Viruses and bacteria
The
most common cause of a cough is a respiratory
tract infection, such as a cold or flu.
Respiratory
tract infections are usually caused by a virus and may last from a few days to
a week. Infections caused by the flu may take a little longer to clear up and
can sometimes require antibiotics.
Smoking
Smoking is
a common cause of coughing. A cough caused by smoking is almost always a chronic
cough with a distinctive sound. It’s often known as a smoker’s cough.
Asthma
A
common cause of coughing in young children is asthma.
Typically, asthmatic coughing involves wheezing, making it easy
to identify.
Asthma
exacerbations should receive treatment using an inhaler. It’s possible for
children to grow out of asthma as they get older.
Medicines
Some
medications will cause coughing, although this is generally a rare side effect.
Angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and
heart conditions, can cause coughing.
Two
of the more common ones are:
- Zestril (lisinopril)
- Vasotec (enalapril)
The
coughing stops when the medication is discontinued.
Other conditions
Other
conditions that may cause a cough include:
- damage to the vocal cords
- postnasal drip
- bacterial infections such as pneumonia, whooping cough, and croup
- serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism and heart failure
Another
common condition that can cause a chronic cough is gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). In this condition, stomach contents flow back into the
esophagus. This backflow stimulates a reflex in the trachea, causing the person
to cough.
Most
coughs will clear up, or at least significantly improve, within two weeks. If
you have a cough that hasn’t improved in this amount of time, see a doctor, as
it may be a symptom of a more serious problem.
If
additional symptoms develop, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms
to watch out for include:
Coughing up blood
or having difficulty breathing requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Coughs
can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the cause. For healthy
adults, most treatments will involve self-care.
At-home treatments
A
cough that results from a virus can’t be treated with antibiotics. You can,
however, soothe it in the following ways:
- Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Elevate your head with extra pillows when sleeping.
- Use cough drops to soothe your throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water regularly to remove mucus and soothe your throat.
- Avoid irritants, including smoke and dust.
- Add honey or ginger to hot tea to relieve your cough and clear your airway.
- Use decongestant sprays to unblock your nose and ease breathing.
.
Medical care
Typically,
medical care will involve your doctor looking down your throat, listening to
your cough, and asking about any other symptoms.
If
your cough is likely due to bacteria, your doctor will prescribe oral
antibiotics. You’ll usually need to take the medication for a week to fully
cure the cough. They may also prescribe either expectorant cough syrups or
cough suppressants that contain codeine.
If
your doctor can’t find a cause for your cough, they may order additional tests.
This could include:
- a chest X-ray to assess whether your lungs are clear
- blood and skin tests if they suspect an allergic response
- phlegm or mucus analysis for signs of bacteria or tuberculosis
It’s
very rare for a cough to be the only symptom of heart problems, but a doctor
may request an echocardiogram
to ensure that your heart is functioning correctly and isn’t causing the cough.
Difficult
cases may require additional testing:
- CT scan. A CT scan offers a more in-depth view of the airways and chest. It can be useful when determining the cause of a cough.
- Esophageal pH monitoring. If the CT scan doesn’t show the cause, your doctor may refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist or a pulmonary (lung) specialist. One of the tests these specialists may use is esophageal pH monitoring, which looks for evidence of GERD.
In
cases where the previous treatments are either not possible or extremely
unlikely to be successful, or the cough is expected to resolve without
intervention, doctors may prescribe cough suppressants.
In
most cases, a cough will disappear naturally within a week or two after it
first develops. Coughing won’t typically cause any long-lasting damage or
symptoms.
In
some cases, a severe cough may cause temporary complications such as:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headaches
- fractured ribs
These
are very rare, and they’ll normally cease when the cough disappears.
A
cough that’s the symptom of a more serious condition is unlikely to go away on
its own. If left untreated, the condition could worsen and cause other
symptoms.
While
infrequent coughing is necessary to clear the airways, there are ways you can
prevent other coughs.
Quit smoking
Smoking
is a common contributor to a chronic cough. It can be very difficult to cure a
smoker’s cough.
There
are a wide variety of methods available to help you stop
smoking, from gadgets to advice groups and support networks. After you stop
smoking, you’ll be much less likely to catch colds or experience a chronic
cough.
Dietary changes
An
older study in 2004 found that people who ate diets high in
fruit, fiber, and flavonoids were less likely to experience chronic respiratory
symptoms such as a cough.
If
you need help adjusting your diet, your doctor may be able to advise you or
refer you to a dietitian.
Medical conditions
If
you can, you should avoid anyone with a contagious illness, such as bronchitis, to avoid
coming into contact with germs.
Wash
your hands frequently and don’t share utensils, towels, or pillows.
If
you have existing medical conditions that increase your chances of developing a
cough, such as GERD or asthma, consult your doctor about different management
strategies. Once the condition is managed, you may find that your cough
disappears, or becomes much less frequent.
The Best Natural Cough Remedies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Herbal
Remedies for the Treatment of Cough In Africa Herbal Medicine as Document By
Obanifa
1
Ori
(shea butter)
Epo
Igi Ooro/oori/Akiro/Aya ( Bark stem of
Anitiaris Africana)
Preparation
You
will boil the two aforementioned items together with water.
Usage
The
patient will be drinking half glass of it three times daily.
2.
Ako
Kahun (Trona)
Omi
Osan ganyinganyin/Jaganyin (Juice of Citrus Medica)
Odidi
ataare kan ( A whole fruits of alligator pepper /Aframomum Melegueta)
Preparation
You
will grind the Trona and alligator pepper together to fine powder. You will
boil it with the juice of Citrus medica
Usage
The
patient will be drinking it.
3.
Egbo
Ipeta (Roots of Securidaca Longepedumculata)
Alubosa
(Onion/Allium Cepa)
Iyere
(Piper Guinesis)
Baaka
/Isu baaka (Chrysophylum develoyi/Chrysophyllum albidum)
Omi
osan wewe(juice of lime orange Citrus aurantifolia )
Preparations
You
will boil the aforementioned items with lime orange juice.
Usage
The
patient with cough will taking two full table spoon of the decoction two times
daily.
4.
Ireke
gidi (edible sugar cane /Sachharum Officinarum)
Ireke
Iko/Ireke Omode/Apeko/Teteregun(Costus Afer)
Ifoofo
Okun(Unidentfied)
Ako
kanhun (Trona)
Preparation
You
will boil the aforementioned items together .
Usage
The
patient with cough will be drinking one half glass of the herbal preparation
three times daily.
5.
Tete
Abalaye lopo (plenty of Amaranthus
virids )
Odidi
Opolo kan (One frog)
Odindin
atarre kan ( A whole alligator pepper)
Preparation
You
will burn the entire aforementioned items to fine powder . You will mix it with
Oyin Igan (Original natural honey) or Ogere Epo pupa (red palm oil).
Usage
The
patient with cough will be licking it.
6.
Ewe
Isu Ikooko(tender leaves of cocoyam plants ?Dosocorea Esculentum)
Ata
Ijosi(Capsicum annum/ also known as bird pepper)
Ede
pupa(Red color cray fish)
Preparation
You
will grind the aforementioned items together to fine paste. You will cook it in
form of soup for the patient to eat.
It
has been said that this preparation also works for asthma patients.
NB
: Anybody who uses this preparation
must avoid eating cocoyam or cocoyam products.
7.
Eepo
igi Asa/Arasa/Asasa/Ira/Asagbo/Asa Gidi (bark
stem of Bridelia Micrantha)
Eeru
awonka(Unidentified)
Preparation
You will boil the aforementioned items with
water.
Usage
The
patient with cough will be drinking it one glass of it three times daily.
8.
Eepo
Igi Amuje(Bark stem of Dragons blood tree /Harungana Madagascarienses)
Eepo
igi Obi(bark stem of kola nut tree)
Eepo
igi Opoto( bark stem Ficus capensis)
Ogede
Omini dudu(unripe fruits of Musa Sapentum)
Aidan
(tetrapleural tetrapetra )
Ogri
Ijebu(Unidentified )
Preparation
You
will boil it with water.
Usage
Patient
with cough will be drinking one glass of it three times daily.
9.
Eepo
igi Irere
Eepo
igi Oguro
Eepo
igi akomu
Preparation
You
will boil the aforementioned items together with water.
Usage
The
patient will be drinking it once a
day
10.
Epo
Igi olosan
Eepo
igi peregun
Eepo
igi Akomu
Igi
ireke apeko/Peregun
Iresile
ewe omo
Egbo
Isa
Ako
kanhun
Omidun
Preparation
You
will boil everything together with the supernatant of corn paste.
Usage
The
patient will drink one glass of it three
times daily.
11.
Eeru
(Xylopia aethiopica)
Iyo
(salt)
Preparation
You
will grind the Xylopia aethopica to fine powder . You will mix it with pinch of
table salts. The powder.
Usage
The
cough patient will be taking one shot of it daily.
12.
Omi
Osan Ganyinganyin/Jaganyin(Juice of Citrus aurantifolia /Citrus Medica)
Oyin
Igan (Original wild honey)
Preparation
You
will mix the aforementioned items together.
Usage
Patient
with cough will be taking one glass of it daily.
13.
Ewe
Olomisinmisin /Oju ologbo (Fresh leaves of Abrus Precatorius )
Ogede
pipon ( Musa sapentum/ripe banana)
Ori
(shea butter)
Omi
ori Ogi/Omi ekan (supernatant of corn paste)
Preparation
You
will boil the aforementioned items together. You will sieve it.
Usage
The
patient with cough will be drinking one glass of it daily.
15.
Orogbo
(fruits of Gracina Kola)
Obontoyo
/ Obu otoyo (Unidentified/ Some say it is Sodium chloride)
Fofo
Okun ( Francolintheae)
Preparation
You
will grind the aforementioned items together to fine powder . mix it with
natural honey.
Usage
The
patient with cough will be licking it.
16.
Ewe
Dagunro ( leaves of Alternanthera Repens )
Ata
ijosin (Capsicum annum)
Parkia
Clappertoniana
Iru
(Locust beans)
Preparation
You
will grind the leaves together and use the paste to cook fresh beef in form of
pepper soup.
Usage
The
patients with cough will eat it.
17.
Isu
eso aidan (Spine of Tetrapleura Tetrapetra)
Ireke
apeko/Teteregun ( stem of custos Afer)
Isuemeri
/Ogede Odo (Crinum jagus)
Alubosa
elewe(Allium ascalonicum)
Ogede
Omini(Musa Sapentum)
Preparation
You
will pound them together to fine paste. Put it in water . You will allow it to
ferment for three hours . You will then sieve
it ,you will add original natural honey
to it .
Usage
The
patient with cough will be taking one table spoon of it daily .
Sources
of medical Information presents in this work
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10.1164/rccm.200306-789OC
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(n.d.).
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nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cough
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Irwin RS.
(2006). Chronic cough due to gastroesophageal reflux disease: ACCO
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ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16428697
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Copyright :Babalawo Pele
Obasa Obanifa, phone and whatsapp contact :+2348166343145. Nigeria.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : As
regards the article above, all rights reserved, no part of this article may be
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