I read in the paper the other day that more than half of the people seeking medical care during the winter and early spring months do so because of the common cough. Then, a couple of pages later in that same paper, I read that the American College of Chest Physicians had recently issued a statement that cough syrups do not cure cough.

I couldn't ignore that kind of synchronicity and immediately called Mark A. Stengler, ND, associate clinical professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, to find out about natural cough treatment alternatives.

START WITH DIET

His recommendations may come as no surprise to regular Daily Health News readers. First, said Dr. Stengler, eliminate foods that encourage mucus production. These are dairy products... chocolate... bananas... processed and refined foods... fried foods... and junk foods. Simple sugars should be avoided as well because they suppress immune function.

To thin mucus secretions, drink as much as a glass of water every two waking hours. And yes, your mother was right -- homemade chicken broth does help clear mucus. Dr. Stengler suggests adding some garlic or ginger to your chicken soup for immune support (and a nice flavor kick, besides). Hot barley soup made with any kind of stock is another good choice to reduce phlegm.

HERBAL HELP

Dr. Stengler recommends several herbs for cough. For optimum effect, he suggests using more than one. Although many are readily available at your local health-food store, it is best to speak with a trained professional before using more than one...

• Echinacea and goldenseal. For acute bronchitis with a wet, mucous cough, take both together in a dosage of 500 mg of each herb in capsule form four times daily... or 30 drops of tincture of each (total of 60 drops), four times daily. If it is a dry cough, then just take the echinacea at 500 mg four times daily... or 30 drops of tincture four times daily. Both herbs enhance immune function, and goldenseal works especially well in drying up mucus. Side effects: None for short-term use.
• Astragalus (also known as huang qi in Chinese medicine). This herb is an excellent treatment for acute as well as chronic bronchitis. Astragalus strengthens weak lungs and increases the body's general resistance to infection. Dosage typically is 300 mg to 500 mg in capsule form, three times daily... or 2 ml of tincture three times daily. Side effects: Astragalus is generally considered safe.
• Licorice. It reduces coughing, enhances immune function and soothes an inflamed respiratory tract. Licorice is effective with both wet, mucous coughs and dry, hacking coughs. One cautionary note: Licorice is contraindicated if you have high blood pressure, though deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice is generally considered safe for those with high blood pressure. Dose: 30 drops of tincture four times daily... or one cup of licorice tea three times daily.
• Cherry bark. For short-term easing of dry, hacking cough, take 500 mg of the capsule daily... or 2 ml of the tincture four times daily. Side effects: None for short-term use.

Finally, there's N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is not an herb but an amino-acid derivative. NAC reduces the viscosity or thickness of phlegm so that it is easier to expectorate. NAC is especially useful in reducing postnasal drip, which is a common cause of cough. NAC is also helpful for acute and chronic bronchitis, especially in smokers and in persons with asthma or emphysema. Dosage is often 500 mg, in capsule form, twice daily. Side effects: None, for short-term use.

Dr. Stengler prescribes more than one of these remedies at a time for his patients. It's best to check with a trained professional before you take these remedies on your own.

HOMEOPATHIC COUGH REMEDIES

As an alternative to over-the-counter cough syrups, Dr. Stengler recommends those homeopathic remedies specifically indicated for cough. For those who are not familiar with homeopathic remedies, they are incredibly specific with regard to the symptoms they impact. For example, the homeopathic products company Boiron produces a product called Spongia Tosta, whose label indicates it is effective for "croupy cough"... and another of its products, Antimonium Tartaricum, is indicated for "wet cough due to colds." Find the product that best addresses your symptoms.

Products by Boiron and another homeopathic medicine producer, Hylands, are available in most health-food stores. Hylands products are sold at the national chains CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. Both companies have Web sites as well (Boiron.com and Hylands.com). That said, a naturopathic physician can best guide you to the product that fits your symptoms.

Always remember that a lingering cough is a signal that something is wrong. If the above remedies don't work and the cough persists for more than a few days, definitely see your doctor.

Be well,

Carole Jackson
Bottom Line's Daily Health News

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