Chinese Medicine for Cough

Coughing can be a bothersome symptom, whether it’s caused by a common cold, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on treating coughs, with a focus on addressing the underlying causes and patterns of disharmony in the body.

In this article, we’ll explore the various TCM remedies for cough, how they work, and when to use them.

Healthy natural green tea with ginger root, honey and lemons source

Table of Contents

Understanding the Different Types of Cough

TCM emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between different types of coughs and tailoring treatments accordingly. Common patterns include:

Wind-Heat Cough: This type of cough is characterized by sticky phlegm that’s challenging to expel. It’s often associated with fever and can be treated with cooling and moistening herbs to clear heat from the lungs.
Cold Cough: A cold-related cough is usually accompanied by chills. It’s treated with warming and dispersing herbs to address coldness in the body.
Yin Deficiency Cough: Yin deficiency results in dryness and can lead to a persistent, dry cough. Herbs that nourish yin and moisten the lungs are typically used to treat this pattern.
Phlegm-Damp Cough: This cough is characterized by excessive phlegm, making it challenging to breathe and leading to chest congestion. Herbs that eliminate phlegm and promote expectoration are employed in this case.
Qi Deficiency Cough: Qi deficiency may lead to a weak, chronic cough. TCM practitioners use herbs that strengthen the lungs and replenish qi to address this pattern.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies

1. Pei Pa Koa

Ingredients: Loquat, fritillaria bulb, and other natural herbal ingredients.

Usage: Pei Pa Koa is an all-natural soothing syrup that helps ease sore throats, expectorate phlegm, and stop coughing. It’s particularly suitable for those with yin deficiency coughs.

Read more: Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa(京都念慈菴川貝枇杷膏)

2. Pummelo Peel

Ingredients: Pummelo peel (huajuhong).

Usage: Pummelo peel is widely used in TCM for respiratory diseases. It can eliminate phlegm, relieve coughing, and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.

3. Xiaoqinglong Decoction

Ingredients: Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQL).

Usage: Xiaoqinglong decoction is employed to treat respiratory diseases, including cough and asthma. It has been used effectively in the treatment of COVID-19.

4. Natural Remedies

Ingredients: Honey, ginger, hot drinks, elderberry, menthol, and more.

Usage: Various natural remedies like honey, ginger, and hot drinks can help soothe cough symptoms and promote recovery. These remedies are especially useful in alleviating throat irritation and reducing mucus production.

Considerations and Precautions

TCM remedies for cough should be used according to the specific pattern and underlying cause of the cough. It’s essential to consult a qualified TCM practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
TCM remedies can interact with conventional medications, so inform your healthcare provider about any herbal remedies you are using.
The effectiveness of TCM remedies may vary from person to person, and results may take time to manifest.
Always source TCM remedies from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.

In conclusion, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to addressing coughs by focusing on the root causes and patterns of disharmony in the body.

By understanding the type of cough you have and using the appropriate TCM remedy, you can promote healing and alleviate discomfort. It’s important to work with a qualified TCM practitioner to receive the most effective and safe treatment tailored to your individual needs.

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Understanding the Different Types of Cough