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What is a cough? Here are some remedies!
Many people mistakenly believe that cough is a disease, but this is not the case. Cough is not the disease, but it's a symptom resulting from a whole series of more or less serious illnesses that can range from simple cold syndrome to more serious respiratory system problems.
In practice, coughing is a reflex our body activates when certain components of the respiratory system experience a change in normal function. The cough reflex attempts to remove pathogens, either through direct mechanical stimulation (i.e., pushing them directly into the mouth) or by encouraging the return of sputum (better known as phlegm), where pathogens or harmful agents have become trapped.
We can have a cough with high phlegm production, commonly referred to as a productive cough, or a cough resulting from irritation, commonly referred to as a dry cough. There are several nutraceutical support solutions for this as well.
As seen in many cases, cough is a symptom; the use of nutraceuticals provides relief until the underlying problem is resolved. In other cases, such as those involving predominantly irritant symptoms, nutraceuticals can also prove to be effective.
Different approaches may imply solutions for the effect:
- mucolytic/fluidifying (particularly indicated for productive coughs);
- sedative (particularly suitable for dry cough);
- spasmolytic;
- decongestant;
- protective emollient (particularly suitable for dry coughs).
What substances calm a cough?
Among mucolytics/fluidifiers it is possible to find a notable range of plant-based extracts such as:
- The Tolu Balsam which also shows antibacterial activity;
- Thyme and Eucalyptus known for their balsamic properties;
- the extract of violet flowers also useful in case of colds;
- there bromelain which combines the mucolytic function with the anti-inflammatory function;
- Icelandic Cetraia which boasts decongestant properties;
- N-Acetylcysteine is particularly useful when purulent catarrh is present.
- If we want to examine the extracts with sedative action, the following ones appear to be extremely interesting:hyssop, generally useful for cold syndromes and especially theivy, a historic remedy mentioned in various international pharmacopoeias for its notable sedative/soothing properties.
Among the substances with spasmolytic/bronchodilatory action, the most notable is sundew particularly indicated not only for dry coughs but also for asthmatic symptoms of various kinds.
Moving on to substances with decongestant action, the elder It is useful for all those situations where, in addition to the hyperproduction of mucus, there are inflamed mucous membranes.
The mucilage content of elderberry is also very interesting for its emollient/protective properties, especially when combined with marshmallow extract, which is known to protect mucous membranes in cases of coughs and colds.
Obviously, an integrated approach to cough involves the combination of multiple of these functionally matched remedies, to provide relief from all symptoms related to the presence of cough.
Once the type of cough has been identified, the type of person the product is intended for must also be carefully considered. In fact, respiratory conditions typical of childhood often appear quite different from those of adults, both in origin and in the severity and type of symptoms.
The rational use of possible combinations with the substances illustrated allows for the creation of specific remedies with tailor-made solutions for each individual's specific problems.
