*This post is in partnership with Pascoe Canada
The body uses coughing as a way to remove harmful bacteria, dust or irritants from the respiratory system. This natural reflex can protect your lungs but it can cause pain and can be uncomfortable.
With a bad cough, it can even keep you up at night. Proper sleep is essential for a healthy gut. In this post, I want to share some natural remedies to help ease the discomfort of coughs.
Most conventional cough syrups are filled with refined sugars and dyes which can be harmful to our health. The remedies in this post will help to address the cause and relieve symptoms.
What causes coughs?
Coughing is a natural way that our body helps to assist with clearing the airways of things like mucus, bacteria and dust. These substances can build-up in our airways and our body works hard to expel them out to help our lungs. This reflex is actually a defence mechanism that our body uses to keep our lungs safe and to avoid infections and inflammation.
Common irritants that cause coughs:
- Mucus
- Mold
- Dust
- Pollen
- Smoke
Natural Cough Remedies
Tussiflorin Thyme Herbal Cough Syrup is made with pure thyme extract. It is a great-tasting expectorant and can be used by the whole family. It is effective enough for adults but can be used as a kid’s cough syrup or a toddler’s cough syrup (suitable for ages 1 and older).
This cough syrup is perfect for both dry and wet coughs.
Benefits include:
- Cough expectorant made with pure thyme extract
- Relieves coughs and other disturbances of the upper respiratory tract
- Provides wet and dry cough relief
- Helps to open up airways
- Facilitates the loosening/removal of mucous and phlegm
- Soothes a sore throat (eases irritation in the throat) and relaxes bronchial muscles
- Relieves symptoms of cold and flu
- Low alcohol and sugar content
- Can be used as a kid cough syrup or a toddlers cough syrup
- Tastes great, even kids will love the taste!
- Suitable for ages 1 and older – perfect for the whole family!
Benefits of Thyme
Thyme has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb to aid a host of various ailments. Today, modern herbal medicine has also claimed thyme as a valuable plant for coughs and colds, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and whooping cough. Thyme has long been one of the best natural remedies for cough. With its antibacterial, anti-fungal and antispasmodic effects, thyme fights agents that cause bronchitis and helps to subdue coughs.
Thyme leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and reduces inflammation. It helps to relax bronchial muscles and tames a spasmodic cough with its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. As one of the best and most effective natural remedies for cough, thyme works as a first-rate expectorant that helps the body loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and expel.
Learn more about Tussiflorin® Thyme Herbal Cough Syrup by clicking here.
2. Immune-Supporting Foods
When you are sick, it is important to nourish your body with whole foods. There are foods you can focus on which will help to thin mucous, soothe the muscles, reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
Water: It is important to stay hydrated with water during the day with approximately 16 oz. every two hours. This will help to thin the mucous and break down any buildup.
Bone broth: Making a nourishing bone broth can be incredibly soothing for a sore cough. It can also support the gut which can strengthen the immune system as nearly 80% of the immune system resides in the gut.
Raw garlic: Garlic contains medicinal properties, mainly through one of its sulphur compounds called allicin.
Allicin is traditionally used in herbal medicine to help relieve the symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections and catarrhal conditions.
Garlic is remarkable for the number of compounds it contains, including seventeen amino acids, at least 33 sulphur compounds, eight minerals (germanium, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc) and the vitamins A, B and C.
Ginger tea: Ginger is a powerful antibacterial and antiviral with antifungal properties. This makes it perfect to use during a cold or flu and especially when recovering from a cough.
During an illness, it is recommended to avoid foods that could contribute to the production of mucous. Specific types of foods to avoid include refined sugar, pop, fruit juices, candy, conventional dairy and refined carbs. Instead, focus on nutrient-dense foods which will help to support the immune system so you can feel better much quicker.
Mushroom Thyme Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tbs. ghee
- 1 lbs. cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 cup cassava flour
- 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 can full-fat coconut milk
Instructions
- In a large pot on medium-high heat, add the ghee, onions and mushrooms and sautee for 10 minutes.
- Allow the soup to come to a simmer.
- Next, add in the broth, coconut milk, cassava flour, salt, pepper, thyme and garlic powder. Stir well to avoid the cassava flour from clumping.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes for the mushrooms to soften and for the soup to thicken.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Along with proper nutrition and lifestyle, Pascoe Canada’s herbal supplements can be excellent supporting tools to help you and your family to support your immune system during the cold & flu season.
To learn more about Pascoe Canada’s products, visit their website here: https://www.pascoe.ca/
Always consult your doctor before you begin taking a supplement or make any changes to your existing medication and supplement routine. This is not medical advice, but it is information you can use as a conversation-starter with your physician at your next appointment.
