"Cough Relief Herbal Formula" is designed to fight the respiratory infection and relieve the symptoms of mild coughs and cold. Rather than suppressing the coughs, it encourages the removal of mucus in order to flush out microbes that clog the respiratory tract. Some of the herbs help reduce the cough by relaxing bronchial tubes and soothing the irritation.

Chronic coughs that last longer than few weeks are signs of weak immune system. It may accompany long standing inflammation or infection in the respiratory tracts. Coughs either acute or chronic can often be exacerbated by environmental irritants such as personal care products, car fumes, air pollution, cleansing products or even acid reflux. Thick mucus can be produced from nose or bronchial tubes as the body tries to trap the pathogens in the respiratory tracts by coating the mucus membrane. Cough develop as the cough mechanism gets triggered as an effort to expel the mucus. Although coughs are necessary for your body to clear out the microbes and its debris, a severe cough can deplete one’s energy and burden other organs such as heart. Coughs lingering long after cold and flu can also make one prone to developing chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia if left untreated. Cold suppressants and other anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to manage the symptoms and to resolve the infection. However, It is important to enhance the body’s ability to defend the system by strengthening the immune system and tonifying the respiratory function.

Here are some of the herbs used to relieve a cough and help resolve the respiratory infection.

Thymus is antiseptic and relaxing expectorant. The essential oil, thymol, also plays a role in relaxing the bronchial tubes and has been used for whooping coughs and bronchitis. (1)

A small dose of ginger added to the formula will help the body to sweat and encourage the removal of dead cells owing to its diaphoretic and circulatory stimulant properties.(2) Elecampane is a respiratory antimicrobial and stimulating expectorant which helps get the mucus out from the airways. It relaxes the smooth muscles of lungs and gently promotes effective cough.(2) Mullein is one of the best soothing expectorants that is used to remove the congestion and relieve dry and hard coughs brought on by irritated or inflamed lungs. It has a moderate mucilageous property like a licorice and marshmallow, making it suitable for its use in all ages. (3) Licorice is a favoured herb for treating the respiratory conditions in Western and Eastern herbal medicine. It contains saponins and glycyrrhizin that mimic the steroid and reduce inflammation. (Read cautions for people taking Diuretics/ Antihypertensive Drugs)

*This formula can benefit people experiencing the following symptoms:

Coughs (mild or persistent), clear or yellow mucus, dry/sore tickly throat, frequent throat clearing, hoarseness, mild fever, feeling very tired, low appetite, and other symptoms of low respiratory tract symptoms.

*Herbs included:

Elecampane (Inula helenium), Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

*Recommended Dosage:

Adults: 7.5ml twice daily

Children (5-10yr): 2.5ml twice daily

Children (11-16yr): 5ml twice daily

Sensitive individuals are recommended to start 1/2 of the recommended dosage and slowly increase the dosage over 2 weeks until you are at the recommended dosage.

*Cautions:

-Do not take Herbal Formula if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

-5ml of Herbal Formula contains ALCOHOL that is equivalent to 1/6 of a standard glass of beer. The human liver is conditioned to metabolise a small amount of alcohol. However, if you have a LIVER problem or has a history of alcohol dependence, speak to your health practitioner before use.

-Discontinue the Herbal Formula if you experience any abnormal symptoms eg. heart palpitation, diarrhoea, stomach ache and/or skin rash. Contact the herbalist for further instructions.

*If you are experiencing a fever lasting more than 4 days and coughs that are not relieved by natural remedies, do not hesitate to seek the advices of professional health practitioners. Persistent coughs can be sigsn of acute bronchitis which can progress to pneumonia, a very dangerous respiratory condition that needs an antibiotic treatment and monitoring of the medical care.

-If you are taking pharmaceutical drugs, you must speak to herbalist or personal health practitioner to avoid herb/drug interactions.

-If you are taking antacid drugs(eg.Pantoprazole, SOMAC), Anticoagulant/ Antiplatelet drugs/ Warfarin (eg.phenprocoumon), it is best to speak to personal health practitioner before taking this formula as Zingiber officinale may affect the effectiveness of drug.

-DO NOT TAKE this formula if you are taking antihypertrnsive medications such as THIAZIDES OR LOOP DIURETICS or DIGOXIN. Do not use this formula longer than 2 weeks if you are on Potassium-depleting drugs (eg. Corticosteroids, stimulant laxatives) due to a risk of developing hypokalaemia. Speak to a personal health practitioner before use if you are on Cilostazol, Corticosteroid (prednisolone), Immunosuppressives (eg.sirolimus), Midazolam, Omeprazole (PPI) due to Licorice/ Drug interactions.

*Disclaimer: This Herbal Formula is not intended to treat or cure any medical conditions.

Ref:

(1)Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. Viking Arkana (Penguin), London, 1991. (2)Mills SY. The A-Z of Modern Herbalism. Thorsons, London, 1989. (3)tralia, 1983. 4 Mills SY. The A-Z of Modern Herbalism. Thorsons, London, 1989.