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Coughs are one of the most common medical complaints

Cough

Understanding coughs

condition cough

It is normal for most of us to cough occasionally during an average day to ‘clear the throat’ or airways in general from inhaled dust or other particles, or food or drink which may have ‘gone down the wrong way’.  Coughs that are more persistent than this occasional ‘tickle in the throat’ may be linked to a cold, flu, or another health issue.

Coughs are one of the most common medical complaints and account for around 30 million doctor’s visits per year (1).  Most coughs tend to go away by themselves within 3 – 4 weeks and it is not usually recommended to visit a doctor for a simple acute cough (2) (see signs and symptoms section for exceptions to this).

When a cough goes on for a period of days or weeks, even if the cause is a simple cold or flu, it can become tiring for the body and begin to deplete energy reserves, which might make shaking it off more difficult.  This is where herbal medicines can be a great support in helping to reduce the impact of the cough on overall health and energy levels, providing support to overcome the underlying cause and restoring the body’s ability to shift it.

Many herbs are suitable for self-care. However if a health condition does not resolve with home remedies we recommend using the information in Herbal Reality along with your health advisors, especially herbal practitioners from the professional associations listed in our Resources page (‘If you want to find a herbalist”). When buying any herbal products, you should choose responsible manufacturers with independently assured quality standards and sustainability practices. Check the label carefully for the appropriate safety and sustainability information.

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