Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the mucus membranes in the respiratory tract. It is highly contagious and often affects children. The disease is characterized by sore throat, fever and mucus secretion from the nose and sinuses. The primary symptom is the cough, which is loud, persistent and spasmodic. Certain herbal remedies may be helpful in treating whopping cough; however, herbs can produce side effects. Consult a health practitioner before using herbs to treat whooping cough.
Sundew -- Drosera Rotundifolia
Sundew possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and is used to treat ailments of the respiratory tract. It can be used for whooping cough, to sooth and calm the airways and to relax the bronchial tubes. Spasmodic, loud coughing may lessen and settle down with this herbal remedy. Sundew has a bitter taste and is generally used as a tea or in extract form. Although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of sundew in patients with whooping cough, antibiotics may be needed as well. Consult your doctor or herbal practitioner if you or your child has whooping cough.
Sundew is also available as a homeopathic remedy referred to by its Latin name, Drosera rotundifolia. The remedy is also used extensively for the treatment of loud, persistent, spasmodic coughing, according to homeopath Frans Vermeulen in the "Synoptic Materia Medica." The person needing Drosera often complains of sharp pains in the chest with a tickling sensation in the throat during coughing. The individual may become worse when lying down at night the moment her head hits the pillow. Along with the spasmodic whooping cough, the person may be hoarse and notice excessive sweating during the night. Drosera is available over-the-counter from health food stores. Contact your health practitioner before using either Drosera in homeopathic form or Sundew in herbal form.
Marshmallow Root -- Althaea Officinalis
Marshmallow root was used by the Dakota Indians historically and is used by contemporary herbalists for a variety of diseases, especially those that affect the respiratory tract. Traditionally the herb was boiled in either milk or wine and given to people to relieve coughing, bronchitis and whooping cough. It is found in combination with other herbs as a cough tonic. Marshmallow contains mucilage, which creates a thin film that covers irritated membranes of the throat, helping to quiet coughs. Speak to your health practitioner before using this herb for whooping cough.
Grindelia
The herb grindelia has antispasmodic properties that may be useful in the treatment of whooping cough. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and an expectorant, helping to loosen tightness in the chest and expel mucus. Grindelia is primarily found in herbal cough tonics blended with marshmallow root, licorice root, yerba santa, mullein and other herbs that treat coughs. The herb is available in health food stores, as are herbal cough tonics. Grindelia can aggravate the cough in a patient suffering from whooping cough. Consult with your herbal practitioner before using the herb on your own.
Grindelia is also available as a homeopathic remedy of the same name. The remedy is especially suited to a person with wheezing and spasmodic coughing, which produces thick, foamy mucus that is difficult to expel. The person needing this remedy may have extreme difficulty breathing when lying down, especially during coughing episodes, and must sit up to catch his breath. Grindelia is available through most homeopathic practitioners or from online homeopathic pharmacies. Consult your homeopath before using this remedy.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
- AltMD: Herbal Remedies for Whooping Cough
- "Materia Medica With Repertory"; Dr. William Boericke; 1991
- Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin -- La Cross: Herbs
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