Holistic Herbal Treatment For Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection involving the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is contagious and mostly affects children, causing a spasmodic, hard, painful cough. Fever and copious mucus secretions from the throat and nose usually accompany the cough. Certain herbal remedies as well as other holistic treatments may be helpful in relieving the cough and speeding recovery. Herbs can produce side effects, so you should consult your practitioner before using other treatments and herbs for this serious disease.

Marshmallow Root

An historical herb used by the Dakota Indians, marshmallow root is used to treat a variety of respiratory diseases, including whooping cough. The dried or fresh herb used to be boiled in wine or milk and given to patients suffering from whooping cough, according to the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin. It can still be used this way today or boiled in water to make an herbal tea. Marshmallow root stimulates the body to create mucilage, a thin film of mucus that coats the throat and bronchial tubes, shorting out the sensations of tickling and itching that sometimes trigger the coughing. Its soothing effects calm irritated membranes and reduce the intensity and frequency of coughing, says "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Consult your health practitioner before using marshmallow root.

Lobelia Inflata

Use the herb Lobelia inflata as an expectorant to relieve deep, stubborn coughing from whooping cough. This herb may be effective at loosening tight mucus in the chest relieving congestion and clearing the airways, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lobelia inflata is also used in combination herbal cough tonics. Lobelia, used on its own, is toxic and should never be used in self-treatment or by individuals not experienced with the herb. Consult a practitioner who is well-versed in herbal medicine for guidelines pertaining to its use.

Steaming

Holistic approaches for treating whooping cough involve a variety of methods. Treating with other methods enhances the herb's performance and stimulates the individual's immune system. Using steam to loosen and soothe coughs is a time-honored approach for illnesses like croup and whooping cough. Steaming may not cure the disease, but it may relax the patient enough to help soothe him and allow some time for rest, which strengthens the immune system.

If the patient is a child, take her into a bathroom and turn on the hot shower, allowing the steam to fill the room while you sit somewhere inside the bathroom with your child, such as on the toilet lid. In addition, you can fill a bowl with hot water and place a towel over the bowl and your child's head to create a steam tent. Place a few drops of lavender oil in the water to soothe your child; or try a drop of eucalyptus oil in the water to help break up the cough. Use caution and test the temperature of the water and steam to be sure your child is not burned. Eucalyptus oil is known for its ability to break up congestion in the chest and clear airways, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Do not use eucalyptus oil if you or your child is taking homeopathic remedies, as it renders them ineffective. Make sure to let your doctor know you are using steam treatments.

Homeopathy

Another way to treat whooping cough from a holistic perspective is with homeopathic remedies. There are several remedies that have been used to treat whooping cough and may offer relief for your child's symptoms, according to homeopath William Boericke, M.D., in the "Materia Medica With Repertory."

Grindelia is indicated for a person with a spasmodic cough accompanied by wheezing. The coughing produces thick, foamy mucus that is very difficult to expel. The person needing this remedy may have difficulty breathing when lying down and made worse during episodes of coughing. He must sit up straight in order to catch his breath.

Drosera rotundifolia is indicated for spasmodic, loud, persistent coughing, says Boericke. The individual may complain of sharp pains in the chest with tickling in the throat or larynx during the coughing episodes. The coughing may worsen at night as soon as the child's head touches the pillow on lying down. In addition, the person needing this remedy may sweat excessively during the night.

Other Considerations

Homeopathic remedies and herbs are available without a prescription from health food stores. However, you should always consult an experienced homeopath or other health practitioner for the treatment of whooping cough. Do not self-treat for this disease. Even with homeopathic, herbal and other holistic treatment, your child may need antibiotics to cure this serious disease.