Do you cough and have tickly throats more often in autumn and winter? Is there any sputum in your cough? You may think that it’s all about seasonal change and dry weather, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Types and Causes of Cough
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), protracted coughs are categorised into three types, namely lung ‘qi' deficiency (energy flow of your organs), lung-heat (dried lungs) and spleen deficiency with damp phlegm. Dry cough is a sign reflecting the status of different organs in your body. Therefore, it is essential to look for its causes and suitable home remedies and treatments to stop coughing, such as nourishing the lungs, eliminating dampness and moisturising the lungs.
- Lung ‘qi' deficiency
TCM believes that lungs are frail and easily invaded by external pathogens. Those with congenitally weak physique and malfunctioned spleen and lungs are prone to illnesses led by climate change.
Symptoms include: Feeling weak and tired, sweating, looking pale, sounding husky when coughing.
Food nourishing the lungs - those with the deficiency can consume more nourishing ingredients for their lungs, including:
- Chineses yam: Strengthen the spleen, lung and kidney, regulate qi-flowing, supplement ‘yin’
- Sweet apricot kernels: Moisturise lung and halt coughing
- Lily buds: Cure prolonged cough caused by Yin deficiency, and fire evils
- Bitter apricot kernels: Soothe cold, cough and asthma, moisten bowels
- Lung dryness and ‘yin’ Deficiency
Dry cough is common among smokers as lungs control ‘qi’ and respiration, connected by noses and air. ‘Fire evils’ (such as smoking) enter human bodies from mouths and noses, invading lungs, stomachs and bowels.
Symptoms include: Dry cough, hoarse voice, throat tickles and thirst
Food moisturising the lung: The weather is arid in fall and winter, so supplementing the 'yin' and relieving the body’s dryness is essential. A lot of lung-moisturising food is delicious and therefore encouraged to consume more.
- Lily buds: Gently nourish 'qi’ and tackle with dryness
- Loquat juice: Pamper the lungs and stomach, and eliminate coughing
- Pear: Relieve ‘fire evils’, moisten the lungs and respiration system
- Honey: Nourish the digestive system and respiratory tract
- Spleen deficiency with damp phlegm
According to Western Medicine, protracted coughing with sputum is considered chronic bronchitis, while TCM reckoned that it is caused by internal dampness and spleen dysfunction.
Symptoms include: Frequent and severe cough, hoarse voice, tickly throat, diluted but damp phlegm, poor appetite and even nausea.
Food nurturing the spleen: TCM recommends including the following natural ingredients to meals to remove the spleen’s dampness.
- Lotus root: Strengthen the spleen, ‘qi’ and stomach, and nutrify the blood
- Water spinach: Relieve ‘fire evils,’ detoxicate the body and soothe the bowels
- Ginger: Strengthen the spleen, slightly promote diuresis
- Uncooked white radish：Relieve ‘fire evils’ and quench thirst
Moreover, a lack of exercise could lead to the accumulation of dampness in the body. Living actively can improve the circulation of ‘qi’ and blood and remove the dampness of the body.
Alternatives to relieve dry cough
Improving the conditions of the living environment can also soothe prolonged coughs. You could try out the simple tips below.
- Drink more warm water: Moisten and relieve tickly throat
- Steaming: Dilute the secretion and mucus in the throat by using a steamer
- Moisturising: Reducing throat tickles caused by dry air with a humidifier
If the protracted cough is observed, it is paramount to seek medical advice and receive suitable treatments from your doctor.
Cantonese rely on Traditional Chinese Medicine to cure prolonged cough and condition their bodies. However, it is not covered by many medical insurances in the market. Cigna DIY Health Plan enables you to freely choose from various protection benefits to customise your plan to your individual needs, including dental coverage, regular oral check-up, treatment cost and emergency. Tailor your health coverage now.
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