Q. Last month I had a nasty cold. Even though it went away after about a week, the cough has lingered all this time. It is troublesome during the day and downright disturbing at night. I hate the taste of dextromethorphan and would like some advice on natural cough relief.
A. Dextromethorphan (DM) is the most common ingredient in cough medicine. Its effectiveness, however, is somewhat controversial. A recent study (Pediatrics, July, 2004) found it no better than placebo for kids with coughs.
A number of herbs can provide some relief from coughs, however. The old standby is hard candy made with horehound, but these herbal drops can be hard to find these days. Licorice is also traditional for cough, but too much licorice can raise blood pressure and disturb mineral balance.
Tea made from thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon per cup) or grated ginger root can soothe a cough. Codeine is the gold standard for cough medicine, but it may require a prescription in some states.
As a last resort at night, try Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet, with socks to protect the sheets. We don’t know why, but it works!
The People's Perspective on Medicine