Cough Remedy To Stop Coughing

Whether it’s hacking, nagging, or even mild, a cough—no matter what type—can be annoying. If you’re asleep, a cough will abruptly wake you up in the middle of the night. If you’re eating, a cough can start as soon as you swallow your food.

Cough syrups, cough suppressant lozenges, or home remedies are good to have on hand, but they don’t always suppress the cough as you would like. Medical doctors say there’s something that works on coughs that many people may not know about: Marshmallows.

These are not the fluffy white marshmallows that you put in your hot chocolate or use to make s’mores. It’s a marshmallow root extract, called Althaea officinalis, an herb that has been used as medicine for over 2,000 years.

The natural marshmallow root or plant has been shown to decrease throat irritation and coughing, according to Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, a family medicine physician, nationally recognized health equity advocate, and TED Talk speaker.

“The soothing effect comes from the plant’s natural coating, called mucilaginous, which is a sticky gelatin substance that might help reduce a cough,” Dr. Curry-Winchell told HuffPost.

Doctors say that once marshmallow root takes effect, it reduces irritation fairly quickly. Dr. Curry-Winchell cited a 2018 study that found most participants experienced results in about 10 minutes.

Dr. Michael Chichak, the medical director at MEDvidi and a general practitioner with 13 years of experience, estimated that the effect of marshmallow root lasts for 10 to 20 minutes, though the time can vary. If you need to suppress your cough longer than that, Dr. Chichak suggested to HuffPost to take marshmallow root as a lozenge or in tea.

Although marshmallow root has benefits, doctors say don’t get rid of your cough syrup and suppressant lozenges. Marshmallow root extract is most effective when a cough or sore throat is minor and not accompanied by other major symptoms. So, you may need your cough syrup to treat a runny nose, sneezing, or congestion, in addition to your cough.

Studies Show Marshmallow Root Works on Coughs

Research shows that Althaea officinalis, when used with other herbs, is even more effective. For example, a 2020 review in Complementary Medicine Research reported that results from animal and clinical studies confirm the efficacy of marshmallow root in treating dry cough. When combined with other herbs, such as Zataria multiflora (thyme), Zingiber officinalis (ginger), or Helix hedera (English Ivy), the review said the efficacy of A. officinalis was increased and improved all kinds of cough.

Additionally, a 2021 study in a German journal showed that mixing honey with marshmallow root extract made the extract stick to the throat longer. 

What’s more, a 2013 article in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences said that marshmallow root extract, delivered through lozenges, was found to help with irritated oropharyngeal mucosa (a type of inflammation) and the dry cough associated with it.

Ways to Consume Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root can be taken in different ways, according to the medical professionals:

• You can consume it as a tea.

• You can drink a glass of water with 30 to 40 drops of the tincture.

• You can take capsules containing the equivalent of 6 grams of the powdered root in divided doses.

You can buy these products at health food stores, grocery stores, on Amazon, or at retailers like Walmart.

Other Foods And Drinks That Can Help A Cough

Drs. Curry-Winchell and Chichak shared with HuffPost other foods and drinks that can help a cough:

• Honey (It coats the throat and fights germs.)

• Pineapple juice (It has bromelain, which lessens mucus production.)

• Warm salt water (Gargling can reduce throat inflammation.)

• Licorice root tea (It’s anti-inflammatory.)

• Warm water with honey or bone broth (It contains natural ingredients that can soothe your throat and calm your cough.)

What To Do If Your Cough Persists

It’s time to visit your doctor if:

• Your cough lasts longer than three weeks.

• You’re losing weight for no reason.

• You have a weakened immune system.

• You’re experiencing chest pain.

Pay attention if your cough worsens or if you develop other symptoms.

“As more complex medical problems arise, more thorough treatment options become necessary, particularly when more severe coughing is present,” Dr. Chichak said.

While medical professionals say that marshmallow root is usually safe to take, they recommend speaking with your doctor before using it, as it may interact with other medications you may be taking.

Source Link:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctors-reveal-the-unexpected-cough-remedy-that-kicks-in-asap-goog_l_69441f50e4b0bafbdede7206