Help calm your winter cough naturally
By Dr. Sara Kinninger
Have you been plagued by the dreaded winter cough?
“It’s common to get a cough with a scratchy, sore throat during the winter months because of the lack of humidity in the air,” says Dr. Sara Kinninger, Clinic Director of Chiro One Wellness Center of Schaumburg West. She notes that other reasons for a cough may include post-nasal drip, allergy, the cold or flu, asthma, or chronic sinus or lung problems.
So what can you do to sooth your winter cough? “Many people experience relief from a cough by using natural remedies,” says Dr. Kinninger. Consumers are turning to the natural remedies due to the negative attention that over-the-counter cough medications have been receiving lately.
Dr. Kinninger suggests trying these 10 natural remedies to treat your cough:
• Make it sweet. Honey in a small amount of water soothes the throat and can alleviate an irritating cough. Consult your doctor before using this method with children.
• Moisten your mucus. “Water and other liquids can be simple and effective,” says Dr. Kinninger. When the mucus is moistened it is easier to cough up.
• A tart twist. Add the juice of half a lemon to warm water. If you’re looking for a cough syrup substitute, add two parts honey and one part lemon juice, suggests Dr. Kinninger.
• Kill the cough before it starts. “Maintaining high levels of vitamin C works preventatively when taken regularly. It also won’t hurt to increase the dosage of the vitamin with a cough,” says Dr. Kinninger.
• Raise the humidity. Irritation in the throat may be reduced by using a humidifier, especially where you sleep.
• Breathe in the best. Essential oils may be inhaled or used as a rub to soothe a cough. Try peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood or cypress. Loquat and Frittilary Jelly are two common Chinese medicines used to treat acute and chronic coughs.
• Kick congestion to the curb. Try using a neti-pot regularly to help with nasal congestions and sinus issues.
• Just say no. Avoid dairy products, meats, and fried foods. They increase the production of mucus.
• Spice up your life. Eat spicy foods, such as hot peppers. They help break up mucus so it is easier to expectorate.
• Some like it hot. “A hot bath or shower will soothe irritated airways and loosen sinus congestion,” says Dr. Kinninger.
If you feel a cold coming on, get adjusted! Chiropractic does not treat the common cold or flu. However, chiropractic care can help raise your natural resistance to disease by removing vertebral subluxations, which is a misaligned vertebrae that puts pressure on your nervous system thereby reducing your body’s ability to heal itself. Your body’s immune system is remarkable when it is able to work effectively. For example, a fever is one of your body's defense mechanisms that works by raising your body temperature high enough to destroy infection, germs and viruses. Reducing a fever and lowering your body temperature compromises this defense against disease allowing the viruses and germs to stay alive longer. Keeping your body free from vertebral subluxations keeps your natural immunity high and could make the difference between a quick recovery and lingering illness. A spinal exam can change your life!
If You Do Get Sick. At the first sign of illness, you should: Drink lots of water. Hydration helps thin your mucus so your body can rid of it along with any trapped viruses. Stay home and Rest. Sleep is a powerful natural immunity booster and you don’t want to infect your co-workers. Get Adjusted. A chiropractic adjustment boosts your immune system up to 40%.
Chiro One Wellness Centers serves Chicagoland and Kentucky with 58 convenient locations is accepting new patients at all locations. Their Vision is that every human being discovers their full potential. Their Mission, being leaders in developing extraordinary wellness for families and individuals by taking a stand for the well being of their communities through education and service. To find the Chiro One location nearest you, visit www.ChiroOne.net/locations.
Dr. Sara Kinninger is accepting new patients and can be reached at (847) 301-0499. Chiro One Wellness Center of Schaumburg West is located at 160-C Roselle Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60193. Follow Chiro One of Facebook at Facebook.com/ChiroOne.
