The best treatments for coughs and mucus may not be what you think.
Cough suppression and expectorant formulas by Robitussin generally contain the drugs Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin.
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier to cough out.
Guaifenesin* seems to be somewhat less problematic than Dextromethorphan, nevertheless, the side effects of this combination are mild to severe dizziness, slow, shallow breathing, headache, skin rash or itching, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, anxiety, restless feeling, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations or addiction. This medicine can also cause allergic reaction of hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This medicine can have negative interactions with many other drugs.
When coughs are productive, it is important not to suppress them, as they are eliminating mucus waste from the body. Viruses or bacteria can cause mucus production in the body.
These can be treated with infection fighting compounds (i.e. Garlic, Echinacea, Oregano oil, Christopher’s Super Garlic Immune or Cold Season Immune Formula, etc.), or the mucus could just be a sign that the body is trying to “de-junk” itself. In this case, Dr. Christopher’s formulas for detoxing the lower bowel, liver, urinary tract, and blood are excellent tools for keeping the internal environment of the body clean. They are all found in his Cleansing Kit.
Some natural expectorants for expelling mucus from throat and bronchioles include:
• Onion & honey (cover onion slices in a non-aluminum saucepan, bring to low simmer, let sit off heat for 45 min & strain, 1 tsp-1 TB, 3x a day),
• Garlic (raw pressed with 1 TB honey, or added to onion syrup)
• Lemon (squeeze ½ into an 8 oz cup & fill with pure, very warm water, add 1 tsp honey and a pinch of cayenne or 3 drops of cayenne tincture)
• Organic apple cider vinegar & olive oil (1 TB each, 3x a day)
• Anise and/or fennel (tea as needed or essential oil on throat, diluted)
For relief of unproductive, dry cough, the remedy that I’ve used for the past 10 years with unmatched success is Dr. Christopher’s Anti-Spasmodic Formula. It is an extract with an alcohol base, that is rubbed on the throat and chest, which immediately causes the throat and bronchioles to relax.
I’ve used this so many times, especially on kids coughing at night, and the coughing stops fast. I’ve had a couple tough cases myself, where I took 15 drops in some water with 1 tsp honey, or kept this “tea” next to my bed at night. It worked like magic, and saved me from going to the ER on at least one occasion.
Essential oils are also amazing remedies for cough and mucus expectoration and reduction. A couple drops of lemon oil with 1 tsp honey, works very well. Finding not only a pure source, but also one that offers very high quality oils, is important.
I prefer a company called Doterra because they offer Certified, Pure, Therapeutic Grades oils. I can tell just by smelling them they are better than almost all others I’ve found. One of their blends, called Breathe, is an excellent remedy for coughs and congestion.
There are so many wonderful alternatives out there, even in our own kitchens! We shouldn’t feel like we have to use drugs that may be detrimental or toxic to our bodies.
Find something better for your family.
