Principles of Holistic Medicine

• Holistic medicine is a philosophy of medicine that takes into account not only physical features of illness, but also psychological, nutritional, social, environmental and spiritual aspects as well. Your holistic practitioner focuses on you as a whole person, rather than just a disease or its associated symptoms. Holistic medicine encompasses drugs and surgery, if necessary, but only if no safer options exist. The emphasis is on helping you reach a state of balance and well-being. A holistic treatment for a cough may include the use of herbal remedies.
  
  

Herbal Cough Remedies

• There are many remedies used by holistic practitioners for their expectorant and cough-relieving qualities. Your practitioner may recommend using mullein, a leafy herb, to relieve chest congestion. You can take mullein as a tincture, or prepare it as a soothing tea, but strain it before drinking; the small, fuzzy mullein hairs can be irritating. Coltsfoot, or tussilagofarfara--the botanical name actually means "cough dispeller"--has been traditionally used for coughs, excess mucus, whooping cough and asthma. According to the Natural Standard website, it has anti-tussive--or cough-suppressing--qualities, as well as expectorant properties. Take it as a tea or tincture. Because coltsfoot contains certain alkoloids that could be harmful over time, this herb is only for short-term use. Holistic practitioners also use licorice for its demulcent and anti-tussive effects. It has a cough-reducing effect similar to that of codeine, but people with high blood pressure should not use it. To combine the therapeutic effect of all three herbs, herbalist David Hoffman recommends a "cough tea" of equal parts mullein, coltsfoot and licorice, made by steeping an infusion of the mixed herbs in hot water. You can also use a traditional Native American cough medicine recipe by using slippery elm as a tea or gargle. Elecampane, or wild sunflower, is also an expectorant; utilize it by making a tea or tincture from the plant's dried roots. You can also employ an herbal steam inhalation treatment: fill a basin with hot water and add a handful of fresh or dried herbs. Use sage for its mucus-thinning effects or peppermint, which also helps reduce congestion.
  
  

Warnings and Precautions

• Holistic medicine is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for conventional medical care. Don't stop taking prescription medicines, or reduce their dosages, unless your doctor tells you to, and never embark on an herbal or vitamin regimen without first consulting your doctor. To learn more about the side effects of herbs and vitamins, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine website listed in the Resources section.