A cough is the main way that the body expels any foreign objects from the lungs—such as microbes, fluids, or irritants such as molds, pollen, or dust. When the lungs get overwhelmed or irritated by these objects, it pushes air out to help clear its way. A cough can be a symptom related to an infection from a virus/bacteria, or an environmental toxin. Coughs may be short-lived or chronic in nature, and they are the body's way of asking for help and a further inspection of what is happening within the respiratory system.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, your lungs are classified within the "Tai-Yin" system (referred to as the "Lung-Spleen" system) and the Metal Element (Lung/ Large Intestine), yin-yang, respectively.
Categorizing Your Coughs
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory recognizes multiple types of cough and categorizes them accordingly. Some pattern differentiations noted are coughs caused by:
- Wind-heat,
- Wind-cold,
- Wind-dryness (hot or cold),
- Phlegm,
- Qi,
- Yin deficiency.
These categories help practitioners of Chinese medicine correctly choose herbs or acupuncture points that will be the most effective in supporting the body to heal and rid itself of the cough. Often, the sound of the cough is also taken into consideration when choosing an effective remedy.
Eastern Solutions to Your Coughs & Research
Chinese herbal medicine has been traditionally used to support respiratory health and ease occasional discomforts associated with coughing for centuries. More recently, many clinical studies have been performed to document the successes herbal remedies have on treating various types of coughs. Many of these traditional formulas have been used by both children and adults under the guidance of trained practitioners.
One such study¹ performed by American and Chinese Respiratory specialists worked with a three-year-old child experiencing chronic respiratory challenges to explore supportive approaches for respiratory wellness in this case. The integration of these two disciplines is a helpful way to approach more severe respiratory conditions, and we are seeing more and more of this happening within the medical field.
Another more extensive study², a random double-blind placebo control study consisting of 82 patients, utilized common Traditional Chinese herbal combinations for coughs. Classic herbs such as chuan bei, fang feng, jie geng, and gancao were reviewed, with results showing improvements and no adverse effects in areas such as sputum production, cough score, and hoarseness, and decreasing use of antibiotics.
Note: These findings are based on specific research contexts and are not a guarantee of results. If you're exploring Chinese herbs for personal use, consult with a qualified practitioner to determine what’s appropriate for your unique needs.
Coughing can be very distressing, and many people seek help in dealing with this condition. Herbal poultices are sometimes applied topically, while decoctions or herbal pills may be used internally to support the body’s natural recovery processes. Often, herbs are used not to suppress the cough but to strengthen the body's defense mechanisms, soothe irritations of the lungs/ throat, and make it more resilient.
Sources & For Additional Information
- Liu X, Kesebir D, Kazachkov M. Approach to patient with cough by American and Chinese respiratory specialist. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2021;60:102733. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102733
- WCW W, A L, AT L, et al. Effectiveness of a Chinese herbal medicine preparation in the treatment of cough in Uncomplicated Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A randomized double-blinded placebo-control trial. Cough. https://coughjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1745-9974-2-5. Published June 22, 2006. Accessed July 28, 2021.
Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease. That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options. If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.
Lenore Cangeloso, LAc is a state-licensed and board certified Acupuncturist and Herbal medicine practitioner. She is the owner of Wild Earth Acupuncture in Portland Oregon. Lenore has spent many months traveling to deepen her knowledge of the human body, and is a dedicated and skilled practitioner that strives to help you achieve optimal states of wellbeing. You can learn more about Lenore at wildearthacupuncture.com.
