Whooping cough is a respiratory-tract infection characterized by the "whoop" sound during an intake of breath between intense coughing spells. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and can be dangerous among those not immunized against it, especially infants under 6 months old. When treating whooping cough, it is important to clear mucus rapidly to prevent choking.
Garlic
Garlic is known for its anti-viral properties and can be a valuable herb in treating whooping cough. Give the patient up to a teaspoon of garlic syrup three times a day; it can be given more frequently if coughing increases in severity. Dr. Edward Shook, a renowned herbalist, recommends mixing garlic juice with olive oil or anhydrous lanolin and rubbing this mixture on the chest, throat and in between the shoulder blades to give relief. You can also rub oil of garlic on the soles of the feet.
Lobelia
This herb has long been used to clear mucus resulting from respiratory infections, and Native Americans used to smoke lobelia to treat asthma. Lobelia comes in tinctures (a concentrated form of the herbs, which is preserved in alcohol, glycerin or vinegar), liquid extract, capsules and a dried form that can be used in teas or capsules. Externally, use a fomentation of lobelia herb or tincture. To make a fomentation, make a tea with the lobelia herb or tincture--about one teaspoon herb or several drops of tincture to one cup boiling water. Soak a natural fiber cloth in the tea, lightly wring and place over the chest and neck. You can keep the cloth warm and moist by placing something to hold the heat in, such as plastic wrap. Soak the towel periodically in the hot tea. The fomentation should be as hot as possible without blistering. Internally, take a few drops of lobelia every few minutes to break up mucus. Use a small dosage at first, and gradually increase as needed. Use internally with caution---with higher doses, vomiting, sweating, rapid heartbeat and diarrhea can occur.
Dr. Christopher's Whooping Cough Remedy
To make this remedy you will need the following herbs:
1/2 ounce hyssop
1/2 ounce red raspberry leaves
1/2 ounce turkey rhubarb
1/4 ounce bayberry bark
1/2 ounce thyme
Simmer the first four herbs for 15 minutes in 1.5 pts. of distilled water. Pour this mixture over the thyme and steep, covered, for 30 minutes, then strain. Take approximately one tsp. of the concoction (more or less, depending on the patient's age and severity of the cough), as needed.
Honey
Honey can be used in different preparations to treat pertussis---and to sweeten otherwise unpalatable concoctions. For a simple remedy, boil one cup of distilled water and mix in one tbsp. of honey. Drink this mixture four times a day. You can also mix one tbsp. of carrot juice with a little honey and warm water, and take one tbsp. as needed. Honey can also be combined with a mixture of crushed garlic and cayenne. Take this mixture every few minutes to help clear phlegm. An infusion of thyme can be mixed with honey to treat a troublesome cough.
Tags: this mixture, clear mucus, distilled water, every minutes, juice with, lobelia herb, needed Honey