Natural alternatives to pharmaceutical cough syrup: soothing, effective, and perfectly safe
By Simone Gabbay, RNCP
In the fall and winter months, coughs and colds are an unwelcome fact of life for many Canadians. We grin and bear them, often relying on over-the-counter remedies to provide relief for the discomfort they cause us.
Recently, however, we've been be a little more cautious about taking cold medicine and cough syrup, and especially about giving them to our children: media reports in the fall of 2007 discussed the ineffectiveness and potential risks of pharmaceutical cough and cold remedies. Earlier that year, physicians and regulatory agencies the U.S. had issued warnings regarding the use of cough and cold medication in young children. Several adverse reactions, and even some deaths, had been attributed to the ingestion of cough syrup in toddlers and babies. In the fall of 2008, we are once again seeing media reports about the danger of giving cold medicine and cough syrup to children. Click here to read an October 2008 article in the Toronto Star's ParentCentral.
Fortunately, there is an excellent natural alternative that is not only highly effective, but also completely safe: Mother Earth's ® Respiratory System Tonic , formulated according to specifications from the Edgar Cayce readings. Containing wild cherry bark syrup, syrup of horehound, syrup of rhubarb, and elixir of wild ginger in a grain-alcohol base, Mother Earth's is the answer to the world's cough syrup woes. It tastes delicious and gently soothes the throat and bronchial passages as it warms and relaxes the respiratory system.
My natural medicine cabinet always contains a supply of Mother Earth's; I would not want to go through a winter without it. My 13-year-old son has taken it since he was a toddler. I remember being amazed one night when he couldn't settle down because of a persistent cough and I decided to see if he would take a spoon of Mother Earth's. He not only loved the taste but stopped coughing and fell asleep in no time. Since then, whenever he's felt a cough coming on, he's asked for Mother Earth's, and it always helps.
It's a real shame that children had to suffer and even die from taking pharmaceutical cough syrup when such a wonderful natural alternative exists. Edgar Cayce wanted nothing more than help little children, especially those who were sick. His Mother Earth's formula is one product that has the potential to help children everywhere who suffer from coughs and colds. I don't mean to exclude adults, however: Mother Earth's is equally effective and safe for all ages.
Mother Earth's can be obtained at many natural food stores. Manufactured by Heritage Products in the U.S. , it is distributed in Canada by Purity Life. If your local health food store does not carry it, ask the staff to place a special order. You can also order Mother Earth's through the website of Edgar Cayce Canada at www.edgarcaycecanada.com . If you are in the U.S.A. , you can order it directly from the manufacturer, The Heritage Store .
Weleda's Anise Pyrite
Homeopathic remedies can also be helpful for colds and coughs, and Anise Pyrite 3X by Weleda is one that I highly recommend and have found to be effective. The herb anise is known to have a relaxing effect on the bronchial passages, and it is the basis for this homeopathic preparation. In acute cases of cough and bronchial inflammation or irritation, Anise Pyrite can be alternated with Mother Earth's for optimal effectiveness. The mildly sweet-tasting small tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth and can safely be administered to children.
Lemon and honey: a simple home remedy
If you or your loved ones develop a cough and you have neither of the above remedies on hand, don't despair. Mother Nature still takes care of you: the old home remedy made from freshly squeezed lemon juice stirred in hot or warm water and mixed with honey (ideally raw and unpasteurized) works as well today as it did in grandma's time. Sip it slowly several times a day.
Chest rubs
Herbal chest rubs can also help to relieve coughs and bronchial irritations. My favourite, especially for use with children, is Olbas Oil, available in health food stores. Applied at bedtime, Olbas Oil warms the chest and calms the bronchial pathways and also helps to relieve nasal congestion. It's a great alternative to the popular Vicks VapoRub, which is also effective but can be irritating to sensitive skin. Another terrific Olbas product, Olbas pastilles, is a strong-tasting but highly effective cough soother. For more information about Olbas products, visit www.olbas.com .
Simone Gabbay , RNCP, is a Toronto-based nutritionist and the author of three books based on the Edgar Cayce readings published by A.R.E. Press, including Visionary Medicine: Real Hope for Total Healing.