Natural Remedies for 100-Day Cough
Surge in whooping cough: Here’s what you can do
Last winter saw a surge in persistent cough cases, and this trend has continued as the UK, Europe and the U.S. are experiencing a significant rise in whooping cough cases. In the UK alone, over 10,000 cases have been recorded in 2024 to date – a marked increase from last year’s total of just 858 cases.
Often known as the “100-day cough”, whooping cough or pertussis (its scientific name) is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It’s marked by a relentless, exhausting cough that often worsens at night.
Symptoms can be intense, with bouts of coughing sometimes leading to vomiting, nosebleeds, or even a flushed or bluish tint to the face and bulging eyes from strain. Recovery is slow, and the cough may persist for months – hence the term “100-day cough”.
Find out how homeopathy can assist with the 100-day cough, along with effective natural remedies and dietary and lifestyle recommendations for additional support.
What exactly is a cough?
A cough isn’t an illness on its own but rather the body’s natural mechanism to expel mucous and waste from infection sites in the respiratory tract. Coughs can go through phases – often starting dry and tickly, then turning wet as mucous forms, and drying out as the body clears the infection. This transition can make them challenging to manage, as remedies that work in one phase may not be as effective when symptoms shift.
Homeopathy for whooping cough
Homeopathy provides a range of remedies that can support different types of coughs, focusing on matching the remedy to the specific “picture” or characteristics of the cough. Identifying the unique sound of a cough can be key: whooping cough is typically marked by a distinctive “whoop” sound on inhalation. Homeopaths discourage suppressing a cough, as the body needs this response to expel mucous and clear infection-related waste.
Here are four commonly used homeopathic remedies for coughs, including whooping cough symptoms:
- Aconite 30c: During the first 24 hours, if the cough starts after exposure to cold air and includes a high sudden fever. Aconite may help those experiencing fear or panic during intense coughing fits.
- Antimonium Tart 30c: Used when mucous rattles in the chest, Antimonium Tart supports mucous expulsion, especially helpful for individuals who seem too weak to cough effectively on their own.
- Bryonia 30c: Suitable for dry, painful coughs that cause discomfort in the head and chest, often made worse by movement or even talking. Individuals needing Bryonia may also feel irritable and prefer to be left alone, typically experiencing dryness and thirst.
- Drosera 30c: Considered a core remedy for whooping cough, Drosera is beneficial when symptoms worsen at night, especially if lying down triggers coughing fits. The Drosera cough is typically spasmodic, with fits that end in retching, vomiting or nosebleeds.
Seeking professional support
For those less experienced in homeopathy, working with a qualified homeopath can be invaluable, especially for treating complex infections like whooping cough. A homeopath can help navigate changes in cough patterns, selecting remedies that align with evolving symptoms. In some cases, Pertussin 30c may be recommended as a preventative measure when whooping cough exposure is a concern.
Dosage guidance
For general support, a 30c potency is commonly given three times a day. In cases of more severe coughing, higher potencies, like 200c, may be effective at lower frequencies. For individuals in a weakened state, sticking with 30c may be better suited to their needs.
Note: Avoid continuing with homeopathic remedies if they don’t seem effective, as overuse may lead to heightened sensitivity or unintended reactions.
Natural support for whooping cough
Supporting the body with natural remedies, diet and lifestyle changes can ease whooping cough symptoms and help promote a smoother recovery. Here are some effective natural approaches to support recovery from whooping cough.
- Prioritise rest as much as possible. This helps the body reserve energy to fight off infection and recover.
- Boost immunity with foods high in vitamin C and zinc, such as citrus fruits, berries and leafy greens. For extra immune support, try garlic juice – 5 drops on a teaspoon, 2 – 3 times a day. Staying hydrated is also essential for recovery.
- Thyme tea can help loosen mucous, making it easier to expel and potentially reducing coughing frequency. Thyme is a naturally antispasmodic herb.
- Massage diluted lavender and chamomile essential oils onto the chest to promote relaxation and improve sleep. For lung support, inhale steam with a few drops of tea tree oil every few hours to ease breathing and reduce coughing.
- Bach flower remedies can soothe an anxious child or parent during difficult coughing episodes. Olive essence is especially useful for children feeling drained from constant coughing.
- For infants, breastfeeding may offer some protection against whooping cough, especially if the mother has been exposed to or has had the infection herself.
Building immune resilience naturally
Many healthcare authorities recommend immunisation to prevent the spread of whooping cough, especially during outbreaks. However, in homeopathy, childhood illnesses like whooping cough and measles are often viewed as natural opportunities for the body to “spring clean” and strengthen immune resilience. While managing these illnesses can be challenging, there is a perspective that experiencing them may ultimately contribute to a healthier immune response over time.
If you’re interested in reading more on this point of view, here is an eye opening article.
Written by Zoe Scanlan, Director of Homeopathy, CNM
To learn more about using homeopathy for sleep and everyday situations, take a look at CNM’s short course Homeopathy for Everyday Living. For more in-depth training, see the Homeopathy Diploma.
