Today is the first day in six (6) weeks that I haven’t had spasmodic coughing fits. I’ve been down with this winter’s nasty coughing virus. You may have heard of it – the one that starts with the gripping sore throat, maybe involves fever/congestion/body aches, and eventually settles into a long period of dry coughs. Some say it’s a resurgence of whooping cough. Children are suppose to get immunized.
All I know is that whenever there was a temperature change from warm to cold, I coughed as if my insides were about fly out of my mouth! It was hard to take in a full breath too, but I was basically functional.
By the time I went to my regular MD, she said I was pretty much fine but that I just had to wait for my body to recuperate. No antibiotics but she prescribed an inhaler, which helped a bit but not much. I used it for a few days but the coughing persisted.
My dad and friend Terrence suggested this home remedy: rubbing Vick’s VapoRub on the soles of your feet and wearing a pair of socks. My dad is 80 and Terrence is my contemporary. They both swore that the Vick’s-and-socks approach worked for them and would for me. It’s a remedy that’s been passed around the Internet for a couple of years. Some say it’s a hoax while others say it’s inconclusive. Nevertheless, it’s a topical thing so it’s not like you’re going to swallow it!
I also went to my acupuncturist, Dr. Jasmine Berke. She poked and cupped me to boost my immune system. Then she sent me home with an herbal tonic called “Wise Judge” and a tea recipe called “Ginger Brew.” I was at the tail end of the virus but Jasmine assured me that the tea would help me get over it once and for all. I made a batch and drank it over the course of a week. I dosed myself with Wise Judge too.
The herbs helped but things shifted back to normalcy after I drank the tea and rubbed on the Vick’s. If you got this persistent coughing thing, talk to a medical professional but try the Vick’s and tea to alleviate matters. I am so happy to finally be cough free!
Ginger Brew
Helps with digestion, eliminates clear phlegm and mucous, and warms the interior. Remember to wash the ginger before using it as you won’t have to peel it. Posted with permission from Dr. Jasmine Berke of Acupuncture Today.
Makes about 3 1/2 cups
1/2 pound of unpeeled fresh ginger, thinly sliced
8 cups water
1 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
In a saucepan, simmer the ginger and 4 cups of water, partially covered for 20 minutes. Strain the ginger into another saucepan. Add the honey, stirring to dissolve. Add the lemon juice and remaining 4 cups of water. Drink warm or at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
If you have a remedy to share for a winter cough, let us all know!
