What is a Dry Cough?

A dry cough is a common reflex action to clear the breathing passages and airways. A dry cough refers to a cough free from mucus or phlegm which occurs when a person comes in contact with micro-organisms, bacteria, or any other foreign body particles. A dry cough is annoying and troublesome and makes a person restless. It also causes difficulty in breathing and sleeping. A dry cough is very common in children and sensitive people. The most common cause of a dry cough is viral infections like the common cold and flu. In some persons, a dry cough occurs in a continuous spasm, making the person anxious. A dry cough may be the result of overexertion or a psychological condition. Sometimes, people develop a habit of coughing, especially under stress or even without any stress. A dry cough may also occur due to gastro esophageal re-flux along with vomiting. Homeopathic treatment for a dry cough works at a dynamic level and treats a person as a whole. The advantage of homeopathic medicines is that they stop the recurring tendency of the disease process. Homeopathic medicines are made up of natural substances and are very safe. Other conventional treatments distort the body’s natural healing processes and make the body dull. In homeopathy, the body’s restorative processes are used to bring it back to health. Homeopathic medicines do not cause any side effects or slow down body processes.

Homeopathic Treatment for a Dry Cough

Top grade homeopathic medicines for a coughthat is dry are Bryonia, Drosera, and Stannum Metallicum. Bryonia acts well for a dry, hacking cough with sharp pain in the sides of the chest. Drosera is a well indicated homeopathic medicine for a dry cough which is prolonged and continuous and is accompanied by a violent tickling in the larynx. Stannum Metallicum is very effective in cases of a dry cough when a person cannot do anything without coughing.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough which Occurs in Spasms

Very effective medicines for a dry cough which occurs in spasms, or a spasmodic dry cough, are Cocculus Indicus and Antimonium Crudum. Cocculus Indicus is very helpful homeopathic treatment for a dry cough which is spasmodic, especially in anemic or hysterical women. A dry cough in paroxysms with a burning sensation in the chest is treated well with Antimonium Crudum.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough in Children

The most effective homeopathic medicines for a dry cough in children are Chamomilla, Senega, and Squilla. Chamomilla works well in children who have a dry cough with hoarseness and irritability. Chamomilla is also beneficial in cases in children where the highlighting symptom is a cough provoked by anger. Senega is another beneficial homeopathic medicine for a dry cough with pain in parts of the chest. It is best suited for fat and chubby children. Squilla works well for a dry cough in children where the child rubs his face with the fist while coughing.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough, Especially at Night

Beneficial medicines for a dry cough occurring at night are Arsenic Album and Nux Vomica. Arsenic Album acts well for a dry cough that gets worse after midnight, and from lying on the back. A dry cough with great exhaustion, anemia, and nervous irritability is treated well with Arsenic Album. Cases of a bursting headache with a dry cough at night, which prevents sleep, is addressed well by Nux Vomica.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough in Cold Weather

Very effective homeopathic medicines for a dry cough in cold weather are Baryta Carbonica and Dulcamara. Baryta Carbonica acts well when a person gets a dry cough after exposure to cold air. A dry cough, which usually starts after getting the feet wet, is treated well with Baryta Carbonica. Dulcamara is an excellent remedy for a dry cough, primarily occurring in cold, wet weather.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Continuous Dry Cough

Beneficial homeopathic medicines for a constant dry cough are China, Drosera, and Ignatia. China acts well for a dry cough which occurs continuously, right after eating or laughing. Drosera is an excellent homeopathic medicine for prolonged and incessant dry cough attacks. Dry cough attacks follow each other very rapidly, and the person has difficulty in breathing. Ignatia is of help in a dry cough which comes in quick successive shocks. Coughing fits which increase the desire to cough are treated effectively with Ignatia.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough which Comes on After Exertion

Suitable homeopathic medicines for a dry cough which comes on after exertion are Phosphorus and Stannum Metallicum. Phosphorus is useful in a dry cough arising from reading aloud, talking, or laughing. A dry cough with a bursting pain in the head is treated well with Phosphorus. Stannum Metallicum acts well for cases of a dry cough which is a result of short breaths from any little exertion. The person cannot do anything without coughing.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough with Difficulty in Breathing

The most effective homeopathic medicines for a dry cough with difficulty in breathing are Spongia and Agaricus Muscarius. Spongia is very useful in a dry cough with marked suffocation. The person suffers from a dry cough and feels as if he is breathing through a sponge. Agaricus Muscarius is an excellent homeopathic medicine for a dry cough with dyspnoea. Cases where the patient has to sit up while coughing or gets breathless are treated well with Agaricus Muscarius.

Homeopathic Medicines for a Dry Cough Accompanied by Vomiting

The most effective homeopathic medicines for a dry cough accompanied by vomiting are Drosera and Kali Carbonicum. Drosera acts well for a dry cough followed by retching and vomiting. Kali Carbonicum is very useful for a dry cough that occurs in spasms along with gagging or vomiting of food, drink, and sour phlegm. A dry cough which gets worse after eating or drinking is treated well with Kali Carbonicum.

Top 6 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Chest Congestion

Homeopathic Remedies for Chest Congestion

Chest congestion in itself is not a disease but this term refers to a number of collective symptoms that are present in various respiratory diseases. The symptoms which refer to chest congestion include rattling cough due to accumulation of mucus in the chest, wheezing or whistling sound produced during breathing, difficulty in respiration, difficulty in expectorating the mucus accumulated in the lungs, suffocative spells and chest pains. Asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia are few examples of respiratory disease that leads to chest congestion. A simple cold if not treated in time may also lead to chest congestion due to spread of infection . In this article I have tried to cover all symptoms of chest congestion with respect to their homeopathic remedies.

Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies for chest Colds and Congestion:

1.Antimonium Tart: Homeopathic medicine Antimonium Tart is one of the leading homeopathic medicine for treatment of chest congestion. The prominent indication for using this medicine in chest congestion is excessive rattling of mucus in the lungs on coughing. The lungs seem to be overloaded with mucus. But even on much coughing very little mucus is expectorated. There is difficulty in breathing and patient takes short breath to compensate for normal breathing. There are suffocative spells that force the patient to sit up . Chest congestion consequent to working in damp basements yields wonderfully well to this medicine. This medicine also possess great power to heal difficult respiration in babies occurring shortly after birth.

2. Arsenic album: Homeopathic medicine Arsenic album is yet another wonderful medicine used in homeopathy to treat chest congestion. This medicine is mainly prescribed to those patients of chest congestion who suffer from suffocative spells mainly at night time. Suffocation with difficulty in respiration is worse on lying down and better by sitting up. On breathing wheezing or whistling sounds in the chest are produced. The cough is better by taking warm drinks. Burning pains in chest may also be present. This medicine can be given in all such cases of chest congestion that have occurred after taking cold drinks.

3. Ipecac: Ipecac is a natural homeopathic medicine that gives excellent results where wheezing in chest is a prominent symptom. There is continuous violent cough. The chest is full of mucus but inspite of coughing none of it comes out. The patient feels suffocative with constricted feeling in chest. The face of patient turns bluish due to lack of oxygen as a result of suffocative spells. Expectorated mucus at times can be blood stained .Persistent nausea accompanies cough and chest congestion. Vomiting if present with chest congestion gives relief to patient .

4. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is an Important homeopathic medicine for the treatment of chest congestion. This medicine is given to those patients who complain of chest pain with chest symptoms . Pain is accompanied by burning in the chest. The patient requiring this medicine complains of constrictive, oppressed feeling in chest as if a weight is lying in chest. Cough is present that is worse by talking, laughing. Cold air worsens the cough and chest pain. The patient requiring homeopathic medicine phosphorus can also have strange symptoms – They desire cold drinks, ice creams and refreshing things like juice along with above symptoms.

5. Bryonia Alba: Bryonia Alba is also an excellent natural homeopathic medicine that helps in relieving the chest congestion. The main indication for using this medicine is cough with difficult breathing . The difficult breathing is worse by slightest motion and better by rest. The patient feels a constant need to take a deep breath. The cough gets worse after eating, drinking or in warm room. This medicine has powerful effect in treating stitching pains in chest during inspiration. The chest pains are also worse while coughing. The patient has to hold the chest with hands due to severe chest pains on coughing. The expectorated mucus is thick. The mucus comes out only after much hawking. Thirst for increased quantity of water might also be present.

6. Senega: Senega is a top homeopathic medicine , mainly recommended in elderly people with chest congestion. The patient requiring this medicine complains of rattling of mucus in chest with oppressed feeling. The mucus from the chest needs much effort and comes out with great difficulty. The expectorated mucus is tough and copious. Extreme soreness is felt in chest.

Antimonium Tart and Hepar Sulph- Homeopathic remedies for Chest Congestion with great rattling of mucus on coughing

Both Antimonium Tart and Hepar Sulph are natural homeopathic medicines for treating rattling of mucus in chest. Antimonium Tart can be given to those patients who have rattling of mucus in chest on coughing. The bronchial tubes in chest are full of mucus but it cannot be coughed out.For people requiring this medicine , the complaints are worse after exposure to dampness. The second homeopathic medicine Hepar Sulph is used for rattling of mucus that is worse in the morning time. For patients requiring Hepar Sulph, chest congestion gets worse by cold air exposure.

Homeopathic medicines Ipecac, Arsenic Album, and Nux Vomicafor wheezing in chest due to chest congestion:

The first homeopathic medicine Ipecac can be used where wheezing is present due to chest congestion. The indicating feature for using this medicine is relief from vomiting or coughing out the mucus. Arsenic album is given when the wheezing is present with suffocative spells and cough. And patient is better after taking warm drinks. Nux Vomica is mainly used when the wheezing is worse during sleep.

Bryonia Alba and Arsenic album homeopathic remedies for chest congestion with difficult breathing

Bryonia Alba is a natural homeopathic medicine and can be used to relieve difficulty in breathing when motion worsens the problem and patient is better by taking rest. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album can be used when the difficulty in breathing is worse on lying down and better by sitting up.

Lachesis and Sambuccus homeopathic medicines for Chest congestion with suffocative attacks

Homeopathic medicine Lachesis is very efficient in treating suffocative attacks that are worse on lying down. The patient has to rush towards an open window to get relief. The patient feels to take deep breaths. Nothing tight is bearable around the neck or waist. Homeopathic Remedy Sambucus gives best results when the suffocative spells occurs while sleeping and the patient wakes up suddenly almost breathless. The nose feels totally obstructed. It is more frequently indicated in very young children and infants .

Bryonia Alba and Phosphorus –Natural Homeopathic medicines for chest congestion attended with chest pain

Both homeopathic medicines Bryonia Alba and Phosphorus occupy a significant place in homeopathy to treat the chest pains due to chest congestion. But the selection depends upon the symptoms given by the patient. Bryonia Alba more suited to those patients who give symptoms of chest pains which are worse on inspiring and while coughing. The pains are stitching type in nature . Such patients get relieve by lying down. And for using Phosphorus in chest pain the most indicative symptoms are – worsening of chest pain by lying on left side and by pressure. Warm applications usually relieve the pains and cold air aggravates the chest pain.

Homeopathic medicines Kali Sulph, Pulsatilla, Kali Bichrome for difficult coughing up of mucus in chest congestion:

Kali Sulph is one of the best homeopathic remedy for congestion ; It is given when the mucus rattles in the chest and is expectorated with much difficulty. The expectorated mucus is yellow in colour. Pulsatilla is used when the mucus from chest is greenish in colour and takes great effort to come out. And the last medicine Kali Bichrome works at its best when the mucus is extremely thick and sticky in nature and comes out in long threads or strings and requires much force to spit it out.

Homeopathic medicine Aconite for sudden chest congestion after exposure to cold air:

Aconite is the best natural remedy for chest congestion from exposure to cold air. The patients requiring this medicine feels severe oppression in chest with short difficult and laboured breathing. Anxiety and restlessness of utmost degree can also be present with chest congestion .

Homeopathic medicine Natrum Sulph for Chest congestion in damp weather:

Natrum Sulph is highly ranked holistic medicine for chest congestion occurring in damp weather. The symptoms that guide towards this medicine use are rattling of mucus in chest with difficulty in breathing and patient feels the need to take deep breaths. Green coloured mucus is coughed out. Pain in chest also occurs during coughing , forcing the patient to hold the chest.

Ipecac, Sambucus and Chamomilla – Natural Homeopathic medicines for chest congestion ininfants:

All these medicines are very efficient homeopathic remedies for chest colds in infants. Ipecac is mainly given when continuous rattling cough is present. The face of the infant turns blue due to incessant coughing . Wheezing from the chest is severe. vomiting usually eases the cough. Homeopathic medicine Sambucus works very efficiently in treating the cough attacks in infants that occurs at night with blockage of nose. The infant wakes up in the night with sudden crying and extremely suffocated. And the last mentioned medicine Chamomilla works well for infants with rattling cough with utmost irritability and crying. Such infant feel a lot better when they are carried around.

Homeopathic Medicines for Cough

There is a large list of homeopathic therapeutics for treatment of cough. Among them, the top ranked homeopathic medicines include – Drosera Rotundifolia, Antimonium Tart, and Conium Maculatum. The characteristic features of these remedies are as below:

Drosera Rotundfolia – Excellent homeopathic medicine for a dry cough.

Drosera Rotundifolia is a very effective homeopathic medicine for a dry cough. For using Drosera, a dry, irritative (irritant) cough is the chief indicator. The cough comes in attacks that follow each other rapidly. A marked fatigue attends the coughing episodes. Other accompanying symptoms include tickling in the larynx, scraping sensation in the throat and fetid breath with the cough. Vomiting with cough may also arise. The cough usually worsens after talking or laughing.

Cough that appears during measles or following it is also treated well with this remedy. Drosera is also a well indicated homeopathic remedy for a cough that begins on lying down.

Antimonium Tart – Highly Suitable homeopathic medicine for a rattling cough.

Antimonium Tart works very well in cases of rattling cough. The patient has a loose, rattling cough and the lungs feel full of mucus. The cough remains constant throughout the day and night. The patient faces excessive difficulty in raising the phlegm. Along with this, difficulty in breathing (most marked at night time) is present. Difficulty in breathing makes a person sit up from a prone position (in which it is worse). In addition to the above symptoms, a burning sensation in the chest may be present. Chest pain on coughing also arises in some of the cases. A cough that worsens after each meal is yet another characteristic feature pointing towards the use of Antimonium Tart

Conium Maculatum –homeopathic medicine for a nocturnal cough.

Conium Maculatum is useful homeopathic medicine for a nocturnal cough. The patient has a cough at night on lying down. They are restless at night and tend to sit up many times due to coughing spells. A tickling sensation in the throat pit may be prominently present. A few individuals may complain of an unusually dry spot in the larynx. In some cases, a headache on coughing may arise.

Ipecac—homeopathic medicine for cough with difficult expectoration

Ipecac is a suitable homeopathic medicine for a cough with difficult expectoration. The patient has a loose rattling cough with marked difficulty in expectoration. A constricted feeling in the chest and shortness of breath may arise. Suffocative spells may accompany the cough. Nausea and vomiting with cough are also present in a majority of the cases.

Spongia Tosta—homeopathic medicine for a cough with dry air passages

Spongia Tosta is a homeopathic medicine that is highly useful when there is a cough with extreme dryness of all the air passages. The cough is an exclusively dry, barking, hacking type. Chills may attend the cough. Warm drinks may offer a little relief. Along with this, shortness of breath and laboured respiration may also be present.

Corallium Rubrum—homeopathic medicines for a cough from PND (post nasal dripping)

Corallium Rubrum is a good homeopathic medicine for cough from PND (post nasal dripping). The cough appears in quick, short attacks that follow each other in quick succession. Along with the cough, excessive hawking is also present. Extreme exhaustion is felt along with the cough. A vital symptom that attends the above symptoms is the sensitivity of air passages to air (inhaled air feels cold).

Millifolium—homeopathic medicine for cough with bloody sputa (hemoptysis)

Millifolium is a homeopathic medicine of immense help in a cough with bloody sputa or in any lung disease with accompanying cough. In addition, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and oppression of chest appear. Hemoptysis after injury or following violent exertion also indicates the use of Millifolium.

Natrum Mur—homeopathic medicine for a cough with white expectoration.

For a cough with white sputa expectoration, Natrum Mur is a beneficial homeopathic medicine. The sputa may be salty to taste. Other attending symptoms are a cough with the flowing of tears from the eyes, a headache of bursting nature, and shortness of breath. A sore, bruised feeling in the chest also appears. Another symptom that may arise is involuntary urination during coughing.

Kali Sulph and Pulsatilla Nigricans —homeopathic medicines for cough with yellow & green expectoration respectively.

Kali Sulph is a valuable homeopathic medicine for cough with expectoration of yellow coloured sputa. Other symptoms pointing to the use of Kali Sulph are the rattling of mucus in the chest, difficult expectoration, and wheezing in the chest.

Pulsatilla Nigricans is an important homeopathic medicine for cough where greenish expectoration is present. The patient’s cough may get aggravated in a warm room and find relief in open air. Pulsatilla Nigricans is also suited for a cough after measles.

Phosphorus and Hepar Sulph—homeopathic remedies for a cough in bronchitis

Phosphorus and Hepar Sulph are beneficial homeopathic medicines for cough in bronchitis. The characteristic indicators for using Phosphorus are cough with sputum expectoration of a purulent nature, frothy or blood-stained sputum. The phlegm may be salty or sweet to taste. Strong odours may trigger a cough.

Along with cough, chest tightness, oppression of chest, and sharp stitching pain in the chest may be present. Heat/ burning sensation in the chest may also appear in a few individuals needing Phosphorus.

Hepar Sulph is significant medicine for bronchitis in older adults. The symptoms indicating use of Hepar Sulph are a loose rattling cough with thick, tenacious, yellow sputa. The cough may worsen from exposure to cold air, while warmth relieves it.

Arsenic Album—homeopathic medicine for an asthmatic cough.

Arsenic Album is an excellent choice of homeopathic medicine for an asthmatic cough. The symptoms indicating the use of Arsenic Album are a cough with shortness of breath, and wheezing/whistling in the chest. Tightness in the chest may also arise. Tenacious expectoration of yellow/ green colour may be there. Other attending feature is suffocative attacks during sleep. Anxiety and restlessness may occur in persons along with above symptoms.

Antimonium Arsenicosum – Suitable homeopathic medicine for a cough in emphysema

Antimonium Arsenicosum is a homeopathic medicine for treating cough in persons having emphysema. Along with a cough, extreme dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) attends. In most cases lying down worsens the cough and dyspnea. Excessive mucus expectoration is also there with an emphysematous cough. In addition, a general weakness and loss of appetite may be present.

Bryonia Alba –homeopathic medicine for a cough in pneumonia patients

Bryonia Alba is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for a cough in pneumonia patients. The guiding symptoms for using Bryonia Alba include a dry, hard cough and brick coloured/blood streaked sputa. Chest pain on coughing, which makes a person hold the chest is the chief attending feature. Stitching pain in the chest which is worse on inhaling is another prominent symptom for using Bryonia Alba. The chest pain may benefit from lying on the painful side.

Sambucus Nigra –homeopathic medicine for cough in children.

Sambucus Nigra is a well indicated homeopathic medicine for treating cough in children. The cough is usually of paroxysmal type. The most troublesome time for a cough is during the night. Sudden spells, mainly of a suffocative cough arise during night hours. A child needing Sambucus Nigra frequently sits up at night because of the coughing spells. Along with the cough, a whistling sound from the chest is also present in most cases.

Senega—homeopathic medicines for cough in the elderly

Senega is of high value for treating cough in the elderly. A rattling in the chest with marked difficulty in raising the tough sputa arises along with the cough. Soreness and oppressed sensation in the chest may also assist. Pain in the back on coughing could be present. A cough in asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis all indicates towards the use of Senega.

Cina and Coccus Cacti—homeopathic remedies for a spasmodic cough.

Cinaand Coccus Cacti are significant medicines for a spasmodic cough. Cina Maritima is helpful when there is a violent cough that ends in vomiting. The cough is so intense that it brings tears to the eyes. The cough usually appears in paroxysms with attending shortness of breath.Coccus Cacti is useful when a spasmodic cough is worse in the morning. The cough ends with vomiting of viscid mucus. Coccus Cacti is also prominent when there is a cough in regular paroxysms with expectoration of much ropy mucous.

Nux Vomica—homeopathic medicine for a cough with acidity (GERD)

Nux Vomica is an important homeopathic medicine for a cough with acidity. The symptoms indicating the use of Nux Vomica are cough and difficulty in breathing with an accumulation of gas in the abdomen. Nausea, vomiting, fullness in the stomach and sour/bitter belching are prominently present with the cough.