Dr. Owen Wiseman

What should I do about a persistent dry cough?

For your cough, there are two options from A.Vogel including the Santasapina Soothing Cough Syrup or Bronchosan.

The Santasapina Soothing Cough Syrup is made with the buds of Norway Spruce, more formally known as Picea abies, and is presented in a syrup format. One of the biggest complaints with a dry cough is the irritated throat that might make each cough a painful experience. Syrups help to coat the throat with a barrier that will reduce the irritation while the components of Norway spruce act as anti-inflammatories.

Bronchosan is a combination of plants such as ground ivy leaf (Hedera helix), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), star of anise (Illicium verum)) and is produced in a liquid format. As a sugar free option, this would be better for those diagnosed with diabetes relative to the syrup. As the phlegm in the throat builds up, a plant like ivy leaf (Hedera helix) could provide symptomatic relief. The European Medicines Agency acknowledges the ability of ivy leaf to dilate the bronchi or the airways and in studies with children, it has been shown to be as effective as acetylcysteine for acute bronchitis. Your naturopathic doctor may consider this in those trying to quit smoking to help eliminate residue that has accumulated in the lungs.

Now while these remedies target the symptoms, the root problem of the influenza virus is still there. Echinaforce from A.Vogel (in many formats) has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of the flu in clinical trials.

If your cough persists and does not seem to be caused by an infection, be it cold or flu, consult your doctor to determine the cause and best course of treatment.

Owen Wiseman