Identification and Prevention Tips for Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Is you or someone that you love currently sick with a stubborn, persistent cough? It might be whooping cough. Read on for more information, including natural remedies for whooping cough.

What is Pertussis, or whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or Pertussis, is a fairly common infection that isn't normally serious. However, in a child, the infection can cause problems and complications, even death. There is a vaccine, but sometimes children get the infection before the round of vaccinations is complete.

In the video I've included on this page from the Mayo Clinic they said that often children catch it from adults who have a minor infection. The adults get it because they either need to get the booster vaccine or they were never vaccinated in the first place.

For more information about the vaccine or the booster, contact your physician.

What if you have whooping cough or you think you have it?

If you think you have it, you should definitely see a doctor. As mentioned above, it can develop into a very serious situation. However, if it is found and diagnosed in time, a round of antibiotics will take care of it.

Exploring natural and herbal remedies for pertussis is also an option. However, I caution against taking matters into your own hands. No matter what, you should see your doctor. This is because you want to get a proper diagnosis. You should also run any herbal or home remedies you want to try by your doctor.

There are a few herbal remedies you can try if you have whooping cough. Bear in mind that it is a bacterial infection that results in a persistent, aggravating cough. That means that whichever remedies you take should do a combination of soothing the cough and getting rid of the bacterial infection.

Thyme Tea with Honey

I included a video with instructions on how to make a tea with thyme - an herb you can find right in your spice cabinet. The thyme may help kill the germs and the honey soothes the cough. You can substitute thyme for oregano. Also, you are welcome to use the fresh herb rather than the dried one. Watch the video for more information.

Mouse-Ear Hawkweed

When I was getting my Diploma in Herbal Studies, I learned that Mouse-Ear Hawkweed, a plant that is often mistaken for dandelion, is a good whooping cough remedy. I included a link with more information about this. I also found a video that will help you identify it if you want. Be careful when trying to identify plants - I would also look it up in a field guide.

Garlic Natural Remedy

Honestly, it couldn't hurt taking garlic capsules or upping your intake of garlic when you eat. In fact, in the Ayurveda natural remedy video I included at the end talks about taking garlic juice as a remedy. I personally would rather take the fresh juice than the capsules. You may want to wash it down with a spoonful of honey, though, or even mix it with honey - which is also good for coughs.

Honey for Coughs - Whooping Cough Remedy

In addition to washing down the garlic with some honey, you can also boil some hot water and stir a nice helping of raw honey in it and sip as needed. It is not only tasty, but it will also soothe any irritation and may help calm the cough a little.