Whooping Cough

[Laura L. BergesonStudent]

I got a phone call from my daughter in law this morning. She was worried about her 15 year old son who is developing symptoms of whooping cough. He had a sore throat 5 days ago which gradually developed into a cough and now he is getting the spasms and a whistling sound upon inspiration. Whooping cough has been in their neighborhood recently. There are 5 children in the family, none of whom have had any vaccinations.

I told her to put him in a hot ginger bath with a tablespoon of gumweed/lobelia extracts in some warm water to sip. Also, when he is out of the tub, to put a lobelia fomentation on his throat and chest and give him some mashed garlic mixed with honey and cayenne as often as he will take it. He was wanting to go to football tryouts this afternoon, so I hope the herbs work fast!

Is there anything else she could do? How long should the gumweed/lobelia extracts be continued?

[IdahoHerbalist]

Here is a site that might help.

Since the disease is caused by a bacteria you may want to try some of the antimicrobials in addition to the garlic. That is what I would do anyway. We have Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, Yarrow and others here at home. For myself, I would start chugging chaparral.

I think he should miss the football activity if you don’t want the whole school to come down with this.

[Laura L. BergesonStudentTopic Author]

Is garlic not as effective an antibacterial as the ones you mentioned? Or are they synergistic with each other? In other words, should he stop the garlic, or just add the other herbs?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

SageWoman wrote: Is garlic not as effective an antibacterial as the ones you mentioned? Or are they synergistic with each other? In other words, should he stop the garlic, or just add the other herbs?

The garlic, honey, cayenne is a great idea. Steven’s are good as well…lots of good options.

Make sure the garlic is raw of course.

Some crampbark or lobelia will help the spasm. Mullein and wild cherry will help the cough. If the cough is productive, add some gumweed or elecampane to get the goobers out.

Lots of good info in the Respiratory Module you could review as well.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

My approach is to hit the little buggers from multiple directions. Most anti-microbial pharmaceuticals are a SINGLE entity. That is why we get resistant buggies.

[Laura L. BergesonStudentTopic Author]

Reporting back:

My DIL gave the grandson the Gumweed/Lobelia mixture while he was soaking in a ginger/turmeric bath. He took some garlic and went to sleep for a few hours. By the time 2:30 came around and my DIL took him to the doctor, his cough was much better and the doctor said it was just a cold. DIL was embarrassed, and swears that he was whooping in the morning. Such is the power of herbs! :yahoo:

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Glad the little rascal is feeling better.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

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