The primary treatment of a cough accompanying the common cold should be with alternative medicine. Many of these natural-healing therapies are ideally suited to provide symptomatic relief and assist with expectoration of excess mucous secretions. There are several complementary and alternative therapies that may be useful in the treatment of a cough. Consult a competent practitioner in each treatment modality for individual assessment or additional information. Pressure is applied with the fingers to stimulate specific acupoints to relax muscle spasms caused by relentless episodes of coughing.
Aromatherapy using herbal steam can assist in reducing congestion.
Steam inhalation of essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus or helichrysum may improve breathing and diminish coughing episodes. Take several breaths of the inhalation and then take a break and breathe room air. You may then return to the steam inhalation. Also try placing a few drops of one of these oils on a warm, wet washcloth or tissue and hold to your face with your eyes closed for several minutes. Ginger oil mixed with a carrier oil makes a great warming chest rub to help relieve congestion and coughing.