Many people develop a cough with abrupt changes of climate. The cough can be dry and impossible to suppress, or be so phlegm-filled that it makes your chest hurt and disturbs sleep. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are therefore designed for cough relief.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), coughing is not only regarded as a symptom of a respiratory disease, but also an independent syndrome in itself. TCM uses an unique theory to understand how cough develops, and has created abundant prescriptions to treat various types of cough.

Many proprietary Chinese medicines are available on the market. In comparison with western cough medicines, Chinese OTC products provide a gentle way of relieving a cough and are less likely to have side effects. Since they are herbal mixtures, the multiple components can get to the root of the problem in repairing damage and resuming correct function comprehensively. Read the labels carefully and choose a product that most fits your particular cough, so as to get the maximum benefit out of these herbal products.

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The different preparation forms are important considerations when choosing TCM cough medicines. Syrups and extracts coat the lining of the throat which provides additional relief when suffering from an irritated throat; oral solutions are the most absorbable and dosage is easy to control; granules have a more favorable taste and are convenient to store; tablets or pills are suitable for long-term consumption, while capsules are good for those who hate the herbal smell and can work faster than tablets or pills.

You should also pay attention to any potential drug interactions between your own medications and the ingredients in the above. For example, hypertensive drugs can cause adverse effects, as many TCM cough medicines contain ephedra; diabetic patients should not take TCM cough medicines since they are high sugar content as well as the liquorice root that is commonly found in the cough products. While taking cough medicines, it is recommended to have a light diet, and avoid raw and frozen foods and drinks. A more sensible way is to see a TCM practitioner for a tailor-made prescription.