Figs from dry and wet cough for children and adults

For a long time, cough treatment with figs has been practiced in places where it grows - in Asia Minor and the southwestern regions of Europe. This remedy appears in Ayurveda, and in the treatises of traditional medicine in China, and in the collection of medicines of the Armenian doctor of the Middle Ages Amidovlat Amasiatsi.

The benefits of figs and indications for use

The benefits of fig or fig tree fruits - Ficus carica of the Moraceae family (genus Ficus) - in the presence of several carotenoids in its composition, including beta-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, carotene lycopene; vitamins C, B1, B2, B6; calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphates, iron (the amount of this trace element in figs is even higher than in apples), copper, zinc. [1]

But the cough benefits of figs are due to its pectin (soluble fiber) and alkaline pH. Pectins help to reduce irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and alkalinization (due to the high potassium content: 50 g of figs contain up to 350-430 mg of potassium) dilutes thick bronchial secretions and facilitates coughing up phlegm. [2]

In addition, dried figs contain not only aliphatic amino acids (aspartic, glutamic and leucine), but also high concentrations of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds - gallic, chlorogenic and syrinic acids, lutein and catechins, which normalize the functional activity of the epithelium of the bronchial mucosa, helps to restore the protective mechanisms of the lungs and regulation of bronchial tone. [3]

Indications for the use of these fruits include dry cough of any etiology (including bronchial asthma), as well as a cough with a hard-to-remove surfactant.

Dosing and administration

Simple recipes for cough figs include a common decoction, which is prepared at the rate of one to two fruits per 150 ml of water (boiling duration - up to five to six minutes). When the finished broth cools down to room temperature, it is taken two or three sips several times during for.

Figs with cough milk are also recommended. Why with milk, read from the publication -  Cough milk

In a glass of hot milk, four figs are taken, which is pre-washed, poured over with boiling water and finely chopped. The figs filled with milk are brought to a boil, boiled for a few minutes and left to infuse under the lid. Then the fruits are crushed to a puree state. This remedy is taken in three steps.

In this way, as for the relief of dry cough, dried cough figs with viscous, difficult to cough up phlegm are also used.

Cough figs for children

It is possible to use these cough fruits for children over three to four years old - in addition to conventional therapy.

Use Cough figs during pregnancy

Doctors do not recommend using figs for coughing during pregnancy because of its high glycemic index, as well as due to the possible negative effect of the biologically active substances of these fruits, in particular amino acids, on the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid and the synthesis of muscle proteins.

Contraindications

Figs should not be used for coughs with diarrhea (due to their high fiber content), with low blood pressure, as well as for patients with diabetes: figs are rich in sugar and have a high glycemic index.

Side effects Cough figs

Despite all the beneficial properties, some side effects of fig fruits associated with their laxative, diuretic and hypotensive effects are possible.

So it is much easier to use milk with honey, butter and cough soda with equal success  .

More useful information in the material -  Treatment of bronchitis at home