Do cough syrups actually heal you??? No, if you think so then you are surviving with a myth,
#cough is a common reflex action that clears the throat of mucus or foreign irritants, this
may occur because of excess secretions, allergens, environmental irritants such as dust and
smoke.
A millions of people ingest spoonful of these colorful, sweetened and flavored cold and
cough formulations for relief from cough. And I guess it won’t be surprising if I tell you cough
syrups are among top five medicines sold in India.
WHY AREN’T THESE COUGH SYRUPS GOOD FOR YOU?
 Most of these cough syrups contain decongestants, expectortants, antihistamines
and antitussives, which are cough SUPRESSANTS.
 Antitussives like dextromethorphan, suppress coughing by blocking the body’s cough
reflex.
 Cough suppressants can cause sputum retention which is harmful in patients of
chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
 These cough syrups makes you feel drowsy and helps you sleep but don’t provide
you with a cure.
 Most of them contain codeine which is further converted to morphine, which is not
good for lactating mothers and hence for infants and US government has banned
medicines containing codeine for children .
WHAT TO DO?
 You can choose home remedies over cough syrups:
-Steam inhalation helps clear airways and chest of excess mucous.
-You can add honey 4 tsp + 1 tsp Nutmeg powder +2 tsp Ginger Juice , consume this
lukewarm mixture for relief.
 If your cough persists for two weeks or more get yourself diagnosed and treated.
Take care of yourself, and be prepared for winters. Stay healthy.