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Articles categorized as Coughs

Article imageJoe Graedon - November 25, 2024
Article imageJoe Graedon - November 18, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - December 16, 2024 - 12 comments

Can Vicks VapoRub on Your Soles Calm Your Cough?

Have you ever massaged Vicks VapoRub on your soles at night to get some sleep without coughing? Many readers find this is a helpful remedy.

Terry Graedon - November 14, 2024

Show 1408: Roots & Remedies: The Practice and Philosophy of Herbal Medicine

Joe Graedon - October 16, 2024

Misdiagnosed Cough from Hell Makes Life Miserable

Terry Graedon - September 23, 2024

How to Make Thyme Cough Medicine

Terry Graedon - September 2, 2024

Have You Tried Elderberry to Ease Your Cold Symptoms?

Joe Graedon - July 25, 2024

Skip Cough and Cold Remedies for Something Better!

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Terry Graedon - May 5, 2024

Old-Fashioned Vicks VapoRub Vindicated

Science now supports using old-fashioned Vicks VapoRub to calm coughs. It can also help treat stubborn nail fungus and so much more.

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Terry Graedon - March 24, 2024

You Can Make Your Own Natural Cough Syrup with Thyme

Thyme is rich in thymol, a compound that can help ease coughs. Use it to make your own natural cough syrup.

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Terry Graedon - March 14, 2024

Show 1378: Rediscovering the Power of Medicinal Herbs

Our guests are expert herbalists. They share their knowledge on medicinal herbs to help you stay healthy, from Andrographis to thyme.

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Joe Graedon - March 11, 2024

Can Science Explain Why Vicks on the Feet Calms a Cough?

Many people wonder why Vicks on the feet could stop a cough. Others are convinced it's totally bogus. What if there IS a good explanation?

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Joe Graedon - March 4, 2024

Doctor Says Vicks on the Feet Calms Night Cough: Not a Placebo!

Many health professionals insist that home remedies are placebos. What if an MD recommends Vicks on the feet to calm a cough? Explanations?

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Joe Graedon - February 15, 2024

Is Phenylephrine a Worthless Decongestant? FDA’s Dilemma!

Why did it take FDA SO LONG to realize the decongestant phenylephrine is ineffective? Have Americans wasted billions on worthless products?

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2024

Reader Spanks Us Over Phenylephrine Decongestant!

Phenylephrine is in cold, cough and allergy pills. The FDA says it doesn't work! How about the phenylephrine decongestant in nose sprays?

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Terry Graedon - January 11, 2024

Show 1369: What to Do If You Catch the Flu

In this interview, an expert in critical care and pulmonology offers evidence-based tips on how to recover more quickly if you catch the flu.

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Joe Graedon - January 3, 2024

Will You Catch Flu, RSV, COVID or Strep this Winter?

Did you catch flu in the last several weeks? Did you get an influenza vaccine? Did it work? Have you caught any other respiratory infection?

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Terry Graedon - January 1, 2024

How to Make Onion Syrup for a Cough

Some readers like to make onion syrup when they have a cough. This home remedy seems to help calm a cough with minimal side effects.

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Terry Graedon - November 27, 2023

How Can You Find Terpin Hydrate Cough Medicine?

Terpin hydrate cough medicine is not found in regular drugstores, but a compounding pharmacy can make some for you.

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Terry Graedon - October 19, 2023

Show 1360: The Pros & Perils of OTC Drugs

In this live radio show, get answers to your questions about the safety and effectiveness of OTC drugs. Can you trust them?

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Terry Graedon - June 19, 2023

Will Honey and Chocolate Ease Your Cough?

Honey and chocolate are unorthodox cough remedies, but there is evidence they can be helpful to calm an unpleasant cough.

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Joe Graedon - June 15, 2023

Will We Have a Bad Flu Season This Year?

Influenza was virtually nonexistent for the last three years. But now we could be facing a very bad flu season. Australia is being hit hard!

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Joe Graedon - June 1, 2023

Did You Catch HMPV Recently Without Knowing It?

Have you ever heard of human metapneumovirus (aka HMPV)? We didn't think so. This upper respiratory infection is as bad as the flu or RSV!

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Terry Graedon - May 25, 2023

Show 1274: Can We Make Sick Buildings Healthy? (Archive)

When we pay attention to fixing sick buildings, the people in them become happier, healthier and more productive.

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Terry Graedon - May 4, 2023

Show 1340: Were the Old Wives Right?

The best way to find out if the old wives were right about a home remedy might be to give it a try. Do you have a favorite?

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Joe Graedon - June 13, 2022

Putting Old Familiar Brands to New Weird Uses

If you like to learn about new uses for old drugs, this article is for you! We love repurposing old familiar brands of household products.

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Terry Graedon - December 20, 2021

Onion Cough Remedy

Onion syrup, made by cooking onions with honey or sugar, is a homemade cough remedy that can help ease a persistent cough.

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Joe Graedon - July 29, 2021

How Long Do People Feel Bad After COVID-19?

Months after they expected to be recovered, some people still feel bad after COVID-19. They report fatigue, headache or other symptoms.

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Terry Graedon - November 12, 2020

How Can We Tamp Down the Spread of COVID-19?

Data from cell phones show which locations are linked to higher infection rates. Reducing capacity could slow the spread of COVID-19.

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Terry Graedon - November 5, 2020

How Many New Yorkers Have Contracted COVID-19?

When researchers analyzed 10,000 blood samples from New Yorkers, they found about one in five had been infected with COVID-19 by late May.

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Terry Graedon - June 8, 2020

Can a Face Mask Protect You or Others?

Evidence is building that wearing a face mask can protect you and others around you, even in the risky environment of a long-distance flight. This tactic works best when everyone adopts it.

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Terry Graedon - April 16, 2020

Show 1208: Keeping Kids Healthy in the Age of Coronavirus

How are parents and grandparents keeping kids healthy when they can't go to school or the playground? Dr. Alan Greene has suggestions for families, 4/18/20.

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Terry Graedon - November 10, 2019

What Is the Impact of Herbal Treatments for Cough?

Herbal treatments for cough can help avoid overuse of antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance. Have you tried sage for sore throat & thyme for cough?

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Terry Graedon - June 10, 2019

How Can You Find Natural Cough Medicine That Works?

A search for a natural cough medicine from Germany turned up several herbs that can be helpful. Have you tried elderberry, thyme or Andrographis?

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Joe Graedon - March 18, 2019

Delayed Cough with Lisinopril Can Lead to Misdiagnosis

Most people are alert to drug side effects that arise after a few days or weeks. But what about a delayed cough with lisinopril that takes years to show up?

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Terry Graedon - January 28, 2019

Can You Get Addicted to Cough Syrup?

Dextromethorphan is the active ingredient in many OTC cough medicines. Be aware that it is possible to become addicted to cough syrup.

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Terry Graedon - January 17, 2019

Will Chocolate Calm Your Cough?

Might chocolate calm your cough? Some research is suggestive but inconclusive. Treat it as a possible home remedy and try it yourself.

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Terry Graedon - December 24, 2018

How to Calm a Cough Naturally

Thymol in Vicks VapoRub or thyme tea can help calm a cough naturally. Here are instructions on how to make your own cough syrup at home.

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Terry Graedon - November 26, 2018

Vicks on Soles of Feet Calmed Grandkids’ Coughs

You can ease grandkids' coughs at night by smearing Vicks on the soles of their feet at bedtime. This remedy works for grown-ups, too.

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Joe Graedon - November 19, 2018

Terpin Hydrate Helped World War I Veteran

What do you do for a cough? Do you find that dextromethorphan (the DM in OTC cough meds) tastes terrible? Have you ever found that terpin hydrate helped?

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Terry Graedon - November 5, 2018

Should You Pay Less for Vicks VapoRub®?

An irate reader discovered that a favorite rub now contains a synthetic ingredient instead of natural essential oil. Should we pay less for Vicks VapoRub?

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Terry Graedon - October 11, 2018

How to Take Care of Kids with Colds

Parents should be wary of using OTC medicines to treat kids with colds. Some home remedies, such as honey for coughs, may be more helpful.

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Joe Graedon - September 10, 2018

Can A Bar of Soap Stop a Cough or Laryngospasm?

Are you getting tired of reading that a bar of soap can ease muscle cramps? We get it. We frequently write about this remedy. But here are some new soap stories, including laryngospasm.

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Joe Graedon - July 19, 2018

Beware Unnecessary Antibiotics from Urgent Care Centers

Have you ever been given a prescription for a cold or the flu? Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are common, especially at urgent care centers. Read Joe's personal tale of woe and intrigue.

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Terry Graedon - January 15, 2018

Spices for Unexpected Cough and Cold Relief

Sage, thyme and ginger can offer surprising cough and cold relief.

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Terry Graedon - December 18, 2017

How to Make Your Own Cough Syrup

It is not difficult to make your own all-natural cough syrup at home using thyme, lemon and honey.

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Terry Graedon - December 4, 2017

Twins Demonstrate the Benefits of Vicks VapoRub on the Feet

Recent scientific research suggests reasons why a "wacky" folk remedy–smearing Vicks on the feet–may help quell a persistent cough.

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Terry Graedon - May 1, 2017

How to Calm a Cough with Crystallized Ginger

Crystallized ginger contains a compound that can reduce coughing without side effects. One extra benefit: it is very tasty!

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Terry Graedon - February 20, 2017

Will a Whiff of Garlic Stop a Stubborn Cough?

Sniffing the aroma of fresh garlic activates TRP channels on nerve cells; this may stimulate feedback to the brain's cough center and calm a stubborn cough.

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Joe Graedon - February 6, 2017

Terpin Hydrate Cough Medicine Disappearance Can be Overcome

Was terpin hydrate banned by the FDA or is it still available from special pharmacies? Why do some people still use this old-fashioned remedy?

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Terry Graedon - January 30, 2017

How to Soothe Your Cough with Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper can make you cough, but it might also desensitize the nerves responsible for a long-lasting cough that lingers after a cold.

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Terry Graedon - January 23, 2017

How to Calm a Cough with Thyme Tea

Sipping a cup of thyme tea can help calm a cough because thymol has antitussive activity. Add honey and lemon to taste.

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Joe Graedon - January 10, 2017

Does Tasting Garlic Through Your Feet Offer Clues into Vicks for Coughs?

People have strong feelings about Vicks for coughs. Some say it's bogus. Others love this old fashioned remedy and wouldn't be without a bottle.

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Terry Graedon - January 14, 2016

Will Cough Syrup Recall Protect Kids from Overdose?

Perrigo has initiated a cough syrup recall of several house brands of cherry or grape-flavored kids' cough syrup.

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Joe Graedon - November 16, 2015

Skeptical Aussie Embraces Vicks VapoRub on the Soles of the Feet for Cough

Smearing Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet may be able to calm a troublesome nighttime cough AND overcome nasal congestion (stuffy nose)

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Joe Graedon - October 19, 2015

If You Are Sensitive to Drug Side Effects There May Be a Reason

Patients differ dramatically in how they metabolize medicines. Some are far more susceptible to drug side effects than others. Your genes tell the story.

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Joe Graedon - May 14, 2015

Why Do So Many Doctors Ignore Obvious Drug Side Effects?

Doctors are some of the most brilliant and well educated professionals in the world. How come so many can ignore one of the most common drug side effects?

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Joe Graedon - March 9, 2015

Lisinopril Cough Caused Loss of Consciousness

Lisinopril cough is not a minor side effect. People have shared harrowing complications from drug-induced cough that could be life threatening.

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Joe Graedon - March 9, 2015

Childhood Cough Remedy Is Gone, but Home Remedies Can Help

Although terpin hydrate is no longer available, many home remedies can ease a cough.

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Joe Graedon - December 15, 2014

How to Calm a Cough: Drugstore Vs. Grandma

What is safer and more effective for battling coughs--Drugstore cough syrup or grandma's home remedies? You might be surprised.

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Joe Graedon - December 8, 2014

Natural Cough Remedies

Ginger, thyme or honey offer natural approaches to calming a cough.

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Joe Graedon - December 4, 2014

OTC Cough Medicine Effectiveness Questioned

There is not enough good research to establish whether over-the-counter cough medicine actually calms coughs.

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Joe Graedon - November 20, 2014

Skeptical Rheumatologist Wants Info on Turmeric Side Effects

Do the benefits of turmeric outweigh side effects? Thyme tea for coughs and cornmeal mask for seborhheic dermatitis.

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Terry Graedon - May 12, 2014

Which Facts About Asthma Are Really Myths?

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Terry Graedon - February 10, 2014

Candied Ginger Serves as Natural Cough Remedy

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Terry Graedon - June 24, 2013

Changing Doctors Ended Drug Nightmare

Changing doctors helped one reader finally get rid of a cough caused by her BP medication. Her new doctor recognized a side effect the first doctor missed.

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Joe Graedon - June 6, 2013

Lisinopril Side Effects Can Be Lethal

Blood pressure pills like Lisinopril are perceived as generally safe medications, but mysterious lisinopril side effects called angioedema can be life threatening.

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Terry Graedon - February 18, 2013

Lisinopril Side Effect Made Her Miserable

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Joe Graedon - November 26, 2012

Easing Kids’ Coughs and Colds

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Joe Graedon - November 19, 2012

Cough: Calming a Child’s Nighttime Hack

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Joe Graedon - October 18, 2012

German Cold & Cough Remedy Works Great!

Old fashioned cough and cold remedies containing the herb thyme may work surprisingly well against coughs and colds. There is some science behind thyme.

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Terry Graedon - August 9, 2012

Old-Fashioned Remedy Best for Kids’ Cough

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Terry Graedon - April 16, 2012

Horrible Cough from Blood Pressure Pill

A constant horrible dry cough that just won't go away could be a side effect of Lisinopril.

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Terry Graedon - October 10, 2011

Cough Causes Loss of Bladder and Bowel Control

ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicines such as lisinopril can sometimes cause a terrible cough. In that case, an alternative may be preferred.

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Terry Graedon - May 23, 2011

Unique Cough Remedy Worked Instantly

It seems unorthodox, but many parents report that Vicks on the soles of the feet helps ease a child's cough. What a unique cough remedy!

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Terry Graedon - March 9, 2011

Vitamin Shots Helped Chronic Coughs

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Terry Graedon - December 20, 2010

Treating Children’s Cough Safely

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Joe Graedon - April 26, 2010

When Will Doctors Pay Attention to an ACE Cough?

ACE inhibitors like lisinopril or ramipril help control blood pressure, but they can also trigger a side effect that should be recognized: an ACE cough.

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Terry Graedon - April 10, 2010

Coughing Fix: How to Suppress an Annoying Cough

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Terry Graedon - April 5, 2010

Pill Triggered Cough from Hell

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Joe Graedon - April 16, 2008

Cough Is Reaction to Blood Pressure Medicine

ACE inhibitor blood pressure medications can cause a persistent cough in susceptible people, but this side effect is not always communicated to patients.

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Terry Graedon - January 30, 2006

Calming a Cough Calls for Creativity