Best Food to Eat When You Have a Cough

Coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses. It ranges from the common cold to chronic respiratory conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this symptom reflects more than a localized issue. It signals an imbalance within the body.In TCM, food is not just sustenance-it’s also medicine. TCM practitioners believe specific foods possess healing properties. These foods target various types of respiratory discomfort. In this blog, we will explore TCM dietary advice. We will focus on managing and relieving coughs naturally.

Understanding Coughs in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), different types of respiratory symptoms link to distinct causes, each requiring its own treatment approach. Practitioners typically divide these symptoms into two broad categories: exterior and interior.
Exterior respiratory issues are usually acute, triggered by external factors such as cold, wind, or dryness, and are often accompanied by illnesses like the common cold or flu.
Interior issues, on the other hand, tend to be more chronic, resulting from internal imbalances such as lung deficiency, phlegm accumulation, or qi stagnation. These problems are often linked to deeper organ-related issues within the body.
In TCM, the goal of treatment is to restore balance and promote the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) throughout the body. Dietary therapy plays a crucial role in this process, as certain foods can help soothe the lungs, expel phlegm, and reduce inflammation, offering relief from these cough discomforts.

Foods to Eat for Different Types of Cough

Depending on the nature of the respiratory issue—whether it’s dry, productive, or triggered by cold or heat—the recommended foods in TCM will vary. Below are some common types of discomfort and the foods that can help alleviate them.

Dry Cough

A dry cough, often caused by heat or dryness in the lungs, can be very irritating. It may accompany symptoms such as a sore throat, itchy throat, and little to no mucus. This type of discomfort often occurs in autumn when the weather is dry or after recovering from a fever.

Recommended Foods:

Pears: Pears, a staple in Chinese remedies, are known for their cooling and moistening effects on the lungs, helping to relieve dryness.You can steam or poach them with honey or rock sugar for a soothing treat.

Honey: Known for its soothing and moistening properties, honey is ideal for dry symptoms. You can add it to warm water or herbal teas.

White Fungus (Tremella): This gelatinous fungus is commonly used in soups and desserts in TCM. It helps nourish the lungs and clear dryness.

Lotus Seeds: Considered neutral in nature, lotus seeds have a moisturizing effect on the lungs, making them a good option for alleviating dryness.

TCM Recipe for Dry Cough:

Steamed Pear with Rock Sugar: Cut a pear in half, remove the core, and fill the center with rock sugar. Steam the pear for 20-30 minutes and enjoy it warm to soothe the throat and relieve dryness.

By incorporating these foods and remedies, you can effectively support your recovery from a dry cough.

Phlegmy (Productive) Cough

A productive cough, marked by excess phlegm or mucus in the lungs, often links to dampness and spleen weakness in TCM, which leads to phlegm accumulation. The phlegm can be thick, sticky, or yellow/greenish, indicating heat, or white and watery, indicating cold.

Recommended Foods:

Ginger: Ginger has warming properties and can help expel cold and dampness from the body, making it useful for a cough with white, watery phlegm. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce throat irritation.

Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi): Dried tangerine peel is often used to resolve phlegm and strengthen the spleen. It is particularly good for reducing dampness and eliminating mucus.

Radish: Radish is cooling in nature and helps to eliminate phlegm. It can be consumed raw or cooked in soups.

Loquat: Loquat is commonly used in Chinese herbal cough syrups. It nourishes the lungs and helps clear phlegm.

TCM Recipe for Phlegmy Cough:

Ginger and Radish Soup: Simmer fresh ginger slices and radish in water for 15-20 minutes. Drink the warm broth to help clear mucus and reduce phlegm accumulation.

Cold-Induced Cough

A cough triggered by cold weather or exposure to wind is usually accompanied by clear, thin phlegm and symptoms such as chills, sneezing, and a runny nose. In TCM, this type of cough is associated with wind-cold invasion.

Recommended Foods:

Scallions: Scallions (spring onions) are warming and help to dispel cold. They can be used in soups to relieve wind-cold coughs.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another warming food that helps to drive out cold from the body.You can add it to teas or soups for its warming effects.

Garlic: Garlic has natural antimicrobial properties and is warming in nature, helping to fight cold-induced coughs.

Black Pepper: Black pepper is warming and can help to open up the lungs and reduce mucus production.

TCM Recipe for Cold-Induced Cough:

Scallion and Ginger Soup: Boil a few scallions and slices of ginger in water. Drink the warm broth to help release the exterior and expel cold from the body.

Heat-Induced Cough

A heat-induced cough is often accompanied by yellow or greenish phlegm, a sore throat, and a feeling of heat or irritability. In TCM, this condition links to lung heat, caused by external factors like hot weather or internal imbalances such as excessive consumption of spicy or fried food.

Recommended Foods:

Bitter Melon: Cooling in nature, bitter melon helps to clear heat from the lungs, making it beneficial for this type of discomfort.

Watermelon: With its cooling properties, watermelon helps to reduce heat in the body, providing relief for a hot, dry cough.

Mung Beans: Mung beans are cooling and aid in detoxifying the body, making them an excellent choice for clearing lung heat.

Dandelion: This herb clears heat and toxins from the body in TCM. Consuming it as tea helps soothe respiratory symptoms associated with excess heat.

TCM Recipe for Heat-Induced Cough:

Mung Bean Soup: Boil mung beans in water with a little rock sugar. This cooling soup can help clear heat from the lungs and soothe discomfort effectively.

By incorporating these foods and remedies, you can support your recovery from heat-induced respiratory issues.

Steamed Egg in Orange

As summer approaches, the air conditioner is frequently on, and children are prone to cough discomfort. At this time, we need a quick and effective solution. A great recipe for this purpose is Steamed Egg in Orange, which is beneficial for nourishing the lungs and providing relief.

Instructions:

Start with a clean orange. Gently roll it on a surface until the skin softens, making it easier to peel.

Cut off the top end of the orange, but don’t discard it; you can use a toothpick to secure it if it accidentally comes off.

Carefully scoop out the orange pulp with a spoon, taking care not to damage the peel, especially around the navel to prevent leaks during steaming.

Crack an egg into a bowl and beat it well. Pour the egg mixture into the orange, leaving about a centimeter from the edge. Stir gently.

If the child’s symptoms are severe, add half a spoonful of Fritillaria powder and mix well.

Place the orange navel back on top and secure it with a toothpick. Put the orange in a small dish to keep it stable in the steamer.

Steam for about 15 minutes on medium-low heat.

After steaming, the egg should be fully cooked, providing a soothing remedy. This recipe is not only nutritious but also a fun and tasty way to help alleviate discomfort in children.

General Dietary Tips for Cough Relief

In addition to focusing on specific foods for different respiratory issues, there are general dietary principles in TCM that can help support the body’s recovery and soothe the lungs:

Avoid Cold or Raw Foods: Cold and raw foods can impair digestion and increase the production of phlegm. Opt for warm, cooked meals, especially soups and porridges, which are easier on the digestive system.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking warm water, herbal teas, and soups helps to keep the throat moist and thin out mucus, making it easier to expel. Avoid cold drinks, as they can aggravate symptoms.

Limit Dairy and Greasy Foods: Dairy products and greasy foods promote the formation of dampness and phlegm, which can worsen respiratory discomfort.

Incorporate Herbal Teas: Teas made with ingredients like ginger, licorice, chrysanthemum, or peppermint can help soothe the throat and lungs, depending on the underlying cause.

Conclusion

Common symptoms related to cough can be irritating and may persist if not addressed properly. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to treatment by focusing on the underlying imbalances in the body and recommending specific foods to support recovery. Whether you’re dealing with a dry type, one accompanied by phlegm, or symptoms induced by colds or heat, adjusting your diet with the right foods can significantly enhance your healing process.

In addition to dietary changes, cupping therapy is another effective TCM treatment, especially for issues caused by colds or related conditions. By integrating these approaches, you can achieve better health and relief from cough.

Common Queries about Food Cough