Cough syrup might not be as safe as you thought it may be, new research says. So maybe this wrap can do the job. Made of completely natural ingredients, it had no harmful side effects.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 3, 2019. It has since been updated.
None of us really likes being interrupted by coughs and sneezes... our own too. Not only is it annoying, it's painful because it means that your head feels foggy and your overall mood just hits an all-time low. You can't sleep, concentrate, or be around people. As an adult, you have no choice but to power through it and move on. However, your child may not be able to and for them, being sick may feel even worse.
Especially considering your child's immune system is still building itself up, it might not be able to take on the task of fighting off a cold. If it goes untreated, your child may face even more health complications. That's why your first instinct is to take them to the doctor to get them checked on. More often than not, when a doctor diagnoses someone with a cold or cough, they prescribe cough syrups. But new research suggests that they can do more harm than good.
According to WebMD, some of the side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, or headaches. These side-effects are caused by two compounds - dextromethorphan and codeine. When taken in high doses, it could cause severe health complications and in fact, hinder your child's immune system further. And both of these are ingredients in cough syrups.
High concentrations of dextromethorphan can lead to cognitive dysfunctions and impair memory. It is common in over-the-counter cough medicines that can be purchased from any pharmacy or grocery store. Considering it is mixed with other drugs, the negative side effects of dextromethorphan could be even more harmful. The RXList mentions that the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, confusion, and nervousness.
Similarly, codeine is also present in cough syrups and results in negative side effects. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation states that it is a part of a drug group called opioids. When these opioids react to certain receptors in the brain, it can help reduce pain and induce relaxation. Yet such compounds are meant to be taken with regard to a person's size, weight, body mass and its mixture with other drugs. That's because opioids are experienced differently by different people.
The most common side effects of this drug are dizziness, tiredness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, blurred vision, dry mouth, and allergic rashes. And these side effects are for adults.
Thankfully, there is a safer and more natural alternative to vanquishing that cough and cold. All it takes is a ginger wrap and a good night's sleep. Ginger is known for its ability to aid digestion as well as reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation. The kicker? It provides relief from the cold and flu.
In order to get the best benefit from the wrap, it's essential to use natural ingredients. This includes raw honey and organic ingredients.
What you need is :
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger or ginger powder
• Raw honey
• Olive oil
• Flour
• Napkins
• Adhesive tape
• Gauze
Follow these steps to make the wrap and see the effects almost overnight.
1. Mix the honey and flour to a smooth consistency
2. Add olive oil and the ginger (freshly grated or powder) before mixing again
3. Spread the mixture on a napkin and wrap the gauze around it
4. Then fix it on you or your child's chest or back with adhesive tape
For adults, the wrap may cause you to sweat a bit more. You can leave this in during the night. For your child though, keeping in mind they have sensitive skin, the wrap should only be kept on for three hours before bed. You won't have to worry about the negative effects of this wrap because there are none. In fact, it will clean out the mucus from the lungs as you or your child sleep. Then come morning, voila! That pesky cough is gone.
References:
https://drugabuse.com/dextromethorphan/effects-use/
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/codeine/
https://www.rxlist.com/consumer_dextromethorphan/drugs-condition.htm
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger
Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
