Dietary Therapy for Allergic Cough: What to Eat
Mar 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Yajuan
Introduction
Dietary Therapy for Allergic Cough:
1. Consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as pears, grapefruits, and oranges—all of which are highly effective.
2. Tangerine peel (Chen Pi), licorice root (Gan Cao), and apricot kernel decoction help resolve food stagnation, dissolve phlegm, relieve coughing, and reduce swelling.
3. Radish-Ginger-Jujube Soup: Simmer radish, fresh ginger, and jujubes in water for 30 minutes, then add honey before consumption. This soup moistens dryness, resolves phlegm, dispels cold, promotes lung function, alleviates wind-related symptoms, and relieves coughing.
Allergic cough is a relatively persistent respiratory disorder triggered by allergen exposure; therefore, patients should avoid known allergens in daily life. Dietary management is also crucial for individuals with allergic cough. Tailoring one’s diet according to individual symptoms—i.e., using food therapy—can help reduce the frequency of cough episodes. So, what foods are beneficial for allergic cough? Let’s explore some effective dietary remedies below.
Food Therapy Options for Allergic Cough
1. Consume fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, which can effectively reduce local mucosal exudation and alleviate symptoms of allergic cough. Recommended options include apples, pears, pomelos, and oranges—all of which demonstrate notable benefits.
2. A decoction made from aged tangerine peel (Chen Pi), licorice root (Gan Cao), and apricot kernel milk (Xing Ren Lu) helps promote digestion, resolve phlegm, suppress coughing, and reduce swelling.
3. Radish-Ginger-Jujube Decoction: Simmer radish, ginger, and jujubes together in water for approximately 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, then stir in honey and consume while still warm. This remedy moistens dryness, resolves phlegm, dispels cold, promotes lung function, and relieves wind-induced cough.
4. White Radish–Pear–Rock Sugar Syrup: Pears have natural cough-suppressing properties; when combined with white radish and rock sugar, their efficacy is enhanced. This preparation moistens the lungs and clears heat, making it especially suitable for patients with dry cough or cough associated with food stagnation.
5. Lily Bulb–Lotus Seed–Silver Ear–Rock Sugar Congee: Simmer lily bulb, lotus seed, and silver ear fungus together in water, then add rock sugar to taste. This congee nourishes the lungs and promotes fluid production.
6. Lily Bulb–Black Plum–Snow Pear Decoction: For irritative dry cough accompanied by throat itching, prepare a soup by stewing snow pear, lily bulb, black plum, and silver ear fungus together.
7. Snow Pear–Houttuynia Cordata Decoction: Wash and core the snow pear, then dice it. Clean houttuynia cordata and chop finely. Boil the herb in water for about 30 minutes, strain, then add the diced pear, additional water, and an appropriate amount of white sugar. Simmer gently until the pear becomes tender. Consume both the pear and the broth. This remedy clears lung heat, suppresses cough, and resolves phlegm-heat—offering excellent therapeutic effects for allergic cough.
The above outlines recommended food therapy options for allergic cough. Patients with allergic asthma should maintain a light, balanced diet, emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits as well as congee-based meals—beneficial for overall health. Avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy, or overly sweet foods, as these may exacerbate allergic cough. We hope this information proves helpful.
