TCM Management for Children's Cough

Coughs are a common concern among children, often causing discomfort. While many over-the-counter medications are available, some parents are exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for effective and natural remedies. TCM offers holistic approaches to both manage and prevent coughs in children, focusing on restoring balance within the body.

Understanding Cough in TCM

In TCM, coughs are viewed as disruptions in the body's harmony, often linked to imbalances in the lungs and related organs. These imbalances can arise from various factors, including external pathogens like wind-cold or wind-heat, and internal factors such as phlegm or deficiencies in qi (vital energy). Identifying the specific type of cough is crucial for effective treatment.

Common Types of Paediatric Cough in TCM

TCM categorizes pediatric coughs into several types, each with distinct characteristics:

1. Wind-Heat Cough 🌀🔥: Characterized by a loud cough with yellow or green phlegm, fever, and a sore throat.

   
   

2. Wind-Cold Cough 🌀❄️: Features a soft cough with clear or white phlegm, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.

   
   

3. Phlegm-Damp Cough 💧: Involves a persistent cough with abundant white or clear phlegm, a feeling of chest congestion, and digestive issues.

   
   

4. Yin-Deficiency Cough 🌵: Presents as a dry cough with little to no phlegm, a dry throat, and symptoms that worsen at night.

   
   

5. Qi-Deficiency Cough 🥀: Manifests as a weak cough with shortness of breath, fatigue, and spontaneous sweating.

TCM Approaches to Cough Management

TCM offers various child-friendly treatments tailored to the individual needs of each child:

1. Paediatric Tuina (Therapeutic Massage): This gentle massage technique stimulates specific acupressure points to enhance energy flow and relieve cough symptoms. A systematic review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (1) suggests that paediatric Tuina may shorten cough duration and reduce recurrence rates, with a generally safe profile. While further high-quality studies are needed, Tuina remains a beneficial and natural approach when performed by a licensed TCM practitioner.

   
   

2. Herbal Medication: Customized herbal formulas are prescribed based on the child's specific cough type and overall constitution. Common herbs used include:

   
   

   • Fritillaria (Chuan Bei Mu, 川贝母) – Known for its ability to clear heat and dissolve phlegm, this herb is commonly used for dry, persistent coughs. It is often prepared together with pear for children (see recipe below).

   • Mulberry Leaf (Sang Ye, 桑叶) – A cooling herb that clears heat from the lungs and is effective for coughs caused by wind-heat with symptoms like a dry throat and yellowish phlegm.

   • Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye, 紫苏叶) – Often used for coughs associated with wind-cold conditions, this herb helps to relieve congestion, expel phlegm, and warm the lungs.

   • Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi, 陈皮) – A popular TCM herb that aids digestion, regulates qi, and helps reduce phlegm, especially in children with dampness-related coughs.

     
     

   These herbs are often combined into formulas that aim to soothe the lungs, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.

   
   

3. Dietary Recommendations: Nutrition plays a vital role in TCM. Incorporating certain foods can support lung health and alleviate coughs:

   
   

   • Pear (梨) : A cooling fruit that moistens the lungs and relieves cough symptoms. They can be eaten fresh or cooked.

   • White Radish (白萝卜) – Helps dissolve phlegm, reduce coughing, and clear heat from the lungs. It can be cooked into soups or juices.

   • Chinese Almond (Nan Xing Ren, 南杏仁 & Bei Xing Ren, 北杏仁) – These two types of apricot kernels are commonly used in TCM to stop coughing and relieve wheezing. They are often added to soups or herbal teas.

   • Pumpkin (南瓜) – Strengthens digestion and supports lung health. Its natural sweetness makes it a great food for children.

   • Warm Soups and Congee – Soups with chicken, lean pork, or fish, along with lung-nourishing ingredients like Chinese yam (山药), lily bulb (百合), and goji berries (枸杞), can help strengthen the body and prevent frequent coughs.

     
     

   It's advisable to limit cold or raw foods, as they may aggravate the throat and worsen cough symptoms.

TCM Dietary Recipes

Chuan Bei Mu Steamed Pear (川贝蒸梨) – For Dry Cough & Throat Irritation

Ya pear (鴨梨/白梨)

Ingredients:

• 1 Asian pear

• 3-5 grams Fritillaria (Chuan Bei Mu, 川贝母) (powdered or crushed)

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for children above 1 year old)

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut off the top of the pear to create a lid. Hollow out the center slightly.

2. Add the Chuan Bei Mu powder into the hollowed space.

3. Place the pear in a bowl and cover it with the top.

4. Steam for about 20–30 minutes until soft.

5. Let it cool slightly before serving warm.

Benefits:

1. Hydrates the lungs and soothes dry, persistent coughs.

2. Helps reduce throat irritation and phlegm buildup.

   
   

Lotus Root & Pork Soup (莲藕猪骨汤) – For Strengthening the Lungs

Ingredients:

• 1 lotus root, sliced

• 300g pork ribs or lean pork

• 10 red dates (红枣), pitted

• 10 goji berries (枸杞)

• 1 small piece dried tangerine peel (陈皮)

• 1.5 liters water

• Salt

Instructions:

1. Blanch the pork in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then rinse.

2. In a soup pot, add all ingredients except goji berries and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours.

4. Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

5. Season with salt before serving.

Benefits:

• Strengthens lung function and boosts immunity.

• Helps prevent recurrent colds and coughs.

Trust Alpine TCM Clinic for Your Child’s Health

At Alpine TCM Clinic, we specialize in TCM solutions tailored for children. Whether it’s digestive issues, immunity support, or holistic wellness, our experienced physicians are here to guide you every step of the way.

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Reference:

1. Mao H, Wei YH, Su HM, Jiang ZY, Li X. Pediatric Tui Na for cough in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Dec;71:102882. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102882. Epub 2022 Aug 27. PMID: 36031023.