What causes it?

According to the National Institutes of Health, “a cough is an innate primitive reflex and acts as part of the body’s immune system to protect against foreign materials.” There are many causes of a cough as well as many types of coughs. The main classification of a cough is duration. If a cough is present less than three weeks, it is designated as acute. If a cough is present for three to eight weeks, it is designated as subacute. If a cough is presently greater than eight weeks, it is designated as chronic.¹ Here are some common causes of each:

Acute Cough: viral upper respiratory infection (common cold), acute bronchitis, and bacterial infection. Other causes could include acute rhinosinusitis, pertussis (whooping cough), acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, allergic rhinitis, asthma, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, aspiration syndromes, and pulmonary embolism.¹

Subacute Cough: post-infectious secondary to continued irritation of cough receptors via ongoing or resolving bronchial or sinus inflammation from a preceding viral upper respiratory infection. Both acute and subacute coughs are self-limiting illnesses that typically require only supportive measures.¹

Chronic Cough: upper airway cough syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, postinfectious cough, intolerance to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor medication, malignancy, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis, and psychosomatic cough. Most likely a pulmonologist or a cough specialist will diagnose a chronic cough.

What are the symptoms?

There are several different types of coughs. First, let’s look at the biological events that occur during a cough.

Coughing is a largely uncontrolled, protective reflex mechanism responsible for mucociliary clearance of the airway and excess secretions within the airway. This reflex is characterized by the closing of the glottis apparatus with subsequent increases in the intrathoracic pressure, which often exceeds 300 mm Hg. This is followed by the forceful expulsion of the airway contents through the glottis into the pharyngeal space and out of the body. Given the forceful nature of this process, with a velocity of exhalation exceeding 500 mph in some cases, mucous secretions are loosened from the wall of the airway and expelled. While the body physiologically uses the cough reflex in a protective manner, it is possible that aberrations in normal physiology can create unfavorable conditions that are at their mildest uncomfortable or annoying to the patient and, at worst malignant to survivability with hemodynamic (dynamics of blood flow) instability.

National Institutes of Health

There are three phases for a cough.

• The Inspiration Phase Inhalation occurs, generating an increase in volume within the pulmonary system. This is necessary for generating enough air movement to be productive.
• The Compression Phase Closure of the larynx combined with the contraction of muscles of exhalation (intercostals, diaphragm, and abdominals) leading to a net increase in ithrathoracic pressure without any air movement occurring.
• The Expiratory Phase Rapid opening of the glottis resulting in rapid, high-volume expiratory airflow causing vibrations within the larynx/pharynx inducing the characteristic sounds of a cough.¹

After exhalation, rebound inhalation may occur, depending on the duration of a coughing episode as well as the volume of airflow movement, in compensation for developed hypoxia or reflexive inhalation.

National Institutes of Health

According to a source linked by the NIH, here are the most common types of coughs:

• “barky” cough (usually caused by swelling in the upper airway and may have stridor, which is a noisy, harsh breathing that happens during inhales)
• whooping cough/pertussis (an infection of the airways caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis)
• cough with wheezing (wheezing/whistling sound when breathing out, this could mean that the lower airways in the lungs are swollen or blocked)
• nighttime cough (the mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat and trigger a cough during sleep)
• daytime cough (cold air/activity can make coughs worse during the daytime or caused by irritants like air freshener, pets, or smoke)
• cough with a fever (could be from the common cold or pneumonia)
• cough with vomiting (if coughing triggers gag reflex or if lots of mucus drains into the stomach and causes nausea)
• lasting (persistent) cough

Persistent cough or severe bouts of cough can cause the following complications:

• Sleep disruption
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Syncope
• Excessive sweating
• Rib fracture
• Urinary incontinence¹

Prevention

Prevention for cough can vary from avoiding common irritants like tobacco smoke, synthetic fragrance, or pollution to frequently washing your hands to prevent viral or bacterial infections. Many of the treatment options discussed below can be used as preventative measures.

Diagnosis

For a diagnosis from a clinician, you’ll most likely have an in-person appointment. Here are some things you may be asked about, especially for chronic coughs:

• Details about duration
• Cigarette smoking
• Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (common high blood pressure or heart/kidney medications)
• Weight loss
• Occupation
• Diurnal (day/night) variation
• Relieving factors (what soothes the cough)
• Aggravating factors (what makes the cough worse)
• Productive with sputum (mucus/phlegm) or nonproductive. If productive, what is the color of phlegm
• Associated hemoptysis (blood discharge)
• Associated fever
• Associated shortness of breath
• Presence of an upper respiratory tract infection at the onset of a cough¹

For chronic cough, a chest x-ray and/or complete pulmonary function testing may be recommended.¹

If phlegm is present with your cough, a sputum culture may be taken. A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of organism that may be causing an infection in your lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs. If you have an infection or chronic illness affecting the lungs or airways, it can make you cough up sputum. Sputum contains cells from the immune system that help fight the bacteria, fungi, or other foreign substances in your lungs or airways. The thickness of sputum helps trap the foreign material. This allows cilia (tiny hairs) in the airways to push it through the mouth and be coughed out.³

Sputum can be one of several different colors. The colors can help identify the type of infection you may have or if a chronic illness has become worse:

• Clear. This usually means no disease is present, but large amounts of clear sputum may be a sign of lung disease.
• White or gray. This may also be normal, but increased amounts may mean lung disease.
• Dark yellow or green. This often means a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. Yellowish-green sputum is also common in people with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes mucus to build up in the lungs and other organs.
• Brown. This often shows up in people who smoke. It is also a common sign of black lung disease. Black lung disease is a serious condition that can happen if you have long-term exposure to coal dust.
• Pink. This may be a sign of pulmonary edema, a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is common in people with congestive heart failure.
• Red. This may be an early sign of lung cancer. It may also be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition in which a blood clot from a leg or other part of the body breaks loose and travels to the lungs. If you are coughing up red or bloody sputum, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.³

Treatment

According to the NIH, “most cases of acute cough should be treated empirically (by experimenting) and focus on symptomatic relief.” Coughing is a symptom versus a disease itself. This means what works for one person may not work for another because the cause may vary.

Concerning chronic cough, treatment “should attempt to target the underlying etiology whenever possible to reduce coughing instead of suppressing the cough.”¹

Here are some treatment options to research for acute cough.

Water

According to the National Institutes of Health, water “whether you drink it or add it to the air with a steamy shower or vaporizer” can help with a cough.²

For children, according to a resource linked by the NIH, the following things may help:

• If your child develops a “barky” or “croupy” cough, sit in a steamy bathroom together for about 20 minutes.
  • Turn on the hot water in the shower in your bathroom and close the door so the room will steam up. Then, sit in the bathroom with your child for about 20 minutes. The steam should help your child breathe more easily. Try reading a book together to pass the time.
• Offer plenty of fluids (breast milk or formula for babies; cool water and juice for older kids). Avoid carbonated or citrus drinks that may irritate a raw throat.
• Run a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom.
• Use saline (saltwater) nose drops to relieve congestion.⁴

The above recommendations can also be beneficial for adults. Additionally, scroll to the product section for shower steamers, a decongestant nasal spray, and an essential oil blend that can be added to a diffuser.

Pharmaceutical Medications

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, per the NIH, may be recommended by your healthcare provider.¹

However, many over-the-counter antihistamine-decongestant medications have been shown to offer no clinical benefit over placebo.

National Institutes of Health

Two common cough medications include suppressants + expectorants.

Cough suppressants may be used to lessen the cough by blunting the cough reflex. The most commonly used suppressant is dextromethorphan.¹

It is important to remember, however, that coughing is a basic defense mechanism and plays an important part in the body’s immune system. Therefore, decreasing the cough reflex may have detrimental impacts on the recovery time of illness. As such, the current American College of Chest Physicians guidelines does not recommend the use of peripherally or centrally-acting cough suppressants for the treatment of cough due to and discourage the use of over-the-counter combinations for the treatment of acute cough due to the common cold.

National Institutes of Health

Cough expectorants may be used when excessive mucous secretions are determined to be the primary issue to increase mucus clearance. The most common expectorant is guaifenesin.¹

Children under four should not have cough medicine. For children over four, use caution and read labels carefully.

National Institutes of Health

Antibiotics may be recommended if your phlegm is collected and cultured to identify the pathogen. The following antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections (click on each for the manufacturer insert): Amoxicillin/clavulanate, Clindamycin, Cefuroxime, Cefprozil, Clarithromycin, Gatifloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Moxifloxacin.

Concerning colds, per the CDC, “there is no cure for a cold. It will get better on its own—without antibiotics. Antibiotics won’t help you get better if you have a cold.”

When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Side effects can range from mild reactions, like a rash, to more serious health problems. These problems can include severe allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections and C. diff  infection. C. diff causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Honey

According to the NIH, “Honey is a sweet, viscous liquid with a complex chemical composition of approximately 25 carbohydrates, free amino acids, vitamins and trace elements. Honey also contains compounds that function as antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, polyphenol, phenolic acids, vitamin C, and glucose oxydase enzymes”

Honey confers antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Studies of the antimicrobial effect of honey show that it has broad‐spectrum antimicrobial effects on various gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria. Honey is reported to be active against certain bacteria that have been isolated from the upper respiratory tract such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Shigella dysenteriae. Honey has antiviral effects against Varicella zoster virus, influenza virus, and rubella virus. It is believed that the antibacterial activities of honey are intrinsic and not dependent on any external factors such as geographical location or its source

National Institutes of Health

According to an analysis of many studies concerning honey + coughing, the NIH collected the following findings:

• Honey probably reduces cough duration to a greater extent than salbutamol or placebo. Honey group participants were first to get total relief of cough compared to salbutamol or placebo.
• Honey probably relieves cough symptoms and improves sleep quality for both children and parents better than no treatment.
• Honey may resolve bothersome cough to a greater extent than no treatment
• Honey probably reduces cough frequency better than placebo when given to children for a day.
• Honey probably reduces cough severity, bothersome cough, and impact of cough on both children’s and parents’ sleep to a greater extent than placebo
• After one night of administration honey may reduce cough symptoms and improve sleep quality of children and their parents better than diphenhydramine.⁵

However, the use of honey in infants aged under 12 months is restricted because of babies’ poor immunity against Clostridium botulinum, a possible contaminant in honey.⁵

Honey can be consumed by itself with a spoon, melted in warm water/tea, or spread on a snack.

Ginger

Fresh ginger, according to the NIH, exerts potent antiviral effects against human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and rhinovirus, supporting its usefulness for the treatment of airway viral infections.

Chemically, ginger contains over 400 different compounds, however, the pharmacological effects of ginger are largely attributed to its terpene and phenolic compounds. Terpene ingredients of ginger include zingiberene, bisabolene, farnesene, sesquiphellandrene, limonene, cineole, linalool, borneol, geranial and curcumene. Ginger-derived terpenes have various pharmacologic properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, gastroprotective, and neuroprotective effects.

National Institutes of Health

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for cough depend on the type and cause of the cough. It is highly recommended to work with an experienced homeopath (in-person or virtually) to help narrow down the right remedy for you. New to homeopathy? Click here for a quick start guide.

Here are some common cough remedies:

• Common Cold Cough: Oscillococcinum or Bryonia 200/Aconitum 200 mixed together.
• Nagging Cough: Ipecac 30
• Whooping Cough: Drosera 30
• Bronchitis Cough: Bryonia 200/Aconitum 200 mixed together or Kali carbonicum 200 
• Other considerations: Spongia 30, Hepar sulph 30, or Kali bichromicum 30.

Probiotics

Per the NIH, “studies have shown antiviral activities of probiotic strains against common respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Probiotics affect both the acquired and innate immune systems and reduce the severity of infections in the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Probiotics increase the level of type I interferons; the number and activity of natural killer (NK) cells, T cells and antigen-presenting cells; and the level of specific antibodies in the lungs. Probiotic strains regulate the dynamic balance between immunoregulatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines.”

RTIs (respiratory tract infections) are the result of an imbalance in the microbial population of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract affecting the lungs mucosa. This dysbiosis may subsequently alter immune function and predispose the patient to secondary bacterial infection. The gut microbiome has a critical impact on inducing immune responses at distant mucosal sites including the lungs. Studies have shown that the administration of certain Bifidobacteria or Lactobacillus has a beneficial impact on RTIs.

As a natural immunobiotic, Lactobacillus has excellent immunomodulatory ability. Administration of some Lactobacillus species can alleviate the symptoms of respiratory diseases such as respiratory tract infections, asthma, lung cancer and cystic fibrosis in animal studies and clinical trials. The beneficial effect of Lactobacillus on the respiratory tract is strain dependent.

Many Lactobacillus species can prevent influenza virus infection, including L. rhamnosus GG, L. casei Shirota, L. plantarum DK119, L. paracasei MCC1849, L. gasseri SBT2055, L. fermentum CJl-112 and L. kunkeei YB38.

In clinical trials, Lactobacilli are generally given in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, fermented yogurt or dairy products, and mainly used for preventive purposes. For instance, oral L. rhamnosus GG in adults can reduce rhinovirus infection, and the combination of oral L. paracasei, L. casei CRL 431 and L. fermentium PCC also reduces rhinovirus-induced common and influenza-like infection. In addition, oral mixed probiotic (mainly Lactobacilli) can decrease the risk of respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients by 8-fold and reduce the rate of transfer to Intensive Care Unit and mortality. In patients with severe COVID-19, oral tablet (live B. longum, live L. bulgaricus and live S. thermophilus, strains not shown) also shortens the time to reach a negative nucleic acid test of SARS-CoV-2 and decreases blood C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Moreover, clinically administration of many Lactobacillus species such as L. rhamnosus GG, L. paracasei N1115 and L. plantarum L-137 can decrease the total incidence as well as shorten the duration of RTIs. Therefore, the prospect of Lactobacillus clinical application in reducing the risk of RTIs is promising.

National Institutes of Health

Elderberry

Per the NIH, “elderberry is the dark purple berry of the European or black elder tree.” There is a lot of debate on whether boiled elderberry can prevent illnesses that may cause coughing (for example common cold/influenza), however there is research that taking elderberry can help treat viral respiratory illness.⁶ Some claim it can overstimulate the immune system, however the research is conflicting.

Elderberry contains anthocyanins, a subset of flavonoids which may have immunomodulating and possibly anti-inflammatory effects. Anthocyanins can attach to (and render ineffective) viral glycoproteins that enable viruses to enter host cells, thereby potentially having an inhibitory effect on viral infection. Extracts of elderberry have demonstrated in-vitro to have inhibitory effects on influenza A and influenza B viruses as well as H1N1 “swine” flu virus

National Institutes of Health

N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

Per the NIH, N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) “is an antioxidant that might play a role in preventing cancer. As a drug, it’s used by healthcare providers to treat acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. It works by binding the poisonous forms of acetaminophen that are formed in the liver. People commonly use N-acetyl cysteine for cough and other lung conditions.”

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins.⁷ It can help with the following conditions:

• Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis). Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth seems to reduce shortness of breath and coughing from this condition. Also, taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth for 3-36 months seems to prevent flare-ups.
• A lung disease that makes it harder to breathe (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD). Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth for at least 6 months seems to decrease flare-ups by about 40% in people with moderate to severe COPD. It seems to work best in people who are not already taking corticosteroids. In people with COPD who need to be hospitalized, taking N-acetyl cysteine in addition to regular treatment helps with recovery.
• Flu (influenza). Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth seems to reduce flu symptoms.⁷

Pregnancy: N-acetyl cysteine is possibly safe when taken by mouth or inhaled during pregnancy. N-acetyl cysteine crosses the placenta, but there is no evidence that it harms the unborn child. But N-acetyl cysteine should only be used when medically needed.⁷

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if N-acetyl cysteine is safe to use during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.⁷

Children: N-acetyl cysteine is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses of 900-2700 mg daily for up to 12 weeks.⁷

Quercetin

Concerning nutrition, quercetin is “a polyphenol derived from plants, has a wide range of biological actions including anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities”⁸

Quercetin-type flavonols (primarily as quercetin glycosides), the most abundant of the flavonoid molecules, are widely distributed in plants. They are found in a variety of foods including apples, berries, Brassica vegetables, capers, grapes, onions, shallots, tea, and tomatoes, as well as many seeds, nuts, flowers, barks, and leaves. Quercetin is also found in medicinal botanicals, including Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, and Sambucus canadensis. In red onions, higher concentrations of quercetin occur in the outermost rings and in the part closest to the root, the latter being the part of the plant with the highest concentration. One study found that organically grown tomatoes had 79% more quercetin than chemically grown fruit. Quercetin is present in various kinds of honey from different plant sources. Food-based sources of quercetin include vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, beverages and other products of plant origin. In the determined food, the highest concentration is 234 mg/100 g of edible portion in capers (raw), the lowest concentration is 2 mg/100 g of edible portion in black or green tea (Camellia sinensis).

National Institutes of Health

Looking for a supplement? This is a good option to research.

Cough Drops

Be very selective if you prefer cough drops as many options are made with inflammatory ingredients. Here is a great recipe to make your own cough drops.

Herbal Medicine

Here is an excellent article discussing many herbs that can are decongestants (help dry up the sinuses/respiratory tract), demulcents (help moisten dry/irritated mucosa), antitussives (help control coughing), and expectorants (help loosen phlegm). I purchase most of my herbs in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs to make my own teas.

¹ National Institutes of Health

2 National Institutes of Health

3 National Institutes of Health

4 Nemours Children’s Health

⁵ National Institutes of Health

6 National Institutes of Health

7 National Institutes of Health

8 National Institutes of Health

Products to Research

Symptom Management: Cough

Boiron Chestal Honey

Chestal Honey is made with a blend of homeopathic active ingredients and 100% premium Acacia honey to help relieve all types of common coughs and loosen chest congestion. Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up

For the children’s version, click here.

Rowe Casa Organics Sinus + Throat Gargle

$13.60 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

Combats sore throats and a host of sinus and allergy related issues including cough. If pregnant, discuss the use of oregano with your provider first. An alternative is to gargle with warm salt water.

TO USE: Shake well. Add 1-2 Tbsp to 1/2 c warm water and gargle for 15-30 seconds. May dilute more or less as desired. Repeat every 2-3 hours as symptoms persist.

Rowe Casa Organics Cough Syrup

$14.40 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

This is a great all-natural alternative when you don’t want the added sugars, artificial ingredients, and chemical additives found in conventional cough syrups. The essential oils in this recipe will help soothe the throat, boost the immune system, and settle all types of cough.

TO USE: Adults take 1–2 tablespoons. Children (ages 1+) take 1–2 teaspoons every 4 hours or as often as needed for cough. (Children under the age of 1 should not ingest honey.)

Dr. Green Life Bronchial Calm (Infant & Kid’s Cough)

This bestselling formula contains an intelligent blend of herbs geared towards diverse aspects of respiratory health including thinning phlegm and mucus, improving immunity, soothing spasm, and clearing out gunk.

Can be used for temporary relief of occasional cough or phlegm

Earthley Cough B Gone

Created by an herbalist and mom of 5, Cough-B-Gone home medicine for cough and cold contains three important herbs:

Dandelion root promotes overall lung health and gentle detox. 

Mullein leaf helps to remove extra mucus from the lungs and as a result, helps to settle your need to cough.

Fenugreek soothes sore throats.

Thorne NAC

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that supports comprehensive wellness and immune function. NAC is an amino acid that increases glutathione levels, which, in turn, supports detoxification in the liver and kidneys. NAC also supports respiratory function by promoting the thinning of mucus in the lungs, making it easier to clear.

Ollois Cold + Flu Homeopathy Kit

Olloïs Cold + Flu Kit contains 5 single remedies traditionally used for:

Aconitum Napellus 30C: temporarily reducing fever and cough associated with cold & flu.*

Drosera 30C: harsh, painful (spasmodic) cough.*

Phosphorus 30C: temporary relief of dry cough, bleeding, and dizziness.*

Phytolacca Decandra 30C: sore throat with pain swallowing.*

Spongia Tosta 30C: breathing difficulties associated with barking cough.*

Homeopathy is HSA/FSA eligible.

Cold and Flu Support

Rowe Casa Organics Immunity Herbal Tea

$17.60 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

Full of anti-fungal, anti-viral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can help to support overall health. Approximately 30 servings per bag.

TO USE: Fill your infuser or tea bag with 1-2 tsp of tea leaves and place in a cup. Add 8oz of nearly boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 5-7 minutes.

TASTE TIP: Add a small amount of your favorite all-natural sweetener to enhance the taste of your tea.

Rowe Casa Organics Sinus + Headache Decongestant Salve

$18.40 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

This soothing salve is a great go-to for relieving headaches or sinus & chest congestion. Peppermint and Eucalyptus essential oils, along with menthol work together to open your airways and bring quick relief to nagging head pain.

TO USE: Massage onto forehead, chest, soles of your feet, behind your ears, on wrists, and/or under your nose for relief.

Rowe Casa Organics Sinus Decongestant Spray

$9.60 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

This invigorating nasal spray is formulated with expectorant ingredients that combats congestion while also reducing inflammation and fighting against bacterial and viral invaders.

TO USE: Spray 1-2 times in each nostril as needed (ages 12 and above).

Rowe Casa Organics Shower Steamers

$18.40 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

Decongestant steamers are great for relieving congestion & sinus related issues. Made with the menthol from peppermint leaves, you’re sure to get the relief you need using only nature’s finest ingredients!

TO USE: Place one steamer on the floor of your shower, where it will get wet, but not drenched. (Place out of direct water stream for longer usage.) Then, breathe in deeply as the oils vaporize.

Rowe Casa Organics Elderberry

$18.40 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

This powerful tonic contains properties that reduce inflammation in joints, muscles, and skin. It is also an excellent aid in combating symptoms of colds, flu, and allergies all while boosting the immune system to help fight against bacterial and viral invaders.

Elderberries also contain flavonoids which have been shown to help reduce cholesterol in blood vessels, which can help lower blood pressure and support heart health.

Honey free version is a great option for those under the age of one and for those who are diabetic or insulin resistant.

TO USE: Shake well. Adults take 1-2 servings daily. Children (age 1+) take 1/2 serving take daily. At the onset of symptoms or exposure to illness, take every 2-3 hours. After opening, refrigerate and use within 2-3 months.

Dr. Green Life Liquid Zinc

Immune Liquid Zinc (with Organic Elderberry & Echinacea) For Infants, Kids, & Adults is a great tasting combination of zinc plus well known immune support herbs: elderberry & echinacea. Zinc is known as the “metal of life” and involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions! Adequate levels of zinc are required for good health, a well-functioning immune system, healthy growth & development, and more.

Zinc is a key player in the immune system and is combined with elderberry & echinacea in this bestselling immune support formula.

Rowe Casa Organics Breathe Essential Oil

$23.20 with discount | For your first Rowe Casa Organics order, use discount code “JUSTTHEINSERTS” for 20% off.

Refreshing Eucalyptus and Peppermint. Helps relieve chest, sinus, and nasal congestion and open airways.

TO USE: Add 3-10 drops, or desired amount, to your diffuser.

Dr. Green Life Black Cumin Seed Oil

Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil (For Kids & Adults), also known as Nigella sativa, by Dr. Green Mom is a potent, tonic formula for relaxing the respiratory system, an antioxidant to support & replenish immune response, and works to regulate blood glucose levels. Used topically for rash.

Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa) has been regarded as a “Panacea” or universal healer for all ailments by many diverse cultures in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa for centuries

This powerful natural remedy has a particular affinity to the lungs, skin, cardiovascular system and digestive system, though it has wide-ranging positive effects on other parts of the body as well

Dr. Green Life Mother’s Nature Tussin

Formulated for moms featuring lung tonic herbs like: mullein, plantain, marshmallow, umckaloabo, and ginger

Comforting herbs provide temporary relief of mild respiratory symptoms experienced by healthy people

Indicated for periods of two weeks or less unless advised by a healthcare provider.

Thorne Quercetin

Immune Function: Provides year-round immune support by promoting various types of immune cells that are necessary for an optimized immune response*

Respiratory Support: Supports a healthy inflammatory response in the respiratory tract*

Healthy Aging: Mitigates oxidative stress and supports cellular health*

Seasonal Allergies: Benefits allergy sufferers by helping to regulate histamine release*

Probiotics

Dr. Green Life Antibiotic Support Probiotic

NeuroImmune™ Probiotic Antibiotic Support is a potent high CFU and hypo-allergenic blend of 4 carefully selected species documented to support the normal gastrointestinal microbiota during antibiotic therapy. Refrigerate upon arrival and take with food for optimal efficacy

Antibiotic Support Probiotic is a hypoallergenic formula containing 4 evidence-based strains chosen to help repopulate and re-establish a healthy microbiome during and after periods of disruption including antibiotic use

Provides digestive support, immune support, and microbiome support.

Dr. Green Life Infant + Kids Probiotic

NeuroImmune™ Probiotic for Infants & Kids is a potent high CFU and hypo-allergenic blend of 10 carefully selected species to safely meet the needs of the developing neurological and immune systems in infants and children. REFRIGERATE UPON ARRIVAL.

A healthy microbiome provides essential support for balanced health of every part of the body including the immune system, brain, skin, lungs, and gut.

This doctor-approved blend of probiotic strains was designed to support the microbiomes of our little ones through the normal ups and downs of early life.

Unflavored powder mixes easily into drinks of all types including juices, smoothies, breastmilk, and formula.