Natural health: How can I get rid of my dry cough?

Plus: natural ways to recover from post-birth perineal stitching

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025 - 01:00

Megan Sheppard

I picked up two bugs almost back-to-back last month, both of which flattened me. Several people at work have also been unwell.

My symptoms have all but gone, except for a dry cough in the morning. However, I feel tired most of the time. What would you recommend?

The culinary herb thyme is one of my favourite medicinal herbs for strengthening the lungs and supporting the immune system, particularly when coughing and respiratory ailments are the main concerns.

It should not only help alleviate your lingering dry cough but also boost your immune system.

Thyme contains the active constituent thymol, which has powerful antiseptic properties. If you have fresh or dried thyme available, you can infuse it into honey and apple cider vinegar, making what is known as an oxymel.

Simply fill a jar half to three-quarters full with fresh chopped thyme (or a quarter dried herb) and then add raw honey and apple cider vinegar (preferably organic and with the ‘mother’) in equal parts to make a 1:1 ratio.

Stir the ingredients until combined. If your jar has a metal lid, then use some waxed or baking paper to prevent corrosion.

You will need to give the oxymel preparation a shake daily (I do this over the kitchen sink in case of leaks), and then strain the liquid off after two to four weeks.

Store the strained liquid in a clean glass bottle or jar inside your refrigerator. You can use the liquid directly or add one to two tablespoons to hot water as a healing beverage.

While your oxymel is steeping, you can prepare a herbal infusion by adding half to one teaspoon of dried thyme to a cup of hot water and adding honey to taste.

Note: It is not recommended to use thyme medicinally during pregnancy.

To provide additional support and directly address the fatigue you are experiencing, nutrient-dense supplementation in the form of green superfood blends and bee pollen can be highly effective.

Green superfoods, such as spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, and barley grass, are excellent at boosting oxygen flow, modulating the stress response, supporting energy production, and reducing inflammation.

Bee pollen contains all nine essential amino acids, which are crucial to our health and must be obtained through the foods we eat.

It is thought to help provide sustained energy both physically and mentally. Bee pollen is also naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it quite an efficient source of energy.

I needed to get my perineum stitched after the birth of my second child a month ago. The area still feels very tender, and sometimes it stings when I urinate. Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?

While perineal tears and episiotomies are thought of as relatively common during childbirth, the healing can take a significant amount of time - particularly if it involves muscle and skin repair.

Topically, you will want to apply a balm that contains hypericum oil or extract for effective healing. This is a common ingredient in many natural balms designed to prevent and treat nappy rash, making it a useful product to have on hand.

Several baby balms and creams utilising hypericum and calendula are available from pharmacies and health stores, such as Viridian’s Organic Calendula & Hypericum balm or Dublin Herbalists’ Baby Balm.