Natural Health: How can I shake off my lingering cough? 

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I picked up a virus while travelling abroad last month. I’m over the exhaustion, but I’ve a lingering cough that’s almost like asthma. What would you suggest?

You likely have a couple of things going on at once — some post-viral fatigue, together with the lingering cough. Fortunately, natural remedies can help address both issues.

One of my favourite immune-supportive adaptogens is astragalus root, which helps regulate the body’s systems with a particular focus on immune support, lung health, and increasing energy levels. Astragalus root has long been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as a vital energy tonic.

The Western herbal immune tonic echinacea works well when taken in rotation with astragalus root to support the immune system, offering antibacterial and antiviral properties.

You will need to take 200mg of astragalus root twice daily for a week, then switch to 200mg of echinacea twice daily for a week. Continue cycling the two herbs in this manner until your cough has cleared and your energy levels improve.

You might also benefit from some nutrient-dense supplementation in the form of green superfood blends and bee pollen. Green superfoods such as spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, and barley grass are excellent for boosting oxygen flow, modulating stress response, supporting energy production, and reducing inflammation. Bee pollen is a powerhouse, containing all nine essential amino acids. It is also naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an efficient source of energy.

My two-year-old is very attached to me and gets upset whenever I leave him with the very kind childminder, who looks after him about twice a week.

Recently, he has started grinding his teeth when he’s with her. It never happens when my mum comes over to mind him. Is there a gentle remedy I could give him?

The good news is that this is all a healthy and normal part of the process when developing a sense of confidence and independence. However, this transition can take longer with some children who are naturally more cautious.

While teeth grinding can be an indicator of anxiety, it is worth noting that, around the age of three, the development of the molars can cause physical discomfort, which is relieved by grinding the teeth. If this habit returns at this age, it might not necessarily be related to stress or anxiety.

For emotional support for little ones try the Indigo Essences, developed by Ann Callaghan. As with any vibrational essence, Indigo essences work on the deeper emotional level. Take a good look through the information on the website at indigoessences.com to discover the myriad ways to use these essences. There are single essences, such as The Mountain (to bring strength and support), as well as combinations, such as Trust and Allow (to help ease the process of change). When in doubt, there is a combination called The Works to promote balance.

You can also use food as medicine to support nervous system regulation in children. Oats have a well-earned reputation for soothing frazzled nerves and can even support quality sleep. Barley is another soothing and mood-stabilising grain. Rolled barley can be used much the same as oats, with a chewier texture. Whole grain barley is also a popular and nutritious addition to soups and stews.

If your son is unable to tolerate gluten, opt for brown rice (high in B vitamins and magnesium), millet (alkalising and a good source of calcium, magnesium, and silica), quinoa (a complete protein source and high in calcium, magnesium, and iron), or amaranth (balances immunity and contains cancer protective constituents along with iron, calcium, and amino acids).