Figs for dry and wet cough in children and adults

Since ancient times, figs have been used to treat coughs in the places where they grow – in Asia Minor and the southwestern regions of Europe. This remedy is mentioned in Ayurveda, in the treatises of traditional Chinese medicine, and in the collection of medicines of the medieval Armenian physician Amidovlat Amasiatsi.

Benefits of figs and indications for use

The benefits of the fig tree fruit – Ficus carica of the Moraceae family (genus Ficus) – are in the presence of several carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, lycopene carotene; vitamins C, B1, B2, B6; calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphates, iron (the amount of this microelement in figs is even higher than in apples), copper, zinc. [ 1 ]

But the benefits of figs for coughs are due to their pectin substances (soluble fiber) and alkaline pH. Pectins help reduce irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, and alkalization (due to the high potassium content: 50 g of figs contain up to 350-430 mg of potassium) liquefies thick bronchial secretions and facilitates expectoration of phlegm. [ 2 ]

In addition, dried figs contain not only aliphatic amino acids (aspartic, glutamic and leucine), but also high concentrations of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds - gallic, chlorogenic and syringic acids, lutein and catechins, which normalize the functional activity of the epithelium of the bronchial mucosa, help restore the protective mechanisms of the lungs and regulate bronchial tone. [ 3 ]

Indications for the use of these fruits include dry cough of any etiology (including bronchial asthma), as well as cough with difficult to separate surfactant.

Dosing and administration

Simple recipes with figs for cough include a regular decoction, which is prepared at the rate of one or two fruits per 150 ml of water (the duration of boiling is up to five to six minutes). When the finished decoction cools to room temperature, it is taken two or three sips several times a day.

Also recommended figs with milk for cough. Why with milk, read from the publication - Milk for cough

For a glass of hot milk, take four figs, which are pre-washed, doused with boiling water and finely chopped. Bring the figs covered with milk to a boil, cook for a few minutes and leave to infuse under the lid. Then the fruits are crushed to a puree state. This remedy is taken in three doses.

Dried figs are also used in the same way as for relieving dry coughs, for coughs with viscous, difficult to expectorate phlegm.

Figs for cough for children

It is possible to use these fruits for coughs for children over three to four years old – in addition to conventional therapy.

Use figs for coughing during pregnancy

Doctors do not recommend using figs for coughs during pregnancy due to their high glycemic index, as well as due to the possible negative impact of biologically active substances of these fruits, in particular amino acids, on the metabolism of gamma-aminobutyric acid and the synthesis of muscle proteins.

Contraindications

Figs should not be used for coughs, diarrhea (due to the high fiber content), low blood pressure, or by patients with diabetes: figs are rich in sugar and have a high glycemic index.

Side effects figs for coughing

Despite all the beneficial properties, there may be some side effects of figs associated with their laxative, diuretic and hypotensive effects.

So it is much easier to use milk with honey, butter and soda for cough with no less success.

More useful information in the material - Treatment of bronchitis at home