Whilst spring might be on the horizon, the dreaded cough and cold season is sticking around for longer.
And with symptoms such as respiratory issues, ongoing coughs which for many are also wrecking their slumber habits, a runny nose, headaches and sneezing as well as watery eyes, body aches, fatigue, feeling stuffy in the head – the symptoms of coughs and colds can be a real burden.
In fact, a fifth of Brits say they would take time away from work if they had a cough or cold, 19% would take a sick day if they couldn’t concentrate and a high 93% of Brits admit that they have struggled to sleep while suffering from a cough or cold. That’s according to real-world research by Puressentiel[1] – uk.puressentiel.com – the brains behind the evidence backed plant-based health products for everyday wellness needs. Plus, cough cold symptoms for many seem to be getting worse and harder to bust.
Over a third (36%) of Brits have had a cough in the last month and 35% have had a cold; a third of these respondents claim that their symptoms were much more ruthless and took longer to go away than in the past two or three years. So how can we help to relieve the a cough and cold?
Natural health specialist and chemist, Dr Tim Bond says: “Natural solutions can help. Specifically, mullein, a natural plant wonder that more of us need to be speaking about. Here’s why.
Mullein: the natural aid you need
You may have never heard of mullein; however, it could help be the secret to offering relief from coughs, colds and winter congestion.
GP, Dr Nisa Aslam from Puressentiel explains: “The plant mullein, also known as verbascum thapsus, has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes. The leaves were used to rub over inflamed skin whilst the roots were boiled to make a cough syrup.[2] As an expectorant, mullein helps to break up mucus, making it thinner, and in turn, making it easier to cough up.”
Research backs up mulleins expectorant qualities as a review published in the journal Respiratory Medicine found that the use of mullein was useful in treating conditions like coughs and respiratory congestion, noting its effectiveness as an expectorant[3]. Other data also has anti-inflammatory properties, which could explain its traditional use in helping to manage respiratory conditions like bronchitis[4]. Dr Tim Bond adds: “Mullein has antiseptic qualities too. Research conducted found that mullein was effective at fighting E. coli bacteria and pneumonia.[5] Plus, past research found that mullein extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria and fungi, supporting the traditional use of mullein for treating respiratory infections as well as ear infections.[6] More clinical research is needed.”
Dr Nisa Aslam notes further: “Mullein’s antiviral properties may help in the prevention and treatment of viral infections like the flu too, according to published data.”[7]
Dr Tim Bond continues: “Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup, available from Holland & Barrett, contains mullein as well as a number of other natural ingredients to help clear a cough and make breathing a little easier. Absolutely vital when trying to bust a cough or the congestion of a cold which often comes with an irritating cough keeping most of awake at night.”
Dr Nisa Aslam explains further: “Puressentiel Respiratory Cough Syrup also contains honey, propolis, marshmallow and echinacea – to help soothe sore throats and helps support the body’s natural defenses. This combination of natural ingredients helps to clear the upper respiratory tract by hydrating mucous membranes, reducing irritation and providing a lasting protection to reduce cough frequency.”[8]
- 100% natural containing plants including Mullein, plus honey and propolis.
- Contains the essential oils Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Lemon.
- Helps calm and reduce the frequency of coughs from the first day
- Sweet honey taste
- Reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the mucous membrane
- Suitable for ages 7 and above.
Mullein – The Facts: Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein, has been around for thousands of years and is a member of the snapdragon plant family. Mullein grows in the United States but originated in Europe, Asia and North Africa.
Mullein is an expectorant, which means it helps the body expel excess mucus, usually by helping make your coughs more productive, to bring up mucus that may be settling in the chest or in the throat. It is also a demulcent. As a result of its health properties, Mullein is a great hack for busting coughs and colds.
Your cough and cold busting self-care essentials
There are also a number of other products in the Puressentiel respiratory range which have been created to help provide relief from coughs and colds so you can keep getting on with life. Here’s a fast summary to the range:
Tackling sore throats: To soothe a sore throat, Dr Nisa Aslam suggests Puressentiel Respiratory Soothing Syrup which also has a combination of plant extracts, seven essential oils and soothing ingredients, such as honey and lemon.
“This syrup forms a protective film, soothing the throat, pharynx and tired vocal cords, while supporting your natural defenses.”
Puressentiel Respiratory Soothing Syrup:
- 100% natural, fast, effective relief
- Cough relief: soothes irritated mucous membranes that line our throats and cause us to cough and provides lasting protection for the upper respiratory tract
- Calms cough: reduces irritation and provides lasting protection for the tiny hairs, known as cilia (mucous membranes)
- A natural, effective, special formula with a blend of: 3 aromatic honeys (thyme, lemon tree and lavender), marshmallow extract, elderberry, mullein and propolis
- Non-drowsy and free from: gluten, colouring and preservatives
- A formulation with sustainable honey. For every purchase made, Puressentiel makes a donation to the global beekeeper’s network
- Suitable from three years plus
For kids, Puressentiel Acti Pure Kids Syrup contains a 100% natural formula made of 100% pure organic honey, natural plant extracts of elderberry and erysimum and vegan vitamin D3, sourced from lichen.
Dr Tim Bond explains that this is ideal for soothing and softening children’s sore throats during winter.
It helps unblock the nose and supports the body’s natural immunity at the first signs of a cold.”
Puressentiel’s Acti Pure Syrup:
- 100% natural with 100% organic honey, erysimum, elderberries and vegan vitamin D3 sourced from lichen
- Helps soothe and reduce the duration of cold and flu-like symptoms when used at the first signs of a cold
- Supports the body’s natural immunity
- Delicious natural taste
- Suitable for ages 3 and above
Feeling stuffy: If you are dealing with a blocked or runny nose Dr Tim Bond recommends Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray, available from Holland & Barrett. “This combines a 100% natural sterile saline solution to soften blocked nasal mucosa in the event of a cold and other nose congestion. Organic rosemary floral water plus the soothing and decongestant essential oils of eucalyptus radiata, rosat geranium, niaouli, ravintsara, as well as propolis help you to breathe more easily and helps moisturise the nasal cavity
As well as this, it’s also clinically proven to decongest from the first few minutes of use.New Puressentiel Respiratory Decongestant Nasal Spray:
- 100% Natural and organic relief for Colds, rhinitis (chronic or allergic), sinusitis, rhinopharyngitis
- A unique formula with a blend of: 4 Organic Essential Oils, Hypertonic Sea water, Organic Rosemary floral water, Propolis and Echinacea
- Fast, effective, clinically proven relief1
- Non-irritating and preservative-free
- Suitable for people with high blood pressure – no corticosteroids or vasoconstrictors
- Suitable from 3 years plus
When you need a stronger spray which can help to prevent ear, nose and throat issues whilst strengthening the nasal lining’s defense, Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray, can help.
Dr Nisa Aslam explains that it deeply cleanses your nose and helps in the treatment of colds.
Puressentiel Respiratory Nasal Hygiene Strong Jet Spray:
- 100% plant-based formula with plant extracts of organic calendula with soothing and protective properties
- 100% pure and natural seawater, rich in marine trace elements
- An alcohol-free, no preservatives, propellant gas-free format
- Protection against colds or ear infection
- A 3-in-1 action: gently cleanses, hydrates and decongests with a user-friendly nozzle and multidirectional spray. Ideal for a sensitive and irritated nose
- The elimination of impurities and reduces the viscosity of mucus
- The restoration of natural moisture
- A Medical Device Class IIa
New Puressentiel Resp’ OK Sinus Express Roll-On soothes congested sinuses and makes breathing easier. With six organic essential oils – eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, spike lavender, picea mariana leaf oil, niaouli, marjoram, the fresh, decongestant effect and the targeted massage of the roller ball helps to relieve you of that blocked up feeling.
New Puressentiel Resp’ OK Sinus Express Roll-On:
- 100% plant-based formula with 6 organic essential oils with proven decongestant efficacy. It is also enriched with the hydrating natural, organic ingredient, Aloe vera and plant-based glycerine
- Paraben-free, alcohol-free, preservatives-free, synthetic fragrance-free, mineral oils-free, dyes-free
- Immediate relief and proven tolerance
- Essential Oil double action: transdermal + inhaled
- Suitable for 10 years and upwards
The power of nature can really help to ease the symptoms of coughs, colds and congestion and ingredients such as mullein provide the self-care support your body needs to keep going, comfortably. Dr Tim Bond adds: “Puressentiel has created a number of products to bust coughs, soothe a blocked nose, ease a sore throat and help support the body’s natural defences. Their range of safe, effective and easy-to-use self-care products are all scientifically backed and they are essential for all the family.”
