Pertussis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinctive "whooping" sound.

Caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, pertussis is typically spread through respiratory droplets. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death, particularly in infants and young children. To alleviate pertussis symptoms, herbal remedies like thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root can be used in teas, tinctures, or salves.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or worsen underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of pertussis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of pertussis?

The main causes of pertussis are primarily due to Bordetella pertussis, a highly contagious bacterium that spreads through respiratory droplets, typically through coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected individual.

Pertussis is highly contagious and can be spread before symptoms appear, often within 4-6 days before the onset of symptoms. People of all ages can contract pertussis, but it is most severe in infants, who are at higher risk of complications and death. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or undergoing chemotherapy, are also more susceptible to pertussis.

In addition, pertussis can be spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or vomit, from an infected individual.

• Vaccination failure: Vaccination failure is the most common cause of pertussis because the vaccine does not provide lifelong immunity and booster shots are often not administered on schedule.
• Waning immunity: Waning immunity is the second most common cause of pertussis because the immunity provided by the vaccine decreases over time, leaving individuals susceptible to infection.
• Non-vaccination: Non-vaccination is a common cause of pertussis because some individuals or families choose not to vaccinate, or are unable to due to medical reasons.
• Incomplete vaccination: Incomplete vaccination is a cause of pertussis because individuals who have not received the full recommended series of vaccinations are at increased risk of infection.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a cause of pertussis because the immunity provided by the vaccine can wane over time, leaving pregnant women susceptible to infection.
• Low socioeconomic status: Low socioeconomic status is a cause of pertussis because individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended vaccinations.
• Immune compromise: Immune compromise is a cause of pertussis because individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection.
• Age: Age is a cause of pertussis because older adults may have waning immunity from childhood vaccinations, making them more susceptible to infection.
• Medical conditions: Medical conditions are a cause of pertussis because certain medical conditions, such as chronic respiratory diseases, can increase the risk of infection.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for pertussis?

The main medicinal herbs used for pertussis are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eucalyptus globulus, Zingiber officinale, Astragalus membranaceus, Cinchona officinalis, Lonicera japonica, Thymus serpyllum.

Echinacea purpurea has immunomodulatory properties that enhance the production of antibodies and activate macrophages, reducing the severity and duration of pertussis. Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida have similar properties, but with different levels of alkylamides and phenolic acids that contribute to their immunomodulatory effects. Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the severity of respiratory symptoms, while Eucalyptus globulus has expectorant properties that help clear mucus from the airways.

Astragalus membranaceus has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that enhance the body's immune response, while Cinchona officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that reduce the severity of pertussis.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with pertussis by stimulating the immune system and increasing the production of white blood cells, which helps to combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
• Echinacea angustifolia: Echinacea angustifolia helps with pertussis by exhibiting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of the disease.
• Echinacea pallida: Echinacea pallida helps with pertussis by containing compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help to combat the underlying infection and alleviate symptoms.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with pertussis by demonstrating anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus from the airways.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with pertussis by releasing oils that have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to relieve cough and congestion.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with pertussis by containing compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to alleviate symptoms and promote the clearance of mucus.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with pertussis by exhibiting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to stimulate the immune system and reduce the severity of the disease.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis helps with pertussis by containing compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which can help to combat the underlying infection and alleviate symptoms.
• Lonicera japonica: Lonicera japonica helps with pertussis by demonstrating anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus from the airways.
• Thymus serpyllum: Thymus serpyllum helps with pertussis by releasing oils that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to combat the underlying infection and alleviate symptoms.

What are the main herbal preparations used for pertussis?

The main herbal preparations used for pertussis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Poultice, Elixir, Ointment, Cream, Extract.

Decoction of Echinacea, Elderberry, and Thyme has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the respiratory tract and combat bacterial infections. Tincture of Lobelia, Ipecacuanha, and Aconitum napellus can be used to relieve spasms and calm the nervous system. Capsules containing antimicrobial herbs like Goldenseal, Echinacea, and Yarrow can be effective in treating coughs and reducing inflammation.

Additionally, herbal extracts in Suppositories, Poultices, Elixirs, Ointments, Creams, and Salves can provide localized relief and promote wound healing, while Salves and Ointments can help protect the skin from bacterial infections.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis by acting as an expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Hyptis suaveolens can help relieve symptoms of pertussis by acting as an antispasmodic, reducing the frequency and severity of coughing fits.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with the dried flowers of Matricaria chamomilla can help soothe and calm symptoms of pertussis, such as anxiety and insomnia, caused by prolonged coughing fits.
• Salve: A salve made from the resin of Commiphora molmol can help relieve bronchial congestion associated with pertussis by acting as an expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus.
• Suppository: A suppository of the bark of Cinchona officinalis can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis by acting as an expectorant, reducing the viscosity of mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata can help relieve bronchial congestion associated with pertussis by acting as an expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus.
• Elixir: An elixir of the roots of Asclepias tuberosa can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis by acting as an expectorant, reducing the viscosity of mucus, making it easier to cough up.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the roots of Echinacea purpurea can help soothe and calm symptoms of pertussis, such as inflammation and irritation, associated with prolonged coughing fits.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis can help relieve bronchial congestion associated with pertussis by acting as an anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammation and irritation.
• Extract: An extract of the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus can help relieve symptoms of pertussis by acting as an expectorant, reducing the viscosity of mucus, making it easier to cough up.