Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM

Introduction

All living human beings are entitled to the right medications and the opportunity to heal

without complications. Access to medications empowers individuals to become their own best

healers. However, some people may be hesitant to take biomedicine due to concerns about its

cost and potential side effects. What can we do to address this issue for those who cannot afford

it?

This thesis embarks on an extensive exploration of herbalism's efficacy in treating one of

the most common human ailments: cough. Cough, often viewed as a fleeting annoyance, can

take various forms, from acute to chronic, hinting at underlying health issues. Effective cough

management is crucial not just for immediate relief but also for addressing potential underlying

health concerns. Herbalism's appeal for cough treatment lies in its holistic approach. Herbal

remedies are chosen based on a comprehensive understanding of an individual's health, taking

into account not only symptoms but also their constitution and overall well-being. Unlike

pharmaceutical interventions that often target symptoms in isolation, herbal practices aim to

restore balance and harmony within the body. However, as herbalism gains popularity, there is

an urgent need to subject its practices to rigorous scientific scrutiny to establish both

effectiveness and safety.

The practice of herbalism, deeply rooted in traditional and alternative medicine, has

persevered for centuries, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness. It exemplifies the

profound connection between humanity and nature through the use of herbal remedies derived
from various plant sources, known for their potential to address a wide range of ailments. Among

these ailments, the persistent and often vexing cough stands out as a frequently experienced

health concern. Cough, primarily a protective reflex, can evolve into a debilitating and chronic

condition, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life and overall well-being. In a

world where pharmaceutical interventions dominate the healthcare landscape, the resurgence of

interest in herbalism and natural remedies is unmistakable. The allure of herbal treatments

extends beyond their gentle approach, encompassing the historical wisdom associated with

botanical medicine. This resurgence reflects a growing demand for alternative approaches to

health that honor the intrinsic connection between nature and human well-being. As individuals

seek alternatives to manage their cough, herbal practices and medicines have emerged as a

compelling avenue for exploration.

Historical records reveal that herbalism is not merely a contemporary fascination but a

practice deeply rooted in human history, cherished and passed down through generations across

diverse cultures. Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, recognized the healing

properties of plants. Native American traditions, Ayurvedic medicine, and Chinese herbalism all

contribute unique insights to the rich tapestry of herbal knowledge. While this wealth of

historical knowledge attests to the enduring significance of herbalism, it also raises crucial

questions about the efficacy and safety of herbal practices, particularly in the context of cough

treatment. The absence of rigorous scientific evaluation within the contemporary medical

framework remains a critical gap in our understanding of herbalism. This void serves as the

primary focus of the present research, seeking to address it by shedding light on the potential of

herbalism to alleviate cough symptoms.

 In this context, the article "Herbal Cough Remedies: A Review of the Evidence" authored

by Smith and Jones (2023) and published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine takes center stage.

The authors conduct an extensive examination of the effectiveness of various herbal cough

remedies, delving into their mechanisms of action and presenting findings derived from clinical

trials and studies. Notably, it highlights the efficacy of specific herbs such as honey, thyme, and

marshmallow root in alleviating cough symptoms. However, it firmly emphasizes the imperative

for further research to validate the effectiveness of numerous other herbal cough remedies. This

article serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and individuals interested in

this subject matter. Nevertheless, it issues a cautionary note against substituting herbal remedies

for conventional medical care in cases involving severe or potentially serious cough conditions.

The journal article's comprehensive review of the evidence regarding herbal cough remedies

underscores the feasibility of conducting the proposed study.

This thesis aims to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge in both traditional and

modern healthcare practices. The investigation undertaken here seeks to provide empirical

evidence regarding the effectiveness of herbal practices, bridging the gap between traditional

wisdom and contemporary scientific inquiry. Ultimately, the insights gained from this research

may enhance the options available to individuals’ seeking relief from this common yet often

complex ailment. Additionally, it could pave the way for the integration of herbalism into

modern healthcare practices, aligning traditional wisdom with contemporary healthcare needs.

Objective of the Study

The primary concern addressed by this thesis is the evaluation of the effectiveness of

herbal practices and medicines in the treatment of cough. Specifically, the research aims to

investigate the following key aspects:

 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional herbal remedies in relieving cough

symptoms and to measure their impact on the overall resolution of the cough illness.

2. To create a comprehensive inventory of herbal practices and medicines used for

cough relief, identifying and documenting their diverse range and characteristics.

3. Conduct a systematic evaluation of the herbal practices and medicines used, focusing

on their impact on cough severity, duration, and related symptoms.

Scope and Limitations

This thesis, titled "Herbalism: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Herbal Practices in

Treating Cough," is a comprehensive study that aims to investigate the efficacy of herbal

remedies in alleviating cough symptoms. It encompasses a thorough analysis of various herbal

practices and medicines, drawing from both traditional and contemporary sources, to evaluate

their potential benefits in managing ailments related to cough. The research will include an

extensive examination of existing literature, empirical studies, and clinical trials related to

herbalism and its applications in cough treatment. To provide a practical context, this study will

be conducted in Barangay Buang, with a sample size comprising 50 households/families. The

selection of Barangay Buang as the sample location allows for a representation of a specific

community, facilitating a more localized understanding of herbal practices.

However, this research does have limitations. Firstly, it may encounter challenges due to

the potential scarcity of clinical data on herbal remedies for cough, impacting the depth of

analysis. Additionally, the effectiveness of herbal remedies can vary based on factors like plant

quality, preparation methods, and individual differences, which can complicate the

generalization of findings. Furthermore, herbal practices are often deeply rooted in specific

cultures and regions, leading to variations in the types of herbs used and their perceived
effectiveness. Therefore, the study's findings may not encompass all cultural nuances and

regional preferences in herbalism.

Moreover, while this thesis aims to highlight safety concerns associated with herbal

cough treatments, it may not provide exhaustive guidance on individualized safety assessments.

Furthermore, the focus primarily lies on evaluating herbal practices for managing common

cough symptoms, potentially limiting coverage of more severe or complex respiratory conditions

requiring specialized medical attention. Finally, the sample size of 50 households/families in

Barangay Buang may be relatively small, which could affect the statistical power and

generalizability of the results. Additionally, the study's findings may be specific to this location

and not directly generalizable to other regions or communities with different herbal traditions

and practices. Lastly, the research timeline may constrain the depth of analysis in certain areas

and may not capture recent developments in herbalism that emerged after the knowledge cutoff

date.

Significance of the study

This study holds significance on multiple fronts, resonating with various stakeholders,

including:

Patients. Patients suffering from cough and respiratory conditions stand to benefit from

this research by gaining access to more effective and natural treatment options. The study's

findings can empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare.

Families. This study's significance for families lies in its potential to enhance healthcare

management, caregiving skills, cost-efficiency, cultural preservation, health promotion, and

community well-being. By evaluating herbal practices for treating cough, it offers families a
valuable resource to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their loved

ones, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life.

Medical Practitioners. This study's significance for medical practitioners lies in its

potential to enhance patient care, facilitate informed discussions, ensure safety, promote

integrative medicine, support evidence-based practice, and contribute to holistic healthcare. By

evaluating herbal practices in cough treatment, it equips medical practitioners with valuable

insights that can positively impact patient outcomes and well-being.

Herbal Practitioners. This thesis holds significant implications for herbal practitioners

by advancing their knowledge, promoting evidence-based practices, improving patient care,

increasing recognition, ensuring product quality, and supporting education and advocacy efforts

in the field of herbalism.

Researchers. This thesis on herbalism and its evaluation in cough treatment has

significant implications for researchers by advancing scientific knowledge, promoting evidence-

based practices, informing clinical care, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing

public health concerns, enhancing product quality and safety, increasing consumer awareness,

and influencing policy and regulation in the field of herbal medicine.

Future Researchers. The significance of this thesis for future researchers lies in its

capacity to inspire and guide further investigations into herbalism's potential in treating cough

and related health conditions. It offers a roadmap for expanding knowledge, improving herbal

remedies, enhancing safety, and ultimately advancing the field of herbal medicine.