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Coughs are common to all of us, but not all coughs are equal. Understanding what causes a cough, how to manage it naturally, and the importance of seeking professional advice can make a significant difference to you and your family’s comfort, recovery, and overall wellbeing. Coughing is a reflex – activated by our body to help clear the throat and airways of irritants such as mucus, dust, or infectious pathogens. When cough is productive with lots of mucous, the body is trying to help rid of the chesty build-up of phlegm in the lungs and airways. Cough is critical in helping the body rid of the mucous caused by the infection, so it doesn’t sit in the airways, making it difficult to breathe or to become more serious. Sometimes the cough reflex keeps being activated once the irritant seems to have gone. The cough is not a disease, but instead a symptom of something of underlying condition. A persistent or severe cough can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Let’s explore common cough triggers, when to seek support, and how natural herbal medicines, such as AyurScience Herbitus Cough Syrups, may play a helpful role in seasonal self-care. Common Triggers for Coughs As we enter cold and flu season coughs become a more common occurrence. What starts as a slight tickle in the throat can progress to a chesty productive cough, or just a dry irritating cough. These coughs can be to interrupt work, recreation and sleep, leaving us to feel exhausted. But what triggers these coughs? Understanding the triggers, and avoiding as much as possible (or addressing the underlying cause) can help you better manage your cough. Colds and Viral Infections Most coughs are caused by viral upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu. These typically begin as dry, irritating coughs and may become more productive (chesty) as the body clears excess mucus. According to Healthdirect Australia, a cough caused by a cold or flu usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks. Post-Viral Cough Some people experience a persistent dry cough that can last for weeks after the initial infection has resolved. This post-viral cough is due to irritation from ongoing inflammation in the respiratory airways. It can be especially frustrating and painful, especially when there seems to be no end to the coughing! Solutions to help soothe the throat, and help decrease airway inflammation can be especially useful. Cold or Dry Air Winter months bring more exposure to cold and dry air and can cause further irritation to the airways. This is particularly noticeable when moving between heated indoor spaces and cooler outdoor air. Staying hydrated, especially during winter, helps to reduce the impact of the dry air on the airways.   Environmental Irritants: Smoke, dust, mould, pollen, perfumes, or pollution are environmental irritants and can cause coughing. For people with respiratory sensitivities or allergies, even small exposures can provoke symptoms. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the airways and is a major cause of chronic cough. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GORD): Stomach acid that travels up into the oesophagus (reflux) can irritate the throat and cause a chronic dry cough. Long-standing chronic dry coughs can be caused by stomach acid that especially is worse when lying down or after eating may be a result of reflux. Chronic Respiratory and Allergic Conditions Chronic allergic and respiratory conditions can all present with persistent coughs. Other symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Urgent medical management is essential. Post-Nasal Drip: Fluid that drips from the nose down the back of the throat is called postnasal drip and also referred to as upper airway cough syndrome. When the nose or sinuses produce excessive mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat and cause cough. Often there is an underlying allergic condition or reaction causing the mucous build up. When to Seek Medical Advice While many coughs resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to get medical help. See your healthcare professional if: Your cough lasts longer than 3 weeks It worsens suddenly or is accompanied by high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing You cough up blood or unusual mucus You have a weakened immune system, a chronic illness, or are elderly The person affected is a child under 5 years old Cough Relief with Natural Herbal Options Herbal medicines can offer natural-based and soothing support to help offer cough relief based on traditional use to address the underlying cause. AyurScience Herbitus Cough Syrups are formulated using herbal medicines, based on traditional use in Western herbal medicine and Ayurvedic medicine use. Herbal medicines that have long been used to soothe irritation, support respiratory comfort, and promote general wellness. When choosing a herbal medicine for cough check to whether you require a soothing remedy to help stop cough, or an expectorant remedy to help cough up mucus more easily. AyurScience Herbitus Dry Cough Syrup – created for dry, tickly coughs, this blend includes Holy Basil (Tulsi), Licorice and Ginger, traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine to soothe and calm the throat, and to suppress cough. AyurScience Herbitus Chesty Cough Syrup – for productive coughs with mucus, this formula includes herbal medicine traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support mucus clearance and ease chest congestion. AyurScience Herbitus Dry Cough and AyurScience Herbitus Chesty Cough syrups are great-tasting, alcohol-free, sugar-free and non-drowsy – making them suitable for adults and children aged 5 and over. Be sure to always read the label and follow the directions for use. Winter Cough Care Tips for the Whole Family Consider these simple strategies to support you and your family’s health and cough: ·         Stock up on your herbal medicines - Have your cough syrups ready to address coughs as they start Stay warm - Keep warm and try to avoid sudden temperature changes Use a humidifier or steam inhalation to reduce impact of cold and dry air Stay hydrated – Drink water and warming herbal teas like ginger or tulsi Rest well - Get good rest and sleep Eat well - nourish your immune system with wholesome nutritious meals Address any underlying medical conditions with your healthcare professional Learn more: ·         5 tips to stop dry cough naturally ·         What makes Herbitus Ayurvedic Dry Cough Relief Effective? ·         How Herbitus Chesty Cough Relief Works to Naturally Loosen Phlegm Always remember – if you have any concerns about your cough or overall health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

Gut health and healthy digestion is fundamental to wellbeing and health. From an Ayurvedic and natural medicine perspective poor digestion weakens vital energy, impacts toxin build up and can result in irritated and inflamed digestion, impacting wellbeing. Indigestion is a sign the gut is not coping with food being eaten. Decreased nutrient absorption further triggers gut inflammation and leads to skin and other body functions being further impacted like skin and can even impact concentration.  Indigestion is common –but what is it, and what are the signs?  And more importantly, we provide some simple natural tips on how to support your gut health – everyday. Indigestion, a sign of poor gut health Indigestion, as the name suggests, is when there is poor digestion. Digestion ensures good absorption of vital nutrients required for general health, repair and regeneration, as well as our gut and skin health. Poor digestion results in poorly absorbed food particles which further aggravates gut health and negatively impacts overall wellbeing, contributing to unhealthy gut bacteria overgrowth, dysbiosis, gut permeability and even systemic inflammation and allergy. Signs of indigestion include: ·         Bloating ·         Heartburn ·         Flatulence builds up ·         Abdominal discomfort ·         Digestive cramping These signs are also common in digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can be medically diagnosed. Gut health Good digestion is dependant on having healthy levels of digestive juice, such as digestive enzymes. These digestive juices are what breaks down our food into absorbable and non-irritating compounds that can be easily and effectively absorbed across the gut wall and into our blood. The gut microbiome, which includes probiotics (healthy bacteria), is critical for healthy digestion, immunity, and managing inflammation.[i] When our microbiome is out of balance it negatively impacts our digestive juices and makes it difficult for good probiotics to thrive – resulting in various health issues. Microbiome imbalance, termed dysbiosis, triggers indigestion, immune disruption, hormonal challenges, systemic inflammation and skin issues, a significant link has been found with dysbiosis and acne, particularly for people with IBS or constipation.  Good digestion is important for overall health and wellbeing, reducing bloating, flatulence (or gas build up) and cramping. Addressing indigestion symptoms in a natural way by supporting digestive health can help bring digestion into balance. Simple ways to support your gut health daily: Here are some foundational tips to support skin health and your gut-skin axis. 1. Calm Eating: It might sound too simple, but having a calm eating environment is extremely important for digestion. Combine that with eating mindfully, and you are off to a good start. ·         Calm environment: For good digestion our body needs to know we are safe – and this means a non-stress environment. Our body can then move away from ‘fight or flight’ stress response to divert energy to digestion, like producing digestive enzymes and gastric fluids needed for digestion and appetite. ·         Mindful eating: Mindfully eating includes taking the time to chew food well and noticing impact of foods on the body and mind. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods is important. Ayurveda also stresses the importance of not-over eating, especially indulgent, fatty or sugary foods, as this can also lead to build up of toxins. Making note of emotional eating and find ways to manage stress or emotions outside of a food relationship, such as a meditative practice or yoga. Find healthier ways of treating yourself without the need for unhealthy ‘treats’ – some quiet time for contemplation with your favourite tea, a hot bath with a face mask, a bunch of flowers – all beautiful ways of honouring self. 2. Stimulate Your Digestion: Stimulating digestion will help production of digestive enzymes and other digestive juices, ready to breakdown food when you eat, helping reducing bloating, flatulence and gut cramping. If you have signs of indigestion, then introducing some specific digestive herbs and remedies may help. These can be added to food and taken as a complementary medicine before meals, or taken after eating a triggering meal to help reduce symptoms.   Ayurveda utilises the digestive remedies below in cooking and as natural remedies, to stimulate digestion. These natural remedies can also be used to help reduce medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as bloating, cramping and gas, occurring. Asafoetida herbal is traditionally used in many Asian, Indian and Mediterranean cultures as food and medicine. The resin is used as a digestive aid, stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and therefore reducing bloating and other signs of indigestion. It helps to reduce the build-up of gas that leads to bloating and digestive cramping. It has also been shown to impact gut microbiome health. It is used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for digestive spasm and cramping, and to support a healthier microbiome. Black Salt is a special type of salt that is prepared in a traditional Ayurvedic way for thousands of years to produce a mineral-rich compound to help support digestion. This unique processing method infuses salt with the minerals and compounds from special herbal remedies and charcoal in a high heat kiln. Black salt is traditionally used in Ayurveda to help support digestive balance and address inflammation. Ajwain (Carom Fruit): Ajwain fruit looks like a small seed. It is broadly used in Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures as food and digestive remedy, often combined into foods that are known to cause flatulence, like legumes. As a digestive remedy it works to improve digestion of food by helping to increase the production of digestive enzymes, and helping reduce bloating. Ajwain also contains many compounds that may help address digestive dysbiosis, and support movement of the bowels. Traditionally Ajwain is combined with Black Salt for enhanced synergy. AyurScience Gasnix contains Asafoetida, Black Salt and Ajwain, is certified low FODMAP by Monash University, suitable for people on a low FODMAP diet. AyurScience Gasnix helps reduce the occurrence of symptoms of medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 3. Care for your microbiome To support your microbiome, opt for foods that help the growth of good bacteria (probiotics) and help reduce inflammation. Avoid foods that can increase gut inflammation and create an environment for unhealthy gut bacteria. ·         Boost your diet with fermented foods: o   Fermented foods contain natural probiotics which support the digestive system. o   This includes natural yogurt, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and miso. o   Try incorporating these foods into your daily diet to support a diverse range of healthy probiotics. ·         Healthy fibre rich foods: o   Fibre is a prebiotic that helps feed and grow probiotics, the healthy bacteria in the gut. o   Incorporate fibre rich fruit, vegetables, nuts and legumes into your diet where they are suitable for you. o   Some fibre rich foods can be high in FODMAP which can impact IBS. Be mindful of which foods are high FODMAP, and avoid those that cause a reaction. o   Even if you are on a low FODMAP diet look at which fibre rich foods can be included for you. Working with a health practitioner can help you work out what foods are most suitable for you, and when to introduce fibrous foods. o   Document your foods and reactions in a food diary to help you assess your needs. This can provide very valuable information to discuss with your healthcare professional. ·         Avoid sugar and processed foods: o   These foods have a negative impact on your microbiome. o   Avoid processed foods, fried foods, sugary foods and food with high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. o   Alcohol has a negative impact on the microbiome, and best to avoid. 4. Healthy Lifestyle: ·         Manage stress: Mindfulness practices like meditation can help manage stress, and can be incorporated into your daily routine. ·         Avoid toxins (like smoking, pollution, alcohol and chemical cleaners). ·         Quality sleep is important for digestive health, aim for 7-8 hours each night. ·         Exercise is not only good for the body, but also for the mind, helping to reduce stress – and supporting gut motility – which may help constipation or diarrhoea. Aim for some daily movement to support your overall wellbeing. [i] Ryguła, I.; Mickiewicz, W.; Grabarek, B.O.; Wojcik, M.; Kaminiow, K. The Role of the Gut Microbiome and Microbial Dysbiosis in Common Skin Diseases. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 1984. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijms25041984

Clear, healthier skin is best with a whole-body approach. This means taking care of your body inside and out, including the Gut-Skin axis. The Gut-Skin axis is an important pathway to support skin health and overall wellness. What is acne? Acne is a common inflammatory skin disorder that can appear at any stage of life. Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne. Acne affects up to 95% of adolescents, making it the most common skin disorder in the Western world. Clogged pores lead to acne breakouts, triggered by several factors. For example, hormonal changes during adolescence and other life stages, causing acne flare-ups. Stress, diet, and gut health also play big roles.  What causes acne? Acne develops due to many combined factors. Blocked and inflamed skin pores that lead to acne are due to one or more of these three factors: Excess or high production of sebum oil (produced to keep our skin moisturised) in skin pores. Blocking of skin pores with the buildup of dead skin cells. Disruption of the skin microbiome, leading to unhealthy bacterial growth in the pore. Factors that contribute to the causes of acne include: Disrupted gut microbiome (dysbiosis) Hormonal fluctuations Poor digestion Diet: some foods, such as sugary or processed foods, can aggravate acne Stress Skin irritation: This includes irritation caused by pressure from clothing or sports equipment, like helmets, tight clothes, or backpacks. Squeezing or picking blemishes and harsh skin scrubbing also cause irritation. Environmental irritants include pollution and high humidity. An imbalance in the digestive system can cause more inflammation, lower nutrient absorption, and harm microbiome health. These issues can lead to breakouts and acne prone skin. The Gut-Skin Connection: Why It Matters The gut-skin axis is the relationship between our digestive health and our skin. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria. The healthy bacteria, probiotics, crucial for digestion, immunity, and inflammation control, forming a healthy part of our microbiome. An imbalanced microbiome, or dysbiosis, can harm our health. It affects immune function, changes hormone balance, and causes inflammation. These issues are connected to acne and other skin problems. [i] Addressing gut health is a foundational step toward clearer, healthier skin as confirmed by another study published in 2024. The authors state, “Although the gastrointestinal microbiome is only one of many factors contributing to acne, in the case of acne vulgaris, it has an undeniable impact on skin conditions.” A significant link between gut dysregulation and acne, particularly for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or constipation, has also been shown in other research. According to Ayurvedic medicine and a natural health perspective, poor digestion is a sign of compromised gut health. Decreased nutrient absorption, poorly digested food and other factors are seen as leading to inflammation and immunity disruptions which manifest as irritated, inflamed, or acne-prone skin. Signs Your Gut Health May Be Affecting Your Skin If you struggle with ongoing acne, skin redness, or skin inflammation, you may want to look at your gut health. Common signs of poor gut health include: Bloating Heartburn Constipation or diarrhea Excessive gas Food intolerances How to Support Clearer Skin Naturally.   1. Support your Gut Health ·       Promote a healthy microbiome: A balanced gut microbiome thrives on probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods. ·       Fermented foods – naturally rich in probiotics include fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir in your daily diet. This helps to support the diversity of probiotics for a healthier microbiome. ·       Fibre-rich foods: Fibre provides nourishment for probiotics – often termed prebiotics. Prebiotic rich foods to add to consider for your diet include vegetables such as fennel and beetroot, legumes, fruits such as peach, watermelon, pomegranate and nectarines, wholegrain cereals such as brown rice and barley. Slowly introduce higher fibre foods into your diet to minimise the build-up of gas. ·       Support digestion: Try digestive remedies like black salt, asafoetida, cumin, or ajwain in cooking to aid digestion. Many cultures use these natural remedies to reduce gas and ease indigestion. AyurScience Gasnix helps to reduce bloating and gas build up, and is low FODMAP certified, suitable for people with medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 2. Reduce Inflammatory Foods Refined sugar, dairy, and processed foods can trigger gut and skin inflammation. Reducing these foods and adding nutrient-rich options can lower breakouts and improve your skin. 3. Stay Hydrated & Detoxify Staying hydrated is crucial. It helps detoxify the skin, clear blemishes, and keep skin rejuvenated. Avoid caffeinated drinks and opt for plain or lemon-infused water. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint are also a great option for hydration. 4. Manage your stress Manage your stress with mindfulness. Try practices like meditation, yoga, and other support. Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Tulsi (Holy Basil) may also help support with stress management.  You may like to try this meditation skin-care routine. 5. Get support for hormonal imbalances Hormonal imbalances, particularly those linked to imbalances in estrogen and androgens, can trigger acne. Support yourself with a healthy diet, improved digestion and stress management. Talk to your healthcare practitioner for more support. Hormonal imbalances often need special management. Naturopaths or Ayurvedic practitioners support with a natural and holistic approach. 6. Utilise The Power of Bakuchiol: Nature’s Retinol Supporting your skin from within is important. Also, picking the right skincare can really help. One plant-based powerhouse that’s making waves in the skincare world is Bakuchiol. What is Bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is a natural extract derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It has been hailed as a gentle alternative to retinol, offering similar skin-renewing benefits without irritation. Bakuchiol soothes the skin, so it’s great for all types. This includes sensitive and acne-prone skin. Try AyurScience Beauty Purity Blemish Spot Treatment enriched with bakuchiol and other anti-inflammatory herbal extracts to manage acne spots.   Benefits of Bakuchiol for Clearer, Healthier Skin Boosts Skin Cell Renewal: It speeds up how fast cells turn over. This helps reduce breakouts and evens out skin tone. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant: Helps calm redness and fight oxidative stress. Boosts Collagen Production: Improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines. Non-Irritating & Gentle: Ideal for those who cannot tolerate retinol. Minimising acne triggers is critical for clear, healthy skin. A holistic approach supports the body inside and out to help minimise triggers. Focus on gut health, inflammation, hormonal and stress balance to support your overall health and glow. [i] Chen YW, Wu CY, Chen YJ. Gastrointestinal comorbidities in patients with acne vulgaris: A population-based retrospective study. JAAD Int. 2024 Sep 27; 18:62-68. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2024.08.022. PMID: 39629098; PMCID: PMC11613187.