COOLING: Apricot seeds and a pear can help clear internal heat and soothe lungs. [Photo provided to Shanghai Star]

From a TCM perspective, coughing can originate from health problems not only in the lungs, but also in other internal organs. The deficiency of "Yang qi" or vital energy in the spleen and kidney can also lead to coughing, Zhou says. Generally, these are not exclusive remedies for all coughs.

Each remedy is tailored to the individual, and adjustments during the course of treatment are common. But Zhou suggests some food remedies that can help when treating coughs.

1. For coughs caused by internal heat, one can put a few bitter apricots seeds into a pear and steam it. Eat the pear and drink the water. This can clear heat and eliminate phlegm.

2. For coughing due to external coldness, one can try ginger and brown sugar mixture. Mix bruised ginger and brown sugar, then add some honey to turn it into a paste and eat about 9 grams once. Brown sugar is effective in nourishing blood, invigorating vital energy and removing dampness, while ginger drains sweat, kills bacteria and soothes the lungs.

3. People who cough and have a lot of phlegm can try "seeds porridge" — lightly stir-fired polished round-grained rice, waxgourd seeds, perillaseeds and white mustard seeds and then cook them as a congee.

4. People suffering from coughs should not have cold drinks, fried food, sweetmeats or any food high in fat.