01/31/2026
Can’t get rid of a stubborn cough after having a respiratory infection? That lingering cough may not be what you suspect.
Since the pandemic, I have battled with numerous cases of coughs for myself, my family, and my clients and discovered that much of what we thought was due to infection was actually acid reflux induced.
Long story short— acid reflux or GERD can be triggered by many things, usually fatty or sugary foods and dairy, but it can also be triggered by spices and herbs like clove, cinnamon, ginger, and elderberries. Yes. Elderberries too. They aren’t high in acid, but can trigger sensitive stomachs.
Also, the acid reflux cough can be wet and affect the lungs, as the stomach will produce more mucous to help neutralize the acid.
So if you notice that you feel well but the cough is lingering and worsens when you lay down or restrict the stomach with your body movement, especially if you’ve been treating respiratory infections with any of the mentioned herbs and spices, beware that it may be acid reflux, so treat the stomach accordingly.