Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder. Some coughs are dry, while others are “productive.” A productive cough is one that brings up phlegm (also called sputum or mucus). Expectorant herbs loosen and thin the mucus that blocks the airways, facilitating a more productive cough.

Herbal cough remedies

Expectorants : Pleurisy root acts as an expectorant and relieves pain and congestion in the lungs. This plant has long been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant and one of the most important of the indigenous American remedies.¹ Anise is an expectorant that is also antiseptic to the mucous membranes. Anise can be used as a herbal seed tea, or the essential oil can be used in chest massages and room diffusors. Cayenne (capsicum) The antioxidants in peppers support the lungs, and the capsicum thins mucus, allowing you to expel it easier. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper to teas has been a long time favorite home cough and congestion remedy. Colt's Foot is both emollient and expectorant. It will soothe the tissues of the throat as well as cause phlegm to be expelled.⁴ The medicinal chemicals responsible for horehound's expectorant action, marrubiin and marrubinic acid, also help stabilize heart rhythm. ² Lobelia stimulates the nervous system and speeds respiration. It also helps break up mucus and facilitates coughing.² Black mustard seeds make an excellent stimulating poultice (mixed with a soothing substance such as slippery elm powder) for stubborn coughs and arthritis joints. Mustard foot baths are good for poor circulation, chilblains, and upper respiratory mucus.³ Modern herbalists still consider that an infusion of dried speedwell is useful in coughs, catarrh, etc., and is a simple and effective remedy in skin diseases.¹ Most homeowners consider this low growing, blue wildflower an invasive lawn weed ;)

Antitussives - cough suppressants : Black Cohosh, though more famous for it's use today as a woman's botanical, also helps allay coughs according to older herbalists.^1,2 According to M. Grieve, "In the paroxysm of consumption, it gives relief by allaying the cough, reducing the rapidity of the pulse and inducing perspiration. In whooping-cough, it proves very effective." Add the tincture to your cough remedy, or drink black cohosh tea to quiet a nighttime cough. Comfrey root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. It is highly esteemed for all pulmonary complaints, consumption and bleeding of the lungs.¹ Research published in the FASEB Journal in February 2005 makes a strong case that dark chocolate (Cacao) can be a powerful cough suppressant. The theobromine content of dark chocolate may actually be a more effective cough medicine than traditional or over-the counter cold and cough remedies. Fennel Syrup prepared from fennel juice was formerly given for chronic coughs. ¹ Wild thyme tea is recommended for cough, hangover, flu, and sore throat. Thyme honey is ideal for sweetening expectorant herb teas. Thyme has primarily been used respiratory ailments for its infection-fighting and cough suppressive qualities. Valerian calms spasmodic coughing and muscle tension - mixes well with licorice, coltsfoot, and mullein leaf in cough remedies. Wild lettuce has a sedative effect on the respiratory system and is used for treating whooping cough and nervous and dry irritating coughs. Most often used as a tincture.³

Using Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and essential oils for coughs. Sandalwood oil's expectorant and antispasmodic properties make sandalwood effective in chronic bronchitis and dry cough. Other essential oils used to quiet coughs and improve breathing are eucalyptus, frankincense, thyme and ginger.³

Herbs Used for Cough

Acacia * Black Mustard * Black Pepper * Cacao * Cajeput * Calamus * Cayenne Pepper * Colt's Foot * Copaiba Balsam * Echinacea * Elder * Elecampane * Fennel * Horehound * Horseradish * Hyssop * Juniper * Lobelia * Myrrh * Niaouli * Peppermint * Pleurisy Root * Red Poppy Flowers * Schisandra * Speedwell * Thuja * Thyme * Valerian * Watercress * White Peony * Wild Cherry * Wild lettuce *

Angelica For: Coughs, expectorant
Profile	It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant - and a useful agent in feverish conditions. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Anise For: Expectorant, coughs
Profile	Carminative and pectoral. Anise enjoys considerable reputation as a medicine in coughs and pectoral affections. In hard, dry coughs where expectoration is difficult, it is of much value. It is greatly used in the form of lozenges and the seeds have also been used for smoking, to promote expectoration. The volatile oil, mixed with spirits of wine forms the liqueur Anisette, which has a beneficial action on the bronchial tubes. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Benzoin For: Asthma, bronchitis
Profile	Benzoin may be used with benefit in all cold conditions related to the lungs, such as colds, influenza, coughs, asthma, bronchitis. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)

Black Cohosh For: Artritis pain, Antitussives - cough suppressants
Profile	Black Cohosh , though more famous for it's use today as a woman's botanical, has some additional uses according to older herbalists. According to M. Grieve, "In the paroxysm of consumption, it gives relief by allaying the cough, reducing the rapidity of the pulse and inducing perspiration. In whooping-cough, it proves very effective." Add the tincture to your cough remedy, or drink black cohosh tea to quiet a nighttime cough. Black cohosh also has a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory action that makes it useful for arthritis. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Caraway For: Bronchitis, Coughs
Profile	Caraway contains mild antihistamines, antimicrobial compounds and muscle relaxants that can help ease spasms. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Comfrey root For: Coughs, congestion
Profile	The root is more effectual than the leaves and is the part usually used in cases of coughs. It is highly esteemed for all pulmonary complaints, consumption and bleeding of the lungs. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Dark chocolate (Cacao) For: Cough suppressant
Profile	Research published in the the FASEB Journal in February 2005 makes a strong case that dark chocolate can be a powerful cough suppressant. The theobromine content of dark chocolate may actually be a more effective cough medicine than traditional or over-the counter cold and cough remedies.

Elecampane For: Pumonary, bronchitis, asthma
Profile	Present-day herbalists use the root of elecampane as a tonic for pulmonary complaints and for coughs. Elecampane is a safe home remedy for bronchitis and asthma Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Fennel For: Coughs
Profile	Syrup prepared from Fennel juice was formerly given for chronic coughs. Fennel helps clear mucus from the lungs Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Fennel For: Asthma, bronchitis, coughs
Profile	Fennel also has a calming, antispasmodic effect on coughs and bronchitis. The Greeks use teas made from fennel and anise for asthma and other respiratory ailments. Both of these herbs contain creosol and alpha-pinene, which help to loosen bronchial secretions, although fennel seeds contain as much as 8,800 parts per million (ppm) of alpha-pinene, while anise contains only 360 ppm. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)

ginger For: Colds, depurative, coughs
Profile	Sheng-jiang (fresh ginger) is used to dispel pathogens via its ability to induce sweating, for colds due to wind and cold, coughs, vomiting. Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)

Horehound, White For: Cardio - Coughs and Colds
Profile	The medicinal chemicals responsible for Horehounds expectorant action, marrubiin and marrubinic acid, also help stabilize heart rhythm. Until 1900, horehound was an accepted medicinal in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and was found in various over-the-counter nostrums, including cough drops, until 1989, when the FDA challenged its use for a supposed lack of efficacy. A year later, Germany's commission E endorsed horehounds folk reputation as an effective treatment for coughing, colds and indigestion. Decide for yourself. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Iceland moss For: Coughs, Colds and Sore Throat
	Cetraria islandica has been found to be an effective treatment for coughs, colds, and bronchitis as it can create a moist and soothing layer in the throat that can help ease these problems. It contains complex polysaccharides with immunostimulant, and antimicrobial properties that counteract bacterial and viral infections in the ears, nose, mouth, and throat . Learn Iceland Moss. (2009), Mountain Rose Herbs

Lobelia For: Coughs
Profile	Lobelia stimulates the nervous system and speeds respiration. It also helps break up mucus and facilitates coughing. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

LungWort For: Colds Cough and Lung Congestion
	Pulmonaria officinalis has been used to treat chest, cold and lung complains since the middle ages, when the Doctrine of Signatures determined its use for the lungs from the resemblence of the spotted leaves to a diseased lung. Modern herbalists value lungwort for its a high mucilage content, making it quite useful in treating coughs, including whooping cough, asthma and coughs arising from tuberculosis. Dried Lungwort leave is used in herbal teas, and tinctures in combination with mullein, coltsfoot, mallow and other herbs in cough and cold remedies. . Lungwort Herb Profile. (), Mountain Rose Herbs

Mustard seeds For: Coughs
Profile	Black mustard seeds make an excellent stimulating poultice (mixed with a soothing substance such as slippery elm powder) for stubborn coughs and arthritis joints. Mustard foot baths are good for poor circulation, chilblains, and upper respiratory mucus. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Osha Root For: Coughs, Colds and Flu
	Ligusticum porteri is a Traditional Native American treatment for indigestion, as part of a smoking blend to soothe sore throats, to help coughs become productive, and to treat upper respiratory infections. The related Ligusticum wallichii is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the same purposes. Osha will induce sweating, which is helpful in preventing a cold from taking hold, and breaking a fever. Osha is used in herbal teas, tinctures, saunas and steamrooms. *Limited supply and at risk (use consciously)* . Learn Osha Root. (), Mountain Rose Herbs

Red clover For: Bronchitis, whooping cough
Profile	The fluid extract of Trifolium is used as an alterative and antispasmodic. An infusion made by 1 OZ. to 1 pint of boiling water may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough. Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Rue For: Coughs and bronchitis
Profile	Rue is useful in treating coughs, colic, and flatulence. Externally it is an active rubefacient, which accounts for it's action in treating sciatica. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)

Sandalwood oil For: Cough, chronic bronchitis
Profile	Sandalwood oil's expectorant and antispasmodic properties make sandalwood effective in chronic bronchitis and dry cough.

Schisandra For: Chronic Coughs and wheezing
Profile	Medicinally TCM doctors use the tonic and astringent actions of Schisandra berries to treat chronic cough and wheezing due to lung deficiency, Alan Keith Tillotson, Nai-Shing Hu Tillotson, Robert Abel. The one Earth herbal sourcebook: . (2001),

Speedwell For: coughs, catarrh,
Profile	Among the Welsh peasantry, great virtues are attributed to the Speedwell. The plant has diaphoretic, alterative, diuretic, expectorant and tonic properties, and was formerly employed in pectoral and nephritic complaints. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Spikenard For: Asthma, Coughs,Rheumatism
Profile	It has also been used to treat rheumatism, syphilis, coughs and cold symptoms, and shortness of breath. It is known to be an alterative, have antimicrobial action and may act as an expectorant in upper respiratory coughs caused by asthmatic conditions. Spikenard roots have been used medicinally as a poultice to treat broken bones and deep bruising. Mountain Rose Herbs. Spikenard Root Profile. (),

Sunflower For: Bronchitis, coughs and colds
Profile	The seeds have diuretic and expectorant properties and have been employed with success in the treatment of bronchial, laryngeal and pulmonary affections, coughs and colds, also in whooping cough. The oil possesses similar properties and may be given in doses of 10 to 15 drops or more, two or three times a day. A tincture of the flowers and leaves has been recommended in combination with balsamics in the treatment of bronchiectasis. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Thuja For: Rheumatism, coughs
Profile	Aromatic, astringent, diuretic.. The decoction has been used in intermittent fevers, rheumatism, dropsy, coughs, scurvy, and as an emmenagogue. The leaves, made into an ointment with fat, are a helpful local application in rheumatism.. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Thyme oil For: Fever, bronchitis
Profile	In respiratory conditions thyme is antiseptic and a bronchodilator and expectorates mucus from the lungs. Thyme helps reduce fever by inducing sweat... Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Thyme tea For: Cough, hangover, flu
Profile	Wild thyme tea is recommended for cough, hangover, flu, and sore throat. Thyme honey is ideal for sweetening expectorant herb teas. . . (0000-00-00),

Valerian For: Calms spasmodic coughing
Profile	Antispasmodic - calms spasmodic coughing and muscle tension - mixes well with licorice, coltsfoot, and mullein leaf in cough remedies.

Watercress For: Digestive, Nutrition
Profile	Hippocrates described watercress as a stimulant and expectorant, and herbalists still make use of these properties in the plant to treat coughs and bronchitis. Its stimulating qualities and the minerals it contains make watercress important nutritionally, useful in convalescence and general debility. It invigorates the digestion and is diuretic, and lowers blood sugar. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Wild Cherry Bark For: Coughs
Profile	The cyanogenic glycosides in Wild cherry bark are hydrolized to prussic acid. Prussic acid is excreted rapidly, largely via the lungs where it at first increases respiration and then sedates the sensory nerves which provoke the cough reflex. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Wild lettuce For: Coughs
Profile	Wild lettuce has a sedative effect on the respiratory system and is used for treating whooping cough and nervous and dry irritating coughs. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)

Cough Information

• Bronchitis :
  Herbs for bronchitis that help expand lung passages and inhibit bronchospasms. Common home remedies that soothe sore throats, are expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and directly antiviral..
• Colds :
  Cold care is one area where herbs really shine because of the many helpful properties these healing plants have.
• Influenza :
  Fight colds and flu and swine flue with these free home remedies.
• Sinusitis :
  Simple herbal home remedies and alternative treatments for sinus infections and colds
• Congestion/Chest & Sinus :
  Herbs with expectorant properties help the body clear mucus from the airways and help you breathe easier. Drinking soothing herbal teas can provide natural relief from sinus and chest congestion.
• Sore Throat/Laryngitis :
  A warm herbal infusion of soothing herbs will help comfort a sore throat. Honey and lemon not only add to the taste but to the healing process as well. You can also apply the healing power of herbs directly by herbal gargles and steam inhalations.