Cough can result from cold or flu or any other chronic conditions such as emphysema or cigarette smoking or chronic bronchitis. Some herbs are known to work properly to treat coughs. Some herbs are highly operative in the treatment of coughs associated with the build-up of mucus and phlegm in the lungs.
Some herbs are useful in the treatment of dry coughs as well. Some herbs are also included as ingredients in the cough syrups bought from the stores, in lozenges, and in some of the chest applications. Some of the herbs that are used in preparing the herbal remedies for cough are.
Herbal Remedies for Treating Cough
According to the University of Maryland and Medical center or UMMC studies, Thymus vulgaris herb is used since a long time for treating the bronchitis and coughs. The infections due to the bacteria and fungi are destroyed by Thymol that is present in the herb Thyme. Thymol is used as one of the ingredients in cough drops, pharmaceutical gargles, and in vapor rubs.
The usage of thymol against infections was reported by the Herb Growing & Marketing Network (HGMN). Cough is relieved by thyme and thyme aids in treating acute bronchitis according to the studies done by UMMC.
Lobelia inflata plant is most commonly known as Indian tobacco. This plant is used for preparing the herbal remedy that is utilized in the treatment of coughs and various other respiratory conditions. Lobelia is used as expectorant which removes the mucus from the lungs and makes the cough to become normal.
Lobelia functions as antispasmodic and as a respiratory stimulant. It is found to be able to relax the bronchial tube muscles to give way for the air to pass through according to the information given by HGMN. The chronic bronchitis and Asthma can also be treated with Lobelia.
Mullein is scientifically called as Verbascum thapsus or E. densifolium. This medicinal herb is used for the treatment of whooping cough, chest colds, asthma, HGMN reports and bronchitis.
The studies on the medicinal uses of Mullein are very rare. But, mullein is used for treating lung congestion and cough as per the records of UMMC.
According to the UMMC information, there is no scientific evidence for the use of Licorice root as medicinal product. The Licorice herb is scientifically called as Glycyrrhiza glabra and it is used to treat sore throat and cough. The reports given by HGMN say that the dried and peeled roots of Licorice are used for reducing the coughs, laryngitis, sore throat and irritations of intestine and urinary tract. Licorice is characterized as an antitussive, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and cough suppressant.
It is mentioned in the information published by UMMC that the lozenges, cough syrups, vapor baths and ointments possess Eucalyptus as their ingredient in the Europe and United States.
Peppermint is the multitasking herb that works in treating the flu, cold and respiratory diseases. Peppermint herb helps in solving the problems like dry coughs and sore throats.
It also works as decongestant as reported by UMMC. The menthol that is present as ingredient in the Peppermint helps in making the mucus thinner. It also acts as expectorant.
This herb is also known as cough wort. It is scientifically called as Tussilago farfara. The leaves and stems of the matured plant are used for making tea which acts as congestion clearing agent. Colt’s foot tea can be used as cough suppressant, respiratory disinfectant and expectorant.
Caraway seeds are known botanically as Carum carvi. The useful parts of the plant are seeds and the essential oil prepared from them. The essential oils that are extracted from this herb are limonene and carvone. This herb is known to reduce bloating and gas. Caraway comprises of mild antimicrobial compounds and antihistamines that are beneficial for the muscle relaxation when muscle spasms occur during cough. Due to the antihistamines, caraway is able to act as a remedy for congestion and cold.
Several medicinal preparations are made using caraway seeds for the conditions like toothache, rheumatism and eye infections. The seed oil from caraway is known to be effective against the fungal infections. In the book called “Green Pharmacy Herbal handbook” written by James Duke, caraway is shown to be used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome when it is combined with peppermint oil.
Fennel and Anise
Fennel and Anise are two herbs that are used for treating respiratory problems by the Greeks. These herbs consist of alpha-pinene and cresol that are beneficial for making the bronchial oozes thin. Fennel shows anti-spasmodic effect on bronchitis and cough
Ajwain and Pippali
The mixture of Ajwain and Pippali will help in clearing the lungs. The seeds of Ajwain consist of 50 percent of thymol where thymol is an antibacterial essential oil. The mixture is prepared using half teaspoon of Ajwain seeds, one-fourth teaspoon of pippali and half teaspoon of poppy seeds. The seeds are added into the hot water and allowed to saturate for about ten minutes. The tea is taken at least for two times in a day. One-fourth teaspoon of Ajwain seeds mixed with one teaspoon of sugar can be chewed to fight against dry cough.
The combination of herbs such as mullein, comfrey, colt’s foot, mallow and marsh is used for reducing coughing spasms. The roots of these herbs are chopped and dried for about 20 minutes in cool water. The water mixture is boiled on low heat for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. This hot mixture is taken along with some honey to get relief from sore throat and cough.
Dry Cough Chest Rub
The chest rub is prepared by using few essential oils that are blended by adding five drops of each to one teaspoon of carrier oil. The essential oils used here include eucalyptus, chamomile, ginger, Boswellia, lemon, tea tree, oregano, thyme and sandalwood. This oil is used for massaging the chest and the back region. These oils are found to be helpful to make breathing easier and calm down the dry cough. Pleurisy root tea, red clover tea, Tulsi cold tea, valerian herbal tea, etc, are some of the preparations that can help in bringing relief to the cough.