Whether coughing is related to colds, flu or chronic conditions like emphysema, chronic bronchitis or cigarette smoking, certain herbs work better than others to treat coughs. Some herbs are more effective at treating coughs related to a buildup of phlegm or mucus in the lungs, while others can treat "dry" coughs. Many herbs are also found in store-bought cough syrups, lozenges, chest rubs and other over-the-counter remedies for treating coughs.
Thyme
The herb thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has long been used to treat coughs and bronchitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Thyme's constituent thymol can destroy bacteria and some fungal infections, and is often one of the main ingredients in pharmaceutical gargles, cough drops and vapor rubs, reports the Herb Growing & Marketing Network (HGMN). Two early studies suggested that thyme can relieve cough and help treat acute bronchitis, points out the UMMC.
Mullein
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus or E. densifolium) is a traditional medicinal herb used for lung-related problems, including whooping cough, asthma, bronchitis and chest colds, the HGMN reports. Mullein acts as an expectorant, which means that it helps to clear the lungs of mucus, the UMMC notes. Viable medical studies on mullein's medicinal uses are scarce, but the herb has been used for centuries to treat coughs and lung congestion, the UMMC adds.
Lobelia
Also commonly called Indian tobacco, lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is an herbal remedy used to treat coughs and other respiratory conditions, according to the UMMC. Like mullein, lobelia is an expectorant and helps to rid the lungs of mucus, thus eventually easing coughing. Lobelia also acts as a respiratory stimulant and antispasmodic, relaxing the smaller bronchial tube muscles to open up the air passages, the HGMN notes. Lobelia has been used to treat respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Licorice
Despite lacking medical evidence, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a medicinal herb used to treat cough and sore throat, the UMMC notes. "Medicinally the dried peeled root has been decocted to allay coughs, sore throat, laryngitis, and urinary and intestinal irritations," reports the HGMN. Licorice root acts as an expectorant, antitussive, or cough suppressant, and anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a multitasking herb when it comes to treating respiratory illnesses, colds and flu. Peppermint can ease sore throats, treat dry coughs and act as a decongestant, the UMMC reports. Peppermint's active agent is menthol, which thins mucus and acts as an expectorant.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a chief ingredient in many cough syrups, lozenges, ointments and vapor baths sold in the United States and Europe, the UMMC notes. Although eucalyptus can help to treat many different cold and flu symptoms, it's especially effective at curing coughing.
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