Normal coughing keeps your throat clear and helps get rid of mucous or other irritants, though chronic coughing may signify a more serious underlying condition. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends consulting a physician if your cough lasts longer than two weeks. Otherwise, try over-the-counter or alternative cough remedies to help you cope until your symptoms subside. Coughs may be dry or productive, which means they produce phlegm. In most cases, herbal remedies can help relieve either type of cough while soothing throat soreness that often accompanies coughing.
Thyme
Germany's Commission E, the committee of natural medicine experts who suggest herbal remedies to the country's equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration, endorses the use of thyme for treating bronchitis and coughs. One study, published in the German medical journal Arzneimittel-Forschung, examined the effects of thyme in combination with primrose root on patients suffering from acute bronchitis with productive cough. The study found that patients given the thyme-primrose combination for 11 days experienced a 50 percent reduction in coughing fits and rapid improvement in bronchitis symptoms. Traditionally, herbalists have used tea made from thyme leaves for treating respiratory ailments. Steep 1 tbsp. dried thyme in 1 cup boiling water for five to 10 minutes, strain and drink immediately. Sweeten with honey if desired. Drink up to three cups per day as needed to treat coughs.
Eucalyptus
A traditional herbal remedy for treating respiratory ailments and coughs, eucalyptus appears in numerous cough syrups, lozenges and other over-the-counter products. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ointments containing eucalyptus leaves applied to the nose and chest relieve congestion and loosen phlegm. An herbal steam or vapor bath containing eucalyptus oil also relieves dry or productive coughs, as it breaks up mucous and fights bacteria in the lungs. Create an herbal steam by bringing 2 qt. water to a boil, removing from the heat and adding 20 to 30 drops eucalyptus essential oil. Inhale the steam for at least 15 minutes with a towel draped over your head to trap the vapor.
Lungwort
In his book "The Complete Guide to Natural Healing," Tom Monte recommends using lungwort as an alternative cough remedy. He writes that the herb moistens the lungs and helps dissolve mucous that causes coughing. An antitussive, or cough-relieving, herb used to treat respiratory ailments for centuries, lungwort may help relieve dry or productive coughs. For the best results, take 6 to 10 drops of lungwort tincture in water or dissolved under the tongue up to three times per day as needed. Lungwort tea, made by steeping 2 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, contains mucilage that relieves coughing and soothes a sore throat. Drink up to 3 cups per day.
Licorice
In the book "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs" the Reader's Digest Association recommends taking licorice root to relieve coughs and describes the herb as one of the best natural expectorants. Licorice tea loosens phlegm and relaxes bronchial spasms. To make, add 1 tsp. licorice powder to 1 cup boiling water, mix well and drink immediately or steep 2 tsp. dried licorice root in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, strain and drink. Although licorice may provide relief from coughs, do not take the herb if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you take blood thinning medications. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid licorice.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- PubMed.gov: Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of a Fixed Combination of Dry Extracts of Thyme Herb and Primrose Root in Adults Suffering From Acute Bronchitis with Productive Cough. A Prospective, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicentre Clinical Trial
- "The Complete Guide to Natural Healing"; Tom Monte; 1997
- "The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs"; Reader's Digest Association; 1999
