Dry coughs can cause severe irritation of the throat and entire respiratory tract. The best herbs to treat this condition are those that will soothe the mucous membranes and expel any phlegm that is causing congestion. Always consult your physician if you are under any medication, before taking herbal supplements.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root, known botanically as Althea officinalis, is a part of the Malvaceae family. It is a demulcent, which means it helps expel phlegm, due to its high mucilage content. Mucilage, according to the book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," by Simon Mills, is a complex carbohydrate that becomes slimy when wet, helping the lungs release phlegm while at the same time soothing irritation and inflammation caused by a dry cough.
Herbalist Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine" writes that marshmallow can also help coat the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract, helping relieve any itchiness that may cause a coughing spasm.
Make a decoction of the fresh or dry root by boiling filtered water in a medium size pot and adding 1/4 cup of herb. Let it simmer at medium-low heat for at least 15 minutes and strain the herb. You can take your marshmallow root decoction freely, without any concern on overdosing, says Cech.
Slippery Elm Bark
Slippery elm is a member of the Ulmaceae family and is botanically known as Ulmus fulva. It also has a high mucilage content that helps soothe the throat and is gentle enough that it won't trigger you to cough more. It is also a nutritive herb, according to Mills, helping you restore your immune system to fight your respiratory tract infection.
Herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," recommends making a cough syrup by adding two ounces each of slippery elm bark, wild cherry bark, valerian and ginger root to one quart of water and simmering it until it boils down to one pint. Add a cup of honey and mix well. Gladstar suggests taking two tsp. every two hours throughout the day or until you feel relief.
Lungwort Moss
Lungwort moss, known botanically as Lobaria pulmonaria, is a member of the Srictaceae family. According to David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," lungwort moss is a lichen that can be safely used to sooth and expel phlegm, and is especially beneficial when there is also asthma present in the disorder. It is safe enough to use with children.
Hoffmann recommends taking 15 to 30 drops of lungowort moss thrice daily.
References
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "Family Herbal - A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The New Holistic Herbal;" David Hoffmann; 1995
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