Herbs To Help You Stop Coughing

Chronic coughing can be extremely disruptive to everyday life, not to mention annoying. Whether coughing because of a common cold or more severe illness, natural herbs can help soothe your throat and prevent further coughing. Make sure to contact a physician first if you believe you are suffering from a serious condition.

Honey

Honey is often used in tea or warm water to help soothe sore throats and coughing. But according to MayoClinic.com, honey is also an effective cough suppressant on its own. MayoClinic.com reports that a recent study found that two teaspoons of honey given to young children with upper respiratory tract infections reduced nighttime coughing and aided in sleep. Honey appears to be just as effective as dextromethorphan, according to the report, a common over-the-counter ingredient in cough medicines.
Do not give honey to children under age 1.

Thyme

Thyme has long been used to quiet coughs and strengthen the lungs of adults and children. According to the Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, thyme was given to children in the past to quiet whooping cough and today remains an effective antiseptic and tonic for respiratory needs. The herb helps improve the immune system, says the book, and aids in clearing throat and chest infections like bronchitis. Thyme has a variety of different species and is grown all over the world. The plant is frequently used as an essential oil and can also be made into a syrup or drinkable infusion.

Echinacea

Echinacea has become popular in recent years for its effect as an immune system booster and illness fighter. The herb has the capability to raise the body's resistance against both bacterial and viral infections and aid in faster recovery from coughing illnesses such as bronchitis, says the Natural Health Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Echinacea's name comes from the Greek world for "hedgehog" because of it's central cone-shaped flower. Almost all parts of this herb can be used for consumption, including the root and flower. Roots of echinacea are used fresh or dried to make teas or squeezed and prepared as a formula to drink. Capsules of echinacea can also be taken.