Coughing can start from any number of causes, including an acute cold or flu, choking on a piece of food, bronchitis or from an allergic reaction. If your coughing is related to allergies, you most likely have other symptoms accompanying the coughing. Various herbal remedies may be helpful in controlling allergy symptoms as well as quieting a cough. Herbs can also produce side effects, so before using them, consult with your health care practitioner for guidance.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea makes a wonderful, soothing treatment for a sore throat that feels irritated and may cause a cough. If you have any tickling or scratchy sensations in your throat, sipping on a cup of licorice root tea may help stop the discomfort, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." The herb produces mucilage, a thin film of mucus that coats your throat, preventing the uncomfortable sensations that cause coughing. Licorice root tea comes in bulk herb or in tea bags and is available at health food stores. Licorice root can raise blood pressure, so talk to your doctor if you take medicine for hypertension.
Eucalyptus
The herb eucalyptus is commonly used to relieve coughing and clear airways and congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is available in various forms ranging from cough drops and syrups to essential oil used in vaporizers and an ointment for use as a chest rub. Eucalyptus is great for breaking up tightness and phlegm in the chest during a cough and alleviating allergic rhinitis, which may contribute to a cough.
The Peace Health website suggests using eucalyptus oil in a vaporizer or bowl of hot water to make an herbal steam to break up a cough. Place a drop of the oil in the water and a large towel over your head and the bowl. Lean over the bowl and gently inhale the steam for relief of congestion and coughing from allergic rhinitis or other causes. Use care not to burn yourself on the hot steam.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle has long been used as a tea to relieve hay fever and a variety of other allergic reactions, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Although there is not much scientific research available for this traditional herbal medicine, anecdotal evidence indicates it may be highly useful for relieving symptoms related to inhalant allergies, skin allergies and coughs related to allergic rhinitis. Stinging nettles can cause side effects. It can thin the blood, raise the blood pressure and act as a diuretic. Consult your health practitioner before using this herb.
Herbal Cough Remedy Mixture
Herbalist Penny C. Royal supplies a recipe for an herbal cough syrup in her book, "Herbally Yours," that may be effective in relieving a variety of coughs, especially a dry, hacking, itchy cough. In a small container combine 1/4 tsp. each of cayenne pepper and ground ginger with 1 tbsp. each of honey and apple cider vinegar. Add 2 tbsp. water and take a teaspoonful at a time as needed.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Herbally Yours"; Penny C. Royal; 1982
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cough
- Peace Health: Sinus Congestion
