Herbal Remedies For A Stubborn Cough

Coughing has many causes-- from acute illnesses such as colds and flu to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, allergies or choking on food. Some coughs are worse than others, being stubborn and difficult to treat. Natural treatments are available in the form of herbal remedies. Herbs can cause unwanted side effects, so always consult your health practitioner before taking an unfamiliar herbal product.

Lobelia Inflata

Lobelia inflata is an expectorant used to relieve stubborn, deep seated, chronic coughing. It relieves tightness in the chest, helps loosen tough mucus and clears the airways, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lobelia can produce serious side effects and can be toxic. It should only be used under the supervision of an experienced herbal practitioner and never be used to self-treat. Consult your practitioner for dosing guidelines.

Eucalyptus Oil

An old standby for tough coughs, eucalyptus oil is useful for opening airways and relieving chest tightness and congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In particular, eucalyptus oil may soothe hard, dry, painful coughs when used in an inhaler. Place a few drops of eucalyptus oil in an inhaler with warm or cold water, depending on what is called for by the manufacturer, and run the machine in our bedroom during the nighttime to help relieve coughing in adults or children. Adding eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water may also provide relief. Cover the person's head and the bowl with a towel to create a steam tent; use caution not to burn yourself or your patient with hot steam. Take care when using eucalyptus oil, because it is very strong. Only use a drop or two of the oil for steaming. Do not take eucalyptus oil orally unless instructed to do so by your practitioner. Avoid using the oil if you are taking homeopathic remedies, as it renders them ineffective. Discuss using eucalyptus oil in any form with your practitioner.

Honey, Lemon, Cayenne Pepper

An old-time remedy for coughing consists of a sweet syrup made by combining honey, lemon juice and cayenne pepper. Sweet syrups are often used to relieve stubborn, dry, hacking coughs by suppressing them, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Researchers do not understand the mechanism of how sweet syrups work on the system; however, evidence indicates that honey-based and other sweet syrups reduce the spasms and coughing, soothe the throat and stop the tickling that triggers many coughs.

A sweet syurp made from a mixture of honey, lemon juice and cayenne pepper may reduce inflammation in the tissues of the throat and upper respiratory tract, open airways and lessen congestion in the chest, notes "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." To 2 tbsp. honey, add the juice of 1/2 lemon or 1 tbsp. and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix and allow to stand for 10 minutes before using. Sip the syrup as needed for relief from coughing.

Sundew -- Drosera Rotundifolia

Sundew possesses both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, and is used for treatment of conditions of the upper respiratory tract, according to AltMD. In particular, this herb can be used to treat whooping cough and other deep, unrelenting coughs. It may soothe the throat, stop tickling in the throat and chest, relieve congestion and relax the bronchial tubes. Sundew may relieve spasmodic, loud coughing and help return a natural rhythm to an individual's breathing. Sundew is generally consumed in an herbal tea or combined in an herbal cough tonic. It is bitter tasting and the tea should be sweetened with honey to taste. Do not self-treat with sundew if you suspect the patient has whooping cough. Consult your practitioner for use and dosing guidelines.