Herbal Remedies For A Bronchial Cough

Coughing has many causes ranging from allergies to bronchitis, flu, bronchitis, choking on food and pneumonia. Certain coughs are deep enough to cause bronchial involvement, making them harsher than other coughs, loud and sometimes painful. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat bronchial coughing. Herbs can produce side effects, so consult a health practitioner before using unfamiliar herbs.

Licorice Root

Licorice root has been used around the world to relieve coughing and to soothe the lining of the throat and digestive tract. Because it stimulates the production of prostaglandins, a thin film of mucus or mucilage is formed that coats the membranes, relieving tickling and itching that triggers coughing, notes "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Licorice root is available in several forms, such as lozenges, cough tonics, dried herb and prepared teabags. Taking licorice root may raise your blood pressure. Consult your practitioner if you have high blood pressure before using this herb in any form.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil may help relieve bronchial coughing by opening the airways and soothing bronchial spasms, tightness in the chest and congestion, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It can be especially useful when added to a vaporizer that runs in the patient's room throughout the day and night. Additionally, eucalyptus oil can be added to a bowl of hot water and used to steam away a tough cough. If you are steaming, use caution to ensure that you do not get burned by hot steam. With either method, only use one or two drops of eucalyptus oil because it is very strong. Avoid using eucalyptus if you are using homeopathic remedies, as it will render them ineffective.

Sundew

The herb sundew is used to treat the upper respiratory tract and for deep, loud coughing that affects the bronchial area, notes AltMD. In particular, sundew has been found helpful for the treatment of whooping and other loud, spasmodic coughing. Sundew stops tickling in the upper chest and throat that triggers coughing. It can be consumed in herbal tea form or as an herbal tonic. It is quite bitter. To sweeten, use a small amount of natural honey or stevia. Because honey is also an excellent cough suppressant, taking it with sundew makes an effective cough medicine.

Lobelia Inflata

Lobelia inflata is used to relieve deep, painful coughing. Its primary action is as an expectorant, helping you cough up stubborn mucus that may be caught in your chest. It helps relieve tightness and loosen tough phlegm, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lobelia can be toxic and can produce serious side effects. You should not self-treat with this herb; rather, consult a health practitioner familiar with its use.