A hacking cough may be a sign of an underlying health problem in your respiratory system. A hacking cough often develops in long-term cigarette smokers. FamilyDoctor.org states that there are many possible causes of cough, including cold, flu, pulmonary edema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis and lung cancer. Herbal medicines have long been used to alleviate hacking coughs, although it is always wise to discuss herb-related topics with your family doctor before using them.
Cough-Related Conditions
In many cases, a hacking cough may also be described as a dry or nonproductive cough, or a cough in which no phlegm can be coughed up. Common causes of a persistent, or hacking, cough include smoking, postnasal drip, asthma and even gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Mosby's Medical Dictionary states that a hacking cough is a weak, persistent cough that is often caused by irritation of your larynx, smoking and certain medications such as ACE inhibitors.
Effective Herbs
Effective herbs in treating hacking cough usually possess antitussive or expectorant action. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic doctor and herbalist Sharol Tilgner lists numerous herbs that possess antitussive or expectorant action, including elecampane, marshmallow, osha, mullein, wild cherry, usnea, colt's foot, anise, licorice and propolis. Other helpful herbs for a hacking cough may include yerba santa, rose hips, lemon grass, cinnamon, and lemon and orange essential oils.
Highlighted Remedy
According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," elecampane possesses both decongestant and expectorant properties. Elecampane also helps reduce inflammation in your airways and helps tone your lungs. Elecampane may be particularly effective in treating irritable, chronic and hacking coughs. Elecampane is also purported to cleanse and tone your mucous membranes. This herb may treat both dry, unproductive coughs and wet coughs.
Additional Information
Hacking coughs are common among smokers and are often an indication of chronic lung and airway irritation. Quitting smoking may be one of the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate your hacking cough. If you develop a hacking cough and you are a nonsmoker, visit your doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause of your cough. A qualified health care professional can counsel you on herbs to take that may benefit your condition.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Cough
- National Health Service: Cough Causes
- Mosby's Medical Dictionary; Mosby; 2006
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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