What are the Best Herbs for Coughs?

Exploring the Different Types of Coughs and How Herbs Can Help

by the Seed SistAs

Coughing is a natural reflex of the body, helping to clear the airways of irritants and mucus. But not all coughs are the same. Whether it’s a dry, tickling cough or a productive, mucus-filled one, what are the best herbs for coughs? The underlying causes and effective remedies can vary significantly. 

One of the most fascinating areas of herbal medicine involves how prescribing works – how as herbalists we take into consideration an individual’s constitution carefully before we work out the best herbs for them. Added to that, different herbs can aid in managing various types of coughs. By understanding how these herbs work and the types of coughs they target, we can find more effective and tailored remedies.

The Nervous System and Cough Reflex

Modern science is still exploring the complex relationship between the nervous system and the body’s various systems, like the respiratory and digestive systems. In the context of coughs, a key factor is the reflex mechanism that triggers coughing. 

Taste buds detecting bitter flavours, for example, can activate the vagus nerve, which stimulates digestive secretions throughout the GI tract. Similarly, herbs with soothing, demulcent properties (containing mucilage) can induce a reflex that relaxes and calms respiratory tissues, easing a cough.

But perhaps most interestingly, expectorant herbs can stimulate a reflex response from the nervous system that helps the body expel mucus and clear the lungs. 

These herbs have a variety of actions, from relaxing to stimulating, and work differently depending on the type of cough and the underlying cause and of course your own personal constitution.

The Role of Expectorants in Cough Relief

Expectorants are herbs that help clear mucus from the respiratory system by making the secretions thinner and more easily expellable. When you have a productive cough, (meaning you produce phlegm) expectorants can make it “more productive,” aiding in the clearance of mucus and phlegm and relieving lung congestion. 

The expectorant herbs can be broadly categorized into two types: 

• reflex expectorants and direct expectorants, with further classifications of stimulating or relaxing expectorants depending on their physiological effects.

Stimulating Reflex Expectorants

Some expectorants work by stimulating the upper digestive tract, which activates a reflex response to promote expectoration. These herbs work by triggering the nervous system, helping expel mucus from the respiratory system.

Stimulating reflex expectorants often include herbs that can be considered emetics at high doses—meaning they can induce vomiting. While this may sound intense, low doses of these herbs can still stimulate the lungs to expel mucus without triggering vomiting. 

For example, Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has traditionally been used for this purpose. 

Other stimulating expectorants include: Cowslip (Primula veris) and Elecampane (Inula helenium), both of which have a long history of use in herbal medicine. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), though not as strongly stimulating, is often used for milder, soothing expectorant qualities.

Relaxing Reflex Expectorants

For a different type of cough, especially dry, irritated, or congested coughs, relaxing reflex expectorants are more appropriate. These herbs help loosen respiratory congestion and relax the tissues in the respiratory system, making them ideal for soothing coughs that are both dry and congested.

Herbs, like Mullein (Verbascum spp.) and Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) are rich in mucilage, a substance that has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract. This makes them excellent choices for dry, scratchy coughs, or for a cough associated with inflammation or irritation in the throat. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) and Wild Cherry bark (Prunus virginiana) are also widely prescribed relaxing expectorants. These herbs work by both soothing and stimulating the respiratory system to expel mucus, helping to clear the chest while offering comfort.

Direct Expectorants

Unlike reflex expectorants, which work by triggering nervous system responses, direct expectorants work more directly on the respiratory system. These herbs contain volatile oils that directly interact with the respiratory tissues, either through internal consumption or external use, such as in inhalants or chest rubs.

Direct expectorants include herbs like Thyme, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Pine, and Garlic. These herbs not only help with expectoration but also possess antiseptic properties that can help fight off infections in the respiratory tract. Whether taken internally or used externally as a chest rub or herbal steam, these herbs can offer immediate relief from respiratory congestion. Their volatile oils directly impact the respiratory tissues, making them a great choice for clearing the airways and easing coughing.

Tailoring Your Herbal Cough Remedy

As you can see, not all coughs are created equal, and the best herbal remedy depends on the type of cough you have. For dry, irritated coughs, relaxing reflex expectorants, like marshmallow and ginger may be ideal, while stimulating expectorants like lobelia and cowslip are better for more congested, productive coughs. Direct expectorants, such as eucalyptus and garlic, are perfect for clearing mucus and providing an antiseptic action for respiratory infections.

Saying all the above – Here’s an idea for you to make a home remedy that is balanced, so no matter what type of cough you have, you’ll find relief and healing.

Combine demulcent herbs, like marshmallow root or licorice, to soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes, along with expectorants, such as thyme or elecampane, to help loosen and clear mucus. Adding a touch of wild cherry bark can calm persistent coughing fits, while warming spices, like ginger or cinnamon support circulation and immune function. This well-rounded blend ensures that whether your cough is dry and tickly or deep and chesty, your lungs receive the gentle care they need to heal.

These blog articles are herbal education resources,  produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question.  Wellbeing empowerment for all…