Herbal Treatment for Cough

When you have a cough one of the first thing you may do is head off to the pharmacy for some cough syrup. Often, cough syrups purchased at the pharmacy are ineffective, and when they do work they have undesired side effects. Fortunately, there are many effective herbal treatments for cough you can use that are safe.

Slippery Elm

• When your cough is coming from your throat rather than your chest, slippery elm can be helpful. The mucilage in slippery elm soothes and heals sore throat. Use slippery elm by drinking it in an herbal tea. This herb may cause drowsiness so it is best consumed before bed.

Lobelia and Marshmallow Root

• Lobelia is a powerful antispasmodic and expectorant. When consumed in an herbal tea it can effectively soothe a dry hacking cough. It can be consumed three times daily in tea form. Marshmallow root is used in many cough syrups. This herb relieves inflammation or irritation and effectively soothes the throat and eases dry hacking cough. The liquid extract or tinctures of this herb can be added to herbal tea.

Peppermint and Coltsfoot

• Peppermint tea can be used to soothe the cough reflex, lessening the amount of coughing. It also has natural decongestant properties that can relieve congestion caused by colds and allergies. Coltsfoot has both an expectorant and antispasmodic effect, and can help ease coughs located in the chest. It can be taken in tea or tincture.

Spice it Up

• Adding cayenne pepper to your food can help ease the chest congestion that causes some coughs. Put some of the grains in your meals. Cayenne pepper stimulates the immune system, but it also helps clear wet secretions from the lungs.

Comfrey

• Comfrey tinctures are also helpful for easing a chest cough. Comfrey helps expel mucus from the airways and lungs. Take up to 10 drops daily with warm honey.

Don't Forget the H20

• Fluids are important, regardless of the type of cough you have. However, if you have a cough with thick congestion fluids will help thin the mucus secretions. Try drinking plenty of water with all your herbal remedies.