Cough Expectorant Home Remedies

When you have a nonproductive cough but have mucus in your lungs, it is important to get the mucus out. To do that, you need an expectorant. Several plants have expectorant properties and can be prepared for use in a variety of ways.

Identification

• Among the herbs with expectorant properties are elecampane, Great Mullein, White horehound, licorice, pleurisy root, coltsfoot, comfrey and wild cherry.

Warning

• Coltsfoot and comfrey have been known to produce liver toxicity in large quantities, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) found in both herbs. Unless you are directed by a licensed practitioner, stick to the other herbs listed.

Effects

• Expectorants cause you to cough up the mucus loosened by the treatment. This prevents the possibility of a more severe respiratory illness.

Preparation

• Herbs can be used as a decoction (tea) or as a syrup. To make a decoction, choose the herb or herbs you wish to use and prepare as you would a cup of tea. To make a syrup, choose the herbs you wish to use ( a teaspoon of each) and add them to a quart of water. Boil the water until the mixture halves. Strain it, add a pint of honey and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Take 1 tsp. as needed.

History

• Native Americans have used wild cherry bark for coughs since before the Europeans landed on American soil. European settlers, learning from the Native Americans, also used wild cherry bark in poultices and syrups.

Considerations

• These herbs can be gathered from the wild, purchased from health food stores that sell bulk herbs or ordered online.