Cough

Cough is a common ailment characterized by a persistent and uncontrollable urge to clear the lungs and airways of irritants, mucus, or excess phlegm.

The medicinal properties of certain herbs can help alleviate cough symptoms by soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and loosening mucus.

Examples of medicinal herbs that can treat cough include thyme, licorice root, and slippery elm, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

These herbs can be prepared into various forms, such as thyme infusions, licorice root tinctures, and slippery elm lozenges, to provide relief from coughing and promote healing.

What is cough?

Cough is a common and complex respiratory ailment characterized by an involuntary and repetitive expulsion of air from the lungs, often accompanied by a harsh, dry, or wet sound.

Common symptoms of cough include a persistent and uncontrollable urge to cough, often triggered by irritants such as dust, smoke, or allergens, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

If left untreated, cough can have negative effects on the body, including fatigue, dehydration, and increased risk of respiratory infections, which can lead to more severe conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

If cough is not treated, it can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to sleep, work, or engage in physical activities, and can even lead to social isolation and decreased productivity.

Causes

Cough is a common ailment that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including viral infections such as the common cold, flu, and pneumonia, as well as bacterial infections like bronchitis and tuberculosis.

Other causes of cough include allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can be exacerbated by exposure to pollutants like smoke and dust.

Additionally, cough can be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can irritate the throat and trigger a cough, as well as by medications such as ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.

Furthermore, certain lifestyle factors like smoking, secondhand smoke, and exposure to chemicals can also contribute to the development of a cough.

Herbs

Cough is treated with herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root, which have been used for centuries to alleviate cough symptoms.

Thyme contains compounds that help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, while eucalyptus helps to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Licorice root, on the other hand, soothes the throat and reduces inflammation, making it a popular remedy for coughs and sore throats.

Additionally, other medicinal herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and mullein are also used to treat coughs, as they help to calm and soothe the respiratory tract.

Preparations

Cough is treated with herbal preparations such as teas, infusions, decoctions, and tinctures that help to alleviate the symptoms of this ailment.

Infusions and teas are often used to soothe the throat and calm the cough reflex, while decoctions are employed to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.

Tinctures and extracts are used to provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients, which can be taken in smaller amounts to achieve the same therapeutic effects.

These preparations are often taken hot or warm, as the heat helps to open up airways and promote the expectoration of mucus, making it easier to breathe and relieving the cough.

Find out the best herbal teas for cough.