Cough Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Cough is a natural reflex action of the body to expel irritants from the respiratory tract, often triggered by infections, allergies, or environmental factors.
Herbal remedies have been a popular choice for treating cough ailments due to their natural and non-invasive properties, offering numerous benefits such as soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and combating the underlying infection.
Herbs like licorice root, thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger, and slippery elm are commonly used to treat coughs, as they possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help loosen mucus and ease respiratory distress.
Herbal preparations like teas, infusions, tinctures, syrups, and lozenges made from these herbs are also effective in treating coughs, with teas and infusions providing a gentle and soothing effect, while tinctures and syrups offer a more concentrated dose of the active ingredients.
What causes cough?
The primary causes of cough are respiratory infections such as the common cold and flu, which trigger an immune response and inflammation in the airways, leading to coughing.
Secondary causes may include allergies, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where substances like pollen, dust, or stomach acid irritate the airways and trigger coughing.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing a cough include smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, which damage the cilia in the airways and make them more susceptible to irritation.
Additionally, working in dusty or polluted environments, or engaging in activities that involve heavy lifting or straining, can also contribute to chronic coughing.
What herbs heal cough?
The medicinal herbs used to treat cough are often rich in bioactive compounds that exhibit expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Examples of such herbs include thyme, which contains thymol that helps to loosen mucus and soothe the respiratory tract, and licorice root, which contains glycyrrhizin that reduces inflammation and protects the mucous membranes.
Echinacea is another herb that has been traditionally used to treat cough, with its bioactive compounds, including alkylamides and glycoproteins, that stimulate the immune system and reduce the severity of respiratory infections.
The combination of these herbs can provide relief from cough by addressing the underlying causes of the ailment and promoting overall respiratory health.
What preparations treat cough?
The herbal preparations used to treat cough are diverse and include warm teas, soothing infusions, and expectorant syrups that help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
Steam inhalations with fragrant blends can help to ease congestion and reduce coughing, while cool, sweetened drinks can provide temporary relief from irritation.
Aromatic tinctures and extracts can be added to food or drinks to help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making it easier to manage coughing fits.
Additionally, some herbal preparations, such as sweet, syrupy concoctions and spicy, warming drinks, can help to stimulate digestion and relieve coughs associated with digestive issues.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat cough.