What to know about cough before treating it with medicinal herbs

A cough is an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, often caused by irritation or inflammation in the throat, lungs, or airways.

Chronic coughing can significantly disrupt daily life, causing fatigue, insomnia, and social isolation. Common causes include allergies, respiratory infections, asthma, and acid reflux.

To alleviate symptoms, medicinal herbs like Thyme, Ginger, and Licorice root have been used for centuries. These herbs can be consumed as teas, tinctures, or infusions. When using herbs medicinally, it's essential to note that individual reactions may vary, and potential interactions with medications should be considered.

Consult with a healthcare professional before self-medicating with herbal remedies.

This article explains in detail what cough is, how it affects your life and what are its causes. Then, it lists what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results. Lastly, it revals what other natural remedies to use in conjunction with herbal medicine to aid with this problem.

What is cough and how it affects your life?

A persistent cough can be a debilitating and frustrating affliction that severely impacts one's daily life.

It can disrupt sleep, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and irritable for days to come. Simple tasks like getting out of bed or taking a shower become Herculean efforts as the constant hacking and clearing of the throat take its toll on energy levels.

At work, a cough can make it difficult to focus and concentrate, leading to decreased productivity and potentially affecting job performance. Social events and gatherings become daunting challenges, as the need to constantly excuse oneself to cough or cover one's mouth becomes an awkward and embarrassing ritual. Even simple pleasures like enjoying a meal or watching a movie are ruined by the constant interruptions of the cough.

Additionally, a cough can lead to embarrassment in public, anxiety and stress, and even physical discomfort due to increased respiratory effort, further exacerbating the negative impact on daily life.

What are the main causes of cough?

The main causes of cough are a multitude of factors that can irritate and inflame the throat, lungs, and airways.

Respiratory infections such as common colds, flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia are among the most common causes of coughing. Inflammation or irritation of the trachea, larynx, and bronchi can also trigger a persistent cough, often caused by allergies, asthma, or exposure to environmental irritants like tobacco smoke, pollution, or strong chemicals. Additionally, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), sinus infections, and acid reflux can radiate pain to the chest and throat, leading to a chronic cough.

Furthermore, certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, can also cause coughing as a side effect.

The most common causes of cough are listed below.

• Common Cold: A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation and irritation in the throat and lungs, leading to a characteristic cough.
• Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus can irritate the throat, triggering a cough, often worse at night or after eating spicy foods.
• Asthma: Chronic inflammation of the airways leads to recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, often triggered by allergens, pollution, or stress.
• Pneumonia: Bacterial infection of the lungs causes inflammation, leading to a dry, hacking cough that may worsen over time.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchi (airways) due to infection, allergies, or environmental factors, resulting in a persistent, productive cough.
• Allergies: Exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold triggers an allergic reaction, causing inflammation and irritation in the throat and lungs, leading to a cough.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A common viral infection affecting infants and young children, characterized by a runny nose, cough, and wheezing.
• Lung Infections (Pleurisy or Pleuritis): Inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs can cause a sharp, stabbing pain in the chest and a dry, hacking cough.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Chronic inflammation and damage to the airways due to smoking, pollution, or other environmental factors, leading to persistent coughing and shortness of breath.
• Sinusitis: Infection or inflammation of the sinuses can cause postnasal drip, which irritates the throat and triggers a cough.

What are the best medicinal herbs for cough?

The best medicinal herbs for cough are those that soothe and calm the respiratory system.

Peppermint oil helps to ease congestion and reduce inflammation in the throat, while lemon balm's antibacterial properties combat underlying infections. Tasmanian blue gum eases chest congestion and reduces mucus production, making it easier to breathe. Fennel's expectorant properties help loosen and clear out mucus, and hyssop's anti-inflammatory compounds soothe a sore throat.

These herbs can be used in teas, tinctures, or topical applications to alleviate cough symptoms.

The most effective medicinal herbs that help with cough are listed below.

• Peppermint: Peppermint oil's menthol helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs, providing relief from congestion and coughing.
• Lemon balm: Lemon balm's citral and citronellal compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation in the throat and chest that can contribute to coughing.
• Tasmanian blue gum: Tasmanian blue gum contains eucalyptol, a natural expectorant that helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, relieving congestion and coughs.
• Fennel: Fennel seeds contain anethole, which has anti-inflammatory properties, helping soothe and calm irritated throat tissues, reducing coughing.
• Hyssop: Hyssop's essential oils have antimicrobial properties, helping combat bacterial infections that can cause coughs, as well as soothing sore throats.
• Yarrow: Yarrow's flavonoids and terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation in the throat and chest that can contribute to coughing.
• Borage: Borage contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, providing relief from coughs and congestion.
• Purple coneflower: Purple coneflower's eugenol has antiseptic properties, helping combat bacterial infections that can cause coughs, as well as soothing sore throats.
• Licorice: Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which helps soothe and calm irritated throat tissues, reducing inflammation and coughing.
• English lavender: English lavender's linalool has anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation in the throat and chest that can contribute to coughing, as well as promoting relaxation to reduce stress-induced coughs.

What are the most effective herbal preparations for cough?

The most effective herbal preparations for cough are teas, decoctions, tinctures, lozenges, and capsules.

Teas and decoctions help to soothe an irritated throat and ease congestion by releasing warmth and moisture into the airways, reducing inflammation and loosening phlegm. Tinctures, being highly concentrated liquid extracts, can be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, providing rapid relief from coughing fits. Lozenges, with their sweet and soothing properties, provide instant comfort to an irritated throat, while also releasing a gentle stream of herbal goodness into the airways.

Capsules, on the other hand, allow for a more targeted release of herbal compounds into the body, providing sustained relief from cough symptoms over an extended period.

The most used herbal preparations that help with cough are listed below.

• Teas: Soothes and calms the throat, relieving irritation and discomfort caused by a cough.
• Decoctions: Reaches deep into the lungs to reduce inflammation and congestion, providing quick relief from a persistent cough.
• Tinctures: Provides a concentrated dose of active ingredients that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream, quickly targeting the respiratory system to alleviate a cough.
• Lozenges: Coats and protects the throat with soothing agents, reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by a cough while also providing temporary pain relief.
• Capsules: Delivers a precise and controlled dose of active ingredients directly to the bloodstream, where they can effectively combat a cough and its underlying causes.
• Ointments: Provides localized relief for external symptoms such as scratchy throats or sore coughing fits, reducing discomfort and promoting healing.
• Suppositories: Targets the mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, providing direct and targeted relief from inflammation, congestion, and discomfort caused by a cough.
• Tablets: Releases active ingredients gradually into the bloodstream, providing sustained relief from a cough over an extended period of time.
• Essential oils: Can be inhaled directly or used topically to stimulate the body's natural response mechanisms, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with a cough.
• Syrups: Soothes and calms the throat with sweet and soothing agents, providing temporary relief from the discomfort and pain caused by a persistent cough.

What precautions to take when using herbal remedies for cough?

When using herbal remedies to treat a cough, it's essential to exercise caution and take certain precautions.

Some herbs, such as eucalyptus and licorice root, can interact with medications or worsen certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Additionally, some herbs may not be suitable for children or pregnant women. It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.

Furthermore, ensure that the herbal remedy is purchased from a reputable source and follows proper preparation and dosing instructions to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

The most important precautions to take when using herbal remedies for cough are listed below.

• Check the ingredients carefully to ensure you are not allergic to any of them
• Consult a healthcare professional before giving herbal remedies to children or pregnant women
• Follow the recommended dosage and preparation instructions carefully
• Keep track of your symptoms and adjust the dosage as needed
• Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly when using herbal remedies
• Avoid combining herbal remedies with prescription medications without consulting a doctor
• Report any adverse reactions to your healthcare professional immediately