Coughing Fits: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A coughing fit is a sudden, intense, and uncontrollable episode of coughing that can be triggered by various factors such as respiratory infections, allergies, or irritants like smoke or dust.

These fits can lead to negative impacts on health, including dehydration, strain on the lungs and vocal cords, and potential complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. To alleviate coughing fits, herbal remedies such as thyme, ginger, and eucalyptus can be used to create teas, infusions, and ointments that soothe the throat and lungs.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of coughing fits, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of coughing fits?

The main causes of coughing fits are complex and multifaceted, involving various physiological and pathological factors.

Irritation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract can trigger coughing fits due to the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, bradykinin, and leukotrienes, which stimulate the cough center in the brainstem. Infections, particularly respiratory viruses and bacterial pneumonia, can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways, leading to persistent and severe coughing. Other causes of coughing fits include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies, which can all lead to chronic irritation of the respiratory tract.

Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, and chemicals can also contribute to the development of coughing fits.

• Pneumonia: Pneumonia causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the lungs, leading to the production of excess mucus, which irritates the airways and triggers coughing.
• Asthma: Asthma causes coughing fits by causing inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to the production of excess mucus and the activation of cough receptors.
• Bronchitis: Bronchitis causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the bronchial tubes, leading to the production of excess mucus, which irritates the airways and triggers coughing.
• Allergies: Allergies cause coughing fits by triggering an immune response to inhaled particles, such as pollen or dust, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals that irritate the airways and trigger coughing.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes coughing fits by causing stomach acid to flow up into the throat, irritating the airways and triggering coughing.
• Sinusitis: Sinusitis causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the sinuses, leading to the production of excess mucus, which drips down the back of the throat and triggers coughing.
• Common cold: The common cold causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the upper respiratory tract, leading to the production of excess mucus, which irritates the airways and triggers coughing.
• Pertussis: Pertussis causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the airways, leading to the production of excess mucus and the activation of cough receptors.
• Laryngitis: Laryngitis causes coughing fits by causing inflammation and irritation of the vocal cords, leading to the production of excess mucus and the activation of cough receptors.
• Whooping cough: Whooping cough causes coughing fits by producing an inflammatory response in the airways, leading to the production of excess mucus and the activation of cough receptors.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for coughing fits?

The main medicinal herbs used for coughing fits are Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Mentha x piperita, Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia, Ephedra sinica.

Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory properties and antioxidant activity help alleviate respiratory tract infections and reduce inflammation. Glycyrrhiza glabra's anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties aid in loosening and removing mucus, providing relief from coughing fits. Zingiber officinale's antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties help suppress coughing, while Mentha x piperita's expectorant properties help loosen and remove mucus.

Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia, and Ephedra sinica also exhibit various properties that help alleviate coughing fits, such as Eucalyptus globulus's expectorant properties, Thymus vulgaris's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Verbascum thapsus's expectorant properties, Sambucus nigra's antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties, Lavandula angustifolia's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and Ephedra sinica's bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body, thereby alleviating coughing caused by viral and bacterial infections.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with coughing fits by soothing the mucous membranes in the throat and reducing inflammation, thereby relieving coughing associated with respiratory infections and allergies.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with coughing fits by reducing inflammation in the throat and relieving congestion, thereby alleviating coughing caused by respiratory infections and allergies.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita helps with coughing fits by reducing inflammation and relieving congestion in the throat, thereby alleviating coughing caused by respiratory infections and allergies.
• Eucalyptus globulus: Eucalyptus globulus helps with coughing fits by reducing inflammation in the throat and relieving congestion, thereby alleviating coughing caused by respiratory infections and allergies.
• Thymus vulgaris: Thymus vulgaris helps with coughing fits by stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body, thereby alleviating coughing caused by viral and bacterial infections.
• Verbascum thapsus: Verbascum thapsus helps with coughing fits by soothing the mucous membranes in the throat and reducing inflammation, thereby relieving coughing associated with respiratory infections and allergies.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra helps with coughing fits by stimulating the immune system and reducing inflammation in the body, thereby alleviating coughing caused by viral and bacterial infections.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia does not directly help with coughing fits, but its antispasmodic properties may help relieve associated respiratory spasms.
• Ephedra sinica: Ephedra sinica helps with coughing fits by stimulating the respiratory system and relieving congestion, thereby alleviating coughing caused by respiratory infections and allergies.

What are the main herbal preparations used for coughing fits?

The main herbal preparations used for coughing fits are Decoction, Tincture, Lozenges, Capsule, Salve, Gargle, Syrup, Elixir, Suppository, Poultice.

Decoction of herbs such as thyme, eucalyptus, and licorice root is used to relieve coughs due to its expectorant properties, loosening mucus and making it easier to expel. Tinctures of herbs like menthol and eucalyptus are used to soothe and calm the throat, reducing coughing fits. Lozenges, Capsules, and Elixirs containing herbs like honey, ginger, and turmeric are used to provide quick relief from coughing, due to their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Salve, Gargle, and Suppository preparations are used to treat coughs associated with respiratory tract infections and sore throats, while Poultices are applied topically to relieve coughs caused by bronchitis and pneumonia.

• Decoction: A decoction of herbs such as Glycyrrhiza glabra and Pneumonia-root (Pulmonaria officinalis) helps with coughing fits by releasing their medicinal properties into the liquid, which can then be inhaled or ingested to soothe the respiratory tract and relieve coughing.
• Tincture: A tincture of herbs such as Thymus vulgaris and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by allowing the medicinal compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which can then help to reduce inflammation and relieve coughing in the respiratory tract.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made with herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra help with coughing fits by providing a soothing, topical application that can directly calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation and coughing.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by allowing the medicinal compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which can then help to reduce inflammation and relieve coughing in the respiratory tract.
• Salve: A salve made with herbs such as Thymus vulgaris and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by providing a topical application that can directly soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation and coughing.
• Gargle: A gargle made with herbs such as Salvia officinalis and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by providing a topical application that can directly soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing irritation and coughing.
• Syrup: A syrup made with herbs such as Glycyrrhiza glabra and Pneumonia-root (Pulmonaria officinalis) helps with coughing fits by providing a soothing, liquid application that can be ingested to relieve coughing in the respiratory tract.
• Elixir: An elixir made with herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by allowing the medicinal compounds to be absorbed into the bloodstream, which can then help to reduce inflammation and relieve coughing in the respiratory tract.
• Suppository: A suppository made with herbs such as Thymus vulgaris and Echinacea purpurea helps with coughing fits by providing a direct, local application to the affected area, reducing inflammation and relieving coughing.
• Poultice: A poultice made with herbs such as Echinacea purpurea and Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with coughing fits by providing a direct, local application to the affected area, reducing inflammation and relieving coughing.