| Natural
Cough Remedies |
What
experts say about them |
Chest Rub
(Vicks) | Helpful (What's this?)
Chest
rubs (one example is Vicks VapoRub), containing menthol and camphor, is
an FDA approved product to help treat coughing and congestion.
Usage: Apply the ointment to the chest and throat area as needed.
|
| Licorice |
Helpful
This herb is traditionally used to boost the immune system, sooth the
respiratory tract and help to get rid of coughing.
Dose:
Take 500 mg four times daily.
Tincture
- Take 1 mL four times daily.
Note:
Use under the supervision of a healthcare professional, especially if
you suffer from high
blood pressure.
|
| Wild Cherry |
Helpful
Wild cherry is traditionally used to
treat bronchitis, whopping cough and other lung problems. It can be helpful
in reducing cough.
Dose: Liquid extract - Take 5 to 12 drops of the extract
up to three times daily.
|
| Slippery Elm |
Helpful
The mucilage (gel-like substance) of slippery elm can sooth the throat and reducing
coughing. It is a good choice for a dry cough.
Dose:
Alcohol extract (1:1) - Take 5 mL three times daily.
Lozenge -
|
| Anise |
Helpful
Anise may have the ability to stop spasm
and can be used to stop coughing.
Dose: Make
a tea using 1 to 2 teaspoon of the crushed seed and steep for 15
minutes. Strain and drink up to twice a day (morning and night).
|
| Catnip |
Helpful
Catnip is traditionally used to treat cough and asthma symptoms.
Dose: See
our detailed article on catnip
for the various dosage forms that you can use.
|
| Eucalyptus |
Helpful
Eucalyptus has been traditionally used as an expectorant for coughs,
asthma and lung infections. It has anti-inflammatory effect and can
help breakup mucus making it easy for you to cough up phlegm.
Use:
Inhalation: Place a few drops into a vaporizer and inhale as needed.
Take 200 mg of eucalyptol (part of eucalyptus oil) up to three times daily.
Warning:
Taking eucalypus oil by mouth has be linked to severe and dangerous
reactions. Do not use eucalyptus oil on infants or children except in
the vaporizer for inhalation.
|
| Mullein |
Helpful
This herb can be helpful in allowing the
body to eliminate mucus and reduce inflammation.
Dose: Take 500 mg or 2 mL of the tincture up to four times
daily.
|
| Astragalus |
This herb is traditionally used to
strengthen the immune system and
to boost the body's ability to fight off infection. It has been
historically used to treat chronic and acute bronchitits associated
with a cough.
Dose:
Take 500 to 1,000 mg two to three times daily.
Tincture
- Take 3.5 mL up to three times daily.
|
Bloodroot
Comfrey
Marshmallow
Red
Clover
Sundew
Thyme
|
These
list of herbs have been suggested for treating a cough and may have
been used historically. |
