Herbs for Chest and Cough

Herbs for Cough and Chest Relief

Various herbal plants can be utilized as natural remedies to alleviate cough symptoms. However, it is essential to note that not all natural products are inherently safe. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare professional before using any herbal plants or dietary supplements is crucial. Below are some herbs that may assist in reducing cough:

Ginger

Ginger (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) is a natural product frequently used to alleviate dry coughs and asthmatic coughs. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may also help to reduce pain and nausea.

A laboratory study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology in 2013 indicated that the anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger could help relax bronchial membranes, potentially relieving cough symptoms. However, it is important to mention that this study was conducted on isolated cells and not on living organisms, pointing to the need for further scientific research to validate these findings.

On the other hand, some conditions warrant caution when using ginger, including:

• Breastfeeding women: Reliable scientific information concerning the safety of ginger use during breastfeeding is limited.
• Individuals with bleeding disorders: Consuming ginger may increase the risk of bleeding in those with bleeding disorders.

For further information on ginger benefits, you can read the article on Ginger Benefits.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root (scientific name: Althaea officinalis) has been commonly used for ages to alleviate cough and sore throat. Its high mucilage content provides a protective coating for the throat, which can reduce irritation caused by coughing.

A study published in Complementary Medicine Research in 2018 involved two independent surveys of 822 consumers of marshmallow root extract tablets and syrup taken over seven days. The results suggested that prolonged use of both forms of marshmallow root extract might help reduce symptoms of dry cough.

However, certain conditions require caution when using marshmallow root, including:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: There is insufficient reliable scientific information regarding the safety of marshmallow root use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, thus specific use should be limited to natural food amounts.
• Individuals with bleeding disorders: Marshmallow root consumption could potentially heighten the risk of bleeding.

Thyme

Thyme (scientific name: Thymus vulgaris) is a common herbal plant used to relieve coughing, sore throat, bronchitis, and digestive issues.

A study published in Arzneimittelforschung in 2007, which involved 361 patients with acute bronchitis experiencing recurrent coughs, found that a mixture of thyme and primrose flowers taken over 11 days was effective and safe for alleviating acute bronchitis symptoms.

Nevertheless, individuals with certain health conditions should exercise caution when consuming thyme:

• Those allergic to specific plants: Individuals allergic to oregano or other Lamiaceae family plants may also exhibit sensitivity to thyme.
• People with bleeding disorders: Thyme may interfere with blood clotting, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding, especially if consumed in large quantities.

For more information on thyme’s benefits, you can read the article on the Benefits of Thyme.

Turmeric

Turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa) contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which may be beneficial for dry cough and other conditions.

Results from a study published in Life Sciences in 2005 suggested that raw turmeric extract demonstrated antispasmodic activity through multiple mechanisms, particularly affecting the intestinal and bronchial tissues, which could partly explain its traditional use in various ailments, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, asthma, and cough.

However, caution should be exercised when using turmeric in certain situations:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: High doses of turmeric are generally not considered safe during pregnancy, as they may stimulate menstrual flow or uterine contractions, putting the pregnancy at risk. There is also insufficient information on the safety of high turmeric doses during breastfeeding, which recommends avoiding it during this period.
• Individuals with bleeding disorders: Turmeric may slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.
• Diabetic patients: Curcumin may lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, so caution is advised when using turmeric for those individuals.

For more detailed information on turmeric’s benefits, you can read the article on the Benefits and Harm of Turmeric.

Licorice Root

Licorice root (scientific name: Glycyrrhiza glabra) has long been used in tea form to soothe the throat. A review published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention in 2016 indicated that licorice root could help expel phlegm and soothe airways, as well as alleviate mucus, offering relief from congestion and potential throat irritation.

However, licorice root may not be safe in certain situations, which include:

• Healthy individuals: Consuming large quantities of licorice for more than four weeks, or smaller amounts over a long period, is often unsafe, as it can lead to severe side effects such as high blood pressure, low potassium levels, weakness, paralysis, and in some cases, brain damage.
• Individuals with certain diseases: For those who consume excessive salt, or suffer from heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, daily intake of five grams of licorice may result in the aforementioned complications; avoidance of licorice is recommended.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: It is generally considered unsafe for pregnant women to consume licorice, especially over 250 grams weekly, as it may increase the risk of preterm birth or miscarriage. Furthermore, there is insufficient information about its safety during breastfeeding, hence its consumption is not advised.

To learn more about the benefits and risks of licorice, you may read the article on the Benefits and Harms of Licorice.

Foods for Cough and Chest Support

The following foods can help mitigate cough symptoms:

Honey

Raw honey has been widely used for centuries to relieve cough due to its ability to coat the throat and its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which may alleviate throat irritation. It also exhibits antimicrobial properties that could help reduce mild bacterial or viral infections.

A study published in Pediatrics in 2012, which involved 300 children aged 1-5 years suffering from nighttime cough and upper respiratory inflammation, revealed that parents preferred administering honey to their children to alleviate nighttime cough symptoms and associated sleep difficulties due to upper respiratory infections.

It is crucial to note that raw honey is generally safe for most adults; however, honey produced from rhododendron nectar should be avoided, as it contains toxins that could lead to cardiac issues, low blood pressure, and chest pain. Additionally, honey should not be given to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism poisoning.

For more information on the benefits of honey, you can read the article on the Benefits of Honey.

Foods Rich in Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that might also act as a mucolytic agent, helping in mucus dissolution and clearance. This enzyme is predominantly found in pineapple. A study published in The Journal of Medical Research in 2020 indicated that consuming pineapple, which is rich in bromelain, may alleviate coughing associated with ACE inhibitors used for hypertension.

Tips to Relieve Cough

Coughing (scientific name: Cough) is a natural response of the body to irritants within the throat or airways. The irritant stimulates nerve endings, which send signals to the brain. Subsequently, the brain prompts the chest and abdominal muscles to expel air from the lungs, dislodging the irritant from the body. Occasional coughing is normal and healthy; however, persistent coughing for several weeks, or coughs accompanied by clear or blood-streaked mucus, may indicate underlying health issues that require medical attention.

Alleviating cough symptoms involves treating the underlying causes and avoiding irritants. Here are some general tips to help relieve cough:

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, especially for individuals with asthma, chronic lung diseases, or environmental allergies.
• Modify your diet, and elevate your head while sleeping for those experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease, alongside adhering to prescribed medications.
• Strictly follow prescribed medications for those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases.
• Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration; drinking water may help break down mucus and soothe throat inflammation. Using honey in hot water, tea, or lemon juice may help relieve dry and intermittent coughs, but remember that honey should not be given to children under one year old as mentioned earlier.
• Avoid inhaling irritants such as smoke, dust, or other pollutants, and consider wearing face masks as recommended by healthcare professionals.