The active constituents in Reference anise(Pimpinella anisum), particularly the terpenoid anethole, give this plant a delightful flavor. As an antispasmodic, it helps in gently relieving spasmodic coughs.²

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

Caution: Do not use eucalyptus oil internally without supervision by a healthcare professional. As little as 3.5 ml of the oil taken internally has proven fatal.   

The early 19th-century Eclectic physicians in the United States (who used herbs as their main medicine) not only employed Reference eucalyptus oil to sterilize instruments and Reference wounds but also recommended a steam inhalation of the oil’s vapor to help treat Reference asthma, Reference bronchitis, whooping cough, and emphysema.³

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

A number of herbs have a rich history of use for treating coughs due to colds, Reference bronchitis, or other mild conditions. Only a few studies have examined the effectiveness of these herbs. However, their effectiveness is well-known by practitioners of herbal medicine the world over. Among those herbs that have been shown to have some degree of cough-relieving activity are Reference marshmallow,⁴ Reference sundew,⁵ and Reference coltsfoot.⁶ Use of coltsfoot should be limited to preparations of the leaves and flowers only, as the root is high in pyrrolizidine alkaloids, constituents that may be toxic to the liver.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

A number of herbs have a rich history of use for treating coughs due to colds, Reference bronchitis, or other mild conditions. Only a few studies have examined the effectiveness of these herbs. However, their effectiveness is well-known by practitioners of herbal medicine the world over. Among those herbs that have been shown to have some degree of cough-relieving activity are Reference marshmallow,⁷ Reference sundew,⁸ and Reference coltsfoot.⁹ Use of coltsfoot should be limited to preparations of the leaves and flowers only, as the root is high in pyrrolizidine alkaloids, constituents that may be toxic to the liver.

Reference Thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as for Reference bronchitis.¹⁰ Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant actions. The primary constituents are the volatile oils, which include the phenols thymol and carvacol.¹¹ These are complemented by the actions of Reference flavonoids along with saponins. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as Reference sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as for whooping cough.¹² Because of its apparent safety, it has become a favorite for treating coughs in small children.

Reference Thyme has a long history of use in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as for Reference bronchitis.¹³ Many constituents in thyme team up to provide its antitussive (preventing and treating a cough), antispasmodic, and expectorant actions. The primary constituents are the volatile oils, which include the phenols thymol and carvacol.¹⁴ These are complemented by the actions of Reference flavonoids along with saponins. Thyme, either alone or in combination with herbs such as Reference sundew, continues to be one of the most commonly recommended herbs in Europe for the treatment of dry, spasmodic coughs as well as for whooping cough.¹⁵ Because of its apparent safety, it has become a favorite for treating coughs in small children.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.

The mucilage of Reference slippery elm gives it a soothing effect for coughs. Reference Usnea also contains mucilage, which may be helpful in easing irritating coughs. There is a long tradition of using Reference wild cherry syrups to treat coughs. Other traditional remedies to relieve coughs include Reference bloodroot, Reference catnip, Reference comfrey (the above-ground parts, not the root), Reference horehound, Reference elecampane, Reference mullein, Reference lobelia, Reference hyssop, Reference licorice, Reference mallow, (Malvia sylvestris), Reference red clover, Reference ivy leaf, Reference pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides, Mentha pulegium), Reference onion, (Allium cepa), and Reference plantain (Plantago lanceolata, P. major). None of these has been investigated in human trials, so their true efficacy for relieving coughs is unknown.