A protective reflex for the expulsion of an obstruction or irritant from lower respiratory organs. Causes are legion, smoking being most common. A cough is often secondary to an underlying condition which should receive prompt attention, (bronchitis, pleurisy, croup, etc).
The modern herbalist does not use suppressives but favours expectorants or ‘eliminatives’ to soothe irritated surfaces and expel excess mucus. If a dry unproductive irritating cough persists despite treatment, a qualified practitioner should be consulted.
Addition of a nervine (Skullcap, Wild Lettuce, etc) acts as a relaxant. May be a particular help for nervous cough. Add Hawthorn or Motherwort to sustain the heart where necessary.
Alternatives. Teas. Any one: Aniseed, Caraway, Blessed Thistle, Coltsfoot, Comfrey leaves, Ground Ivy, Hyssop, Liquorice (shredded root), Marshmallow, Mouse Ear, Mullein, Plantain, Soapwort, Iceland Moss, Wild Violet, Thyme, White Horehound, Lungwort. Formulae:
(1) Equal parts; Coltsfoot, White Horehound, Liquorice. (2) Equal parts; Hyssop, White Horehound, Valerian. (3) Equal parts; Mullein, Lemon Balm, Valerian.
Decoctions. Any one: Balm of Gilead buds, Elecampane root, Fenugreek seeds, Grindelia, Marshmallow root, Pleurisy root, Wild Lettuce, Wild Cherry bark. Valerian (nervous cough). Formula: Equal parts: Elecampane root, Marshmallow root, Wild Cherry bark. 1 heaped teaspoon to 2 cups water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.
Tablets/capsules. Lobelia, Iceland Moss, Garlic.
Powders. Formula: equal parts, Lobelia, Liquorice root, Elecampane. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.
Liquid Extracts. (1) Formula: Lobelia 2; Sundew 3; Red Clover 3; Ginseng 6. 30-60 drops in hot water, every 2 hours. (George Slack)
(2) Formula Elderflowers 1; Boneset 1; Hyssop 2; Liquorice half. 1 teaspoon in cup hot water, every 2 hours.
Tinctures. Formula. Elecampane 2; Black Cohosh 2; Lobelia 1; Few drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: 30- 60 drops in hot water every 2 hours.
BHP (1983) recommends: Elecampane, Hops, Mullein, Wild Cherry bark, Wild Lettuce.
Potter’s. Balm of Gilead Cough Mixture.
Onion juice and honey.
Topical. Rub back and chest with Olbas oil, or warm Camphorated oil. Bran or Slippery Elm poultices to chest.
Aromatherapy. Chamomile and Thyme, 5 drops each in cup boiling water, with towel over the head, as an inhalant.
Preventative. 2 Garlic capsules or tablets at night. Honey. German Chamomile tea.
See: WHOOPING COUGH. CROUP. ... cough