Lingering Cough

Jade still has a runny nose and cough, but it is not at all affecting her energy or mood. I believe that it is just the changing seasons and amount of mold that is in the air here in St. Louis right now. I know that it can be annoying to have a remaining cough and so I am going to try to help her out with some natural expectorant herbs. From what I have read some herbs that help with easing throat pain, opening air passages and getting mucus out of the lungs and throat include:

• Lungwort

  Lungwort is know to clear congestion and support lung and respiratory health. It also is high in antioxidants which help you get better faster. Lungwort can be found in some cough medicines because it relieves fluid retention. Lungwort contains allantoin, a naturally occurring nitrogenous compound used as a skin conditioning agent, and can also be used topically on the skin for conditions and irritations like eczema.

  • How to Use: mix a tsp of dried herb into a cup of coiling water and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink.

• Oregano

  Oregano is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-fungal.

  • How to Use: boil 1 cup fresh oregano leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day. OR take 2-3 drops of oregano essential oil and mix with tsp of coconut oil. Swallow this 3-4 times a day until symptoms reside.
  • Oil of Oregano is recommended for ages 5 and up. Should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers.

• Mullein

  Mullein leaves treat congestion and dry coughs. It also works well when combined with Mallow root for expectorant needs.

  • How to Use: Steep 1-2 tsp dried mullein leaves and/or flowers in 1 1/2 cups water for 15 minutes. Strain and drink. OR use as an inhalant by just inhaling the steam when boiling.

• Licorice Root

  Licorice root, which is naturally sweet, helps soothe and relieve coughing, sore throat and also helps with other respiratory ailments and digestive issues. It is used as an expectorant, which helps break up phlegm in the lungs and throat.

  • How to Use: Boil 1 tsp of dried herb in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes, remove from heat and steep an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
  • Do not use if you have high blood pressure or if you are pregnant. Very dangerous for pregnant women.

• Sage

  Sage soothes a sore throat and it’s naturally antibacterial properties kill bad bacterias that can lead to infections.

  • How to Use: Make sage tea by adding 2 tsp or sage to a cup of boiling water. Let steep and drink. Add honey to soothe the throat even more.
  • Sage is not safe for pregnant women medicinally.

• Marshmallow Root

 

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• Respiratory Syrup Recipe

  • 2 tsp dried mullein leaf
  • 2 tsp dried marshmallow root
  • 1 tsp dried licorice root
  • 1 cup raw honey
  • 2 cups water
    • Bring water and herbs to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the liquid has decreased by half, about 10-20 minutes.
    • Strain herbs out and let liquid cool.
    • Stir in honey once liquid is cool.
    • Poor into glass jar, cap and refrigerate up to 6 months.
    • DOSAGE: 1/2 tsp as needed.

Straining the herb tea

Before I stirred the honey all the way into the mixture

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 Below are not Safe For Children

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• Eucalyptus

  Eucalyptus conatins a compound called cineole that fights congestion, soothes coughing, works as an expectorant and soothes the sinus’. Eucalyptus also naturally contains antioxidants and therefore supports the immune system, helping you to get better more rapidly.

  • How to Use: You can add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to hot water and inhale the steam, make sure to close your eyes the whole time that you are over the steam so that you do not get the strong eucalyptus vapors in your eyes. You can also put eucalyptus oil in a different oil carrier and put the rub on your chest. Eucalyptus oil can be dangerous and is not safe for pregnant or breast feeding women. Here is an article on how to use it and precautions.
  • DO NOT take eucalyptus oil orally because it can be toxic. “DO NOT give a child eucalyptus orally (by mouth) because it is toxic. DO NOT give cough drops containing eucalyptus to children under 6. For a cold, DO NOT put eucalyptus oil, salve, or chest rub on the face or nose of a child under 2. Ask your doctor before using preparations that contain eucalyptus oil as a chest rub for your child or to inhale steam for congestion.”

• Peppermint

  Peppermint naturally contains menthol which helps relieve sinus and lung congestion, sinusitis and cold and cough symptoms.

  • How to Use: Dilute some peppermint oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, and rub on your chest or put in a humidifier.
  • Do not use on small children.