In herbal medicine, there are terms that describe herbs’ specific effects or actions on the body. Often, these terms aren’t immediately recognizable – one of them being “expectorant”.
An expectorant is an agent that promotes the discharge or expulsion of mucus from the lungs and respiratory tract. The term come from the Latin word for ‘expelling from the chest’.
Expectorants can work in different ways to help the lungs rid themselves of excess mucus.
Specific compounds in herbs work to stimulate tissue in the respiratory tract to encourage the expulsion of congested material within the lungs & bronchioles. Expectorants can also work to soothe bronchial spasms and thin and loosen mucus to make it easier for the lungs to expulse.
Expectorants work to make coughs more productive – while helping to soothe the irritation from coughing!
Here are some plant medicines that have stimulating and/or soothing expectorant properties.
Elecampane (Inula helenium). This bitter tasting root is well established as an effective expectorant. Its mucolytic (mucus-thinning) properties help to move phlegm up and out from the lungs.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus). Mullein has anti-inflammatory properties and work to both help thin mucus secretions and soothe irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes.
Read More about Mullein: Hello Herb – Herbal Spotlight: Mullein!
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare). This bitter herb is a member of the mint family and has long been used in Western herbalism for dry, spasmodic, non-productive coughs as well as treating both acute and chronic bronchitis.
Fun fact – horehound is one of the ingredients in the popular Ricola® herbal cough drops!
Other expectorants include:
- Elderberry Sambucus nigra
- Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra
- Wild Black Cherry Prunus serotina
- Marshmallow Root Althaea officinalis
- Coltsfoot Tussilago farfara
- Ginger Zingiber officinale
- Plantain Plantago major
Not only do we offer these plant medicine in single herb tincture formats, but we have also crafted targeted formulas that work synergistically to help clear mucus:
Learn more about how herbs can support respiratory health: Breathe Easy! Herbal Support for Cold & Flu – St. Francis Herb Farm
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