Natural treatments for coughs

DEFINITION: Treatment of the cough reflex.

PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None

OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Cocoa, elecampane, essential oils of anise, eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint, thyme, garlic, horehound, hyssop, ivy leaf, lobelia, licorice, marshmallow, mullein, plantain, primula root, sesame oil, slippery elm, soap bark, increased hydration, humidifier use, honey, ginger, lemon water, salt water gargle, probiotics

Introduction

The cough reflex is intended to expel mucus and other unwanted material from the breathing passages. However, sometimes, it causes an unproductive cough that seems to serve no purpose. The most common cause of coughing is a viral infection. Sometimes, a chronic cough may indicate asthma, either allergic or temporarily caused by a respiratory infection. Other causes of cough include sinus drainage irritating the throat and chronic bronchitis.

First and foremost, medical treatment for cough involves treating the underlying condition, if possible. When appropriate, cough suppressants and expectorants may be prescribed to stabilize coughing. Some cough remedies contain codeine or the codeine-like drug dextromethorphan to suppress the cough reflex and guaifenesin, which is thought to loosen mucus. Other common ingredients, such as decongestants and antihistamines, do not directly affect coughs. There is no reliable evidence that any over-the-counter cough suppressant works. Furthermore, while it is often said that prescription codeine cough syrups are more effective than dextromethorphan, one study found that neither codeine nor dextromethorphan reduced nighttime coughing in children to any greater extent than placebo. In another study, prescription codeine cough syrup failed to prove more effective than dextromethorphan. Following the opioid crisis of the early twenty-first century, health-care practitioners have been reluctant to prescribe codeine-based cough syrups.

Proposed Natural Treatments

Although many herbs have been used to treat coughs, none has been shown effective in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Without such trials, it is impossible to know whether a treatment really works, regardless of its reputation. A few studies that lack a placebo group have sometimes been cited in support of traditional cough remedies, but these are almost as unreliable as completely unscientific anecdotes.

Weak evidence indicates that the herb marshmallow may help soothe coughs. The herb coltsfoot has been used since ancient times to relieve cough; its scientific name, Tussilago farfara, means "cough dispeller" in Latin. However, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that coltsfoot works. Furthermore, the plant's root contains high levels of liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The leaves and flowers are safer, but they may contain these toxins.

Many herbs are categorized as mucilaginous (gluey) and are said to coat the throat. These herbs include marshmallow, mullein, plantain, and slippery elm. The herbs ivy leaf, primula root, and soap bark contain chemicals called saponins, which are said to loosen mucus. Other herbs used for coughs include elecampane, garlic, horehound, hyssop, lobelia, and licorice. Essential oils such as anise, eucalyptus, fennel, peppermint, and thyme are often included in cough preparations or added to a vaporizer. There is no meaningful scientific evidence that any of these treatments are effective. However, because much the same situation exists for standard cough suppressants, these alternative treatments may be worth trying.

Chocolate contains the stimulant substance theobromine. One study hinted that theobromine might have a cough-suppressant effect. Another study found that a sesame oil cough preparation was no more effective than a placebo. This paradox has been seen in many studies of natural cough remedies.

Honey lines and lubricates the throat, helping to relieve the sore feeling associated with a persistent cough. An analysis of fourteen studies investigating the effective relief of symptoms of upper respiratory infections found honey to be highly effective with few negative side effects. Honey also serves as a natural antioxidant and reduces inflammation, aiding the human body when ill.

Since respiratory infections are the most common cause of coughs, herbs and supplements used to treat colds may be helpful. Other natural methods include using a humidifier to combat dry air, gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat, and drinking warm lemon water to break up mucus. Additionally, ginger tea can help reduce coughing due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and probiotics can support a healthy gut biome and boost immunity.

Bibliography

Abuelgasim, Hibatullah, et al. "Effectiveness of Honey for Symptomatic Relief in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, vol. 26, no. 2, 2021, pp. 57-64, doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Martens, Ashley, and Addison Aloian. "How To Get Rid of a Cough in 5 Minutes: 15 Tips from Doctors That Can Help Soothe Your Throat Fast." Women's Health, 21 Dec. 2023, www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g39629324/how-to-get-rid-of-a-cough-in-5-minutes. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.

Wagner, Luise, et al. "Herbal Medicine for Cough: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Forschende Komplementarmedizin, vol. 22, no. 6, 2015, pp. 359-368, doi:10.1159/000442111. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.