Coughing is one of the most common symptoms that lead people to seek medical attention. Coughs can be caused by a variety of factors, including cold and flu viruses, allergies, asthma, acid reflux, smoking, infections, and more. While over-the-counter cough medications provide some relief, many people also look to natural remedies and Chinese herbs to help soothe coughing.
What causes coughs?
Coughs can be classified as acute or chronic. Acute coughs come on suddenly and last less than 3 weeks. They are most often due to cold and flu viruses, but can also be caused by allergens, irritants, asthma, sinus infections, acid reflux, smoking, and more. Chronic coughs last more than 8 weeks and are usually caused by smoking, asthma, acid reflux, chronic bronchitis, and other lung conditions.
Viruses
Viruses are one of the most common causes of acute coughs. Colds and the flu are viral respiratory infections that irritate the throat and airways, leading to coughing. Coughing helps expel mucus and viruses from the lungs and prevent further infection.
Allergies
Allergies cause coughs when allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust irritate the throat and lungs. This causes the body to respond with inflammation and excess mucus production. Coughing helps try to expel the mucus and allergens from the lungs.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflamed and constricted airways. Coughing is a common asthma symptom as the body tries to clear mucus and open up the airways. Airborne irritants like smoke, pollen, or respiratory infections can trigger asthma coughing episodes.
Acid reflux
When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and throat, it can stimulate nerves that trigger coughing. Acid reflux, also called GERD, is a common cause of both acute and chronic coughs.
Smoking
Both first- and second-hand smoke irritates the throat and lungs, leading to excessive mucus production. Chronic smoking can cause long-term lung damage and chronic bronchitis, both of which cause persistent coughs.
Infections
Bacterial and viral infections, like pneumonia, bronchitis, pertussis (whooping cough), and croup can cause coughing as the body tries to get rid of infected mucus. Sinus infections can also trigger mucus drainage and coughs.
Types of coughs
Coughs can be further described by the type or sound of the cough:
Dry coughs
A dry cough does not produce phlegm or mucus. Dry coughs are often short and hacking. Irritants like smoke and dust are common causes.
Wet/chesty coughs
A wet or chesty cough brings up phlegm or mucus from the lungs. The mucus may be clear, yellow, green, or blood-tinged. Wet coughs help clear excess mucus.
Barking coughs
Barking coughs have a coarse and loud sound, similar to a dog’s bark or seal’s honk. They often occur with croup, which causes inflammation around the voice box.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough causes severe hacking coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound as you try to breathe in. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterial infection.
How can Chinese herbs help coughs?
Traditional Chinese medicine uses herbs and other natural remedies to help relieve coughing by:
- Helping expel phlegm and mucus from the lungs
- Soothing irritated airways and reducing inflammation
- Boosting the immune system to help fight infection
- Acting as cough suppressants
Chinese herbs should not replace medical treatment for chronic coughs or coughs caused by infections or lung disease. But they can provide supportive relief for coughing symptoms.
Top Chinese cough remedies
Some of the most common and effective Chinese herbs used for cough relief include:
1. Ginger
Ginger has long been used to help expel mucus, treat colds and flu, and soothe sore throats. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols that suppress coughing reflexes.
2. Licorice root
Licorice is a common ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine cough formulas. It acts as an expectorant to loosen phlegm and mucus. It also soothes sore throat pain and acts as a mild cough suppressant.
3. Astragalus
Astragalus has powerful immune-boosting effects. It helps strengthen the body against respiratory infection and prevents coughs caused by colds and flu. It also thins mucus and enhances overall lung function.
4. Chinese ephedra
Chinese ephedra, also known as ma huang, contains pseudoephedrine. This compound acts as a natural decongestant and cough suppressant much like over-the-counter cold medications. Ephedra helps dry up excess mucus while temporarily relieving coughing.
5. Platycodon
The root of the platycodon plant is used in Chinese medicine to stop coughs and lung inflammation. It contains compounds called saponins that act as expectorants to bring up phlegm and soothe airway irritation. It’s often used for bronchitis and chest congestion.
6. Apricot kernel
Apricot seeds contain amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide. In small doses, hydrogen cyanide acts as a cough suppressant without dangerous side effects. Amygdalin also helps thin mucus for productive coughs.
7. Coltsfoot flower
Coltsfoot flower is a gentle cough remedy and lung tonic used in Chinese medicine. It soothes irritated throat and bronchial tissue while acting as a mild expectorant and cough suppressant. Coltsfoot is related to the dandelion flower.
8. Magnolia flower
Magnolia flower contains honokiol, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and cough-relieving effects. It inhibits coughing by reducing swelling in the airways and production of mucus. Magnolia pairs well with licorice and ginger for coughs.
9. Wild chrysanthemum
In Chinese medicine, wild chrysanthemum treats dry, sore throats and helps relieve chronic coughs. It works best for coughs due to wind-heat or yin deficiency. It moistens the lungs while relieving irritating dry coughs.
Chinese cough remedies by cause
Here are some Chinese herb remedies targeted to specific causes of coughs:
Wind-heat cough
Wind-heat cough is caused by invading pathogens that irritate the lungs. Licorice, platycodon, mulberry leaf, and chrysanthemum help dispel wind-heat and soothe the throat and lungs.
Cold-phlegm cough
Coughs with excess phlegm and mucus respond best to warming expectorants and pungent drying herbs like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon twig, fritillaria, and bitter apricot seed.
Lung dryness cough
A dry, non-productive cough due to lung deficiency is treated with demulcent moistening herbs. Almond, morus fruit, ophiopogon, glehnia, and coltsfoot reduce irritation and nourish yin.
Asthma cough
Asthma coughs caused by constricted airways improve with herbs that open the lungs like ephedra, bitter apricot kernel, and xanthium fruit. Platycodon and ginger also help expel phlegm.
Allergy cough
Allergy-related coughs respond to herbs that clear nasal congestion and reduce allergic reactions like magnolia, schisandra, peppermint, and mentha. Chrysanthemum, licorice, and platycodon also help.
Chinese cough syrup recipes
Chinese herbs are often prepared as teas, tinctures, or syrups to help relieve coughs. Here are some recipes for effective DIY cough syrup using Chinese medicinals:
Wind-heat cough syrup
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh ginger root, thinly sliced | 5 ounces |
| Licorice root | 2 ounces |
| Mulberry leaf | 1 ounce |
| Chrysanthemum flowers | 1 ounce |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Water | 5 cups |
Simmer herbs in water for 20 minutes. Strain and mix in honey until dissolved. Take 1-2 tsp up to 3 times daily for cough relief.
Chest congestion syrup
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Platycodon root | 3 ounces |
| Apricot seed | 3 ounces |
| Tangerine peel | 2 ounces |
| Peppermint leaf | 1 ounce |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Water | 4 cups |
Simmer herbs in water for 15 minutes. Strain and mix in honey until dissolved. Take 1-2 tsp every 2-3 hours as needed to loosen mucus.
Dry cough syrup
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Almond | 5 ounces |
| American ginseng | 2 ounces |
| Coltsfoot flower | 2 ounces |
| Licorice root | 1 ounce |
| Honey | 1 cup |
| Water | 5 cups |
Simmer herbs in water for 30 minutes. Strain and mix in honey until dissolved. Take 1 tsp every 2-4 hours to soothe dry coughs.
Precautions when using Chinese cough herbs
When using Chinese medicinal herbs, it’s important to keep these precautions in mind:
- Consult your doctor before using herbs, especially if you take any medications or have a chronic health condition.
- Only purchase high-quality herbs from reputable sources.
- Follow dosage guidelines carefully. More is not always better with herbs.
- Watch for possible side effects like allergic reactions or drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor you’re using Chinese herbs and discontinue use if your cough persists longer than 1 week.
- See a doctor if coughing is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or thick yellow/green mucus.
The bottom line
Chinese traditional medicine offers many time-tested herbal remedies that can help temporarily alleviate coughing. Ginger, licorice, ephedra, magnolia, and platycodon are among the most popular and effective options. However, chronic or severe coughs need proper medical treatment. Always consult your doctor when using Chinese herbs for any health condition.