Natural Expectorant: What It Is, Benefits, Side Effects

A stubborn cough that refuses to go away is exhausting. If all medicines and lozenges fail, you can turn to natural expectorants. An expectorant helps you loosen mucus so you can expel it when you cough. They increase the water content of your mucus. But it is important to note that it may relieve cough, but it is not a cure for cough. It is important to understand the correct way of using an expectorant.

What is an expectorant?

An expectorant is a substance that facilitates the production of cough. It acts as a cough stimulant. It does not act as a cough suppressant, says internal medicine specialist Dr Dipankar Sarkar.

In some cases, or in cases where cough production is suppressed due to a disease, an expectorant acts as an important vehicle for removing mucus from the airways. However, if you have a cough due to an infection, the infection will not be treated with a natural expectorant.

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What are the different natural expectorants?

1. Moisture

Warm, moist air is great for loosening mucus. If you have a cough you can try a nice hot bath. Alternatively, humidifiers can also be used.

2. Honey

According to a study published in the journal BMJ, honey has antimicrobial properties that help relieve coughs. So, it helps to reduce the severity of cough, but it does not cure it completely.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint contains menthol, a common ingredient in cough drops. Consuming menthol gives you a cooling sensation and also relaxes your airway muscles. A study published in the Canadian Respiratory Journal confirms this.

4. Ivy leaf

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that ivy leaves can be used to treat severe coughs. It helps to thin the mucus.

5. Water

Increasing your fluid intake will help your body function better as a whole. A cup of herbal tea can also do the trick. But stay away from caffeine and alcohol based drinks.

How does expectorant help relieve cough?

It helps to cough up your phlegm. Apart from a few selected cases, a natural expectorant can act as a placebo. People suffering from cough can take expectorant. “However, an expectorant should be taken with plenty of water as per medical advice. However, expectorant has no clinical role, except in a specific clinical situation,” says Dr Sarkar.

It is not recommended to consume all expectorants without expert advice or consultation.

What is a strong natural expectorant?

Water is a strong natural expectorant. It is advised to maintain proper hydration and mandatory use of expectorant under medical supervision. “Therefore, patients with certain medical conditions that cause water retention are not advised to take expectorants. There are medical conditions where there is difficulty in coughing from sputum or severe bronchospasm, where it may be recommended under medical supervision,” says Dr. Sarkar.

What should you remember before taking an expectorant?

An expectorant is often mistaken for a cough suppressant. However, it is not necessary to take it every time you have a cough. “It is not a cough syrup and in 95% of cases, expectorant is not necessary in cases where people with cough get better without it,” says Dr Sarkar. Also, if the cough persists for more than two weeks, you must see a doctor so that the infection can be treated.

How do you stop coughing instantly?

It is not advisable to stop coughing immediately, it should be a gradual process. “This must include simple remedies such as drinking warm water, gargling with salt water, and talking less until the cough clears. Cough suppression should be done on clinical merit,” says Dr Sarkar.