When we have a cough, our first thought is to suppress it so that we can go about our day in comfort and quiet; however, that is counterproductive and makes our bodies work harder and for longer periods of time. Coughing is the body’s way of getting rid of something that shouldn’t be there; therefore, it needs to be helped along with the help of expectorants. But sometimes it is a matter of inflammation or spasms rather than needing anything expelled. We need to be part-time detectives each time to choose the best remedy for the right cough.
This is where energetics comes into play in herbalism. It really is a balancing act between the herb and the individual in need. Each herb has multiple actions, but has certain energetics as well. Maybe you have heard of warming, cold, drying, and moistening descriptions about herbs. These descriptions are considered the energetics of an herb. Let’s take ginger for an example. Ginger is considered to be a warming and drying herb. You know this just by tasting it and taking a moment to feel how this herb is reacting inside your body. This herb works best for individuals who are cold (slow digestion, cold hands and feet, or prefer hot drinks and food.) and have dampness (such as edema, excess phlegm, swollen tongue, etc.). It is not the best choice if someone is already warm (hot all the time, prefers cold food and drinks, or has red and flushed skin) and dry (dry hair and skin, always thirsty, dry tongue.). Ginger is also a stimulating herb moving stuck fluid which can also have a drying effect in a way. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory, circulatory, anti-nausea, immune enhancing, and digestive actions. Keeping these energetics and actions each herb has in mind, let’s take a look at the different kinds of coughs.
Marshmallow (Athaea officinalis)
Dry hacking cough - This cough literally hurts because your lungs cough up air and not mucous. The mucous is hardened near the bottom of the lungs and needs to be loosened and eliminated. I tend to think of too much heat in the system that is drying and hardening of the mucous. These lungs need to be soothed as well. In this situation, I would choose a cooling and moistening herb that is soothing to tissue and acts as an expectorant that contains mucilage. There are many to choose from such as marshmallow root, mullein leaves, violet leaves and flowers, solomon’s seal root, or slippery elm bark would be perfect companions with this kind of cough.
Moist rattling cough - This kind of cough is noisy with every breath. You can feel the gurgling inside your lungs and cough with very little production. The individual here is in need of a drying herb. You do not want to give them an herb containing mucilage! In most cases, the individual is cold as well and this coldness is preventing the movement of fluid. Balance the individual with a warming herb. So, we are looking for a warming and drying expectorant herb. Herbs such as horehound, or hyssop are great herbs for this cough. Horehound itself is a specific herb when the mucous is too thick and it needs to be thinned out in order to excrete.
Moist wheezing cough – This one is similar to the moist rattling cough but there is wheezing instead of rattling. The difference is in the breathing itself. It is harder to take a breath and the breath is strained. There is usually a pressure on the chest with each breath as well. This is usually due to inflammation, asthma, or bronchitis. I call it moist because the feeling of wanting to expel mucous with each cough is present with the wheezing. A drying herb is needed here, but we also want to consider a cooling herb to reduce the inflammation/heat. Look for a cooling and drying anti-inflammatory /expectorant herb. Herbs such as wild cherry bark, or black horehound work well.
Dry wheezing - This isn’t really a cough, but affects the respiratory system. This situation could have many causes. First you need to know if it is due to inflammation (such as asthma), or from an allergic reaction. The former should require immediate medical attention and forget the herbs when swelling/closing of the throat is present. Sometimes it is due to mold/dust inhalation or other environmental issues. I will use lobelia tincture immediately at a low dose of 15 drops to help the individual breathe right away. Once they can breathe easily, I would administer cold moistening herbs to balance the dryness and reduce inflammation. The individual also needs to stay away from the allergen. These herbs are described under a dry, hacking cough. If the individual is already cold, I would advise a moistening and warming herb. Astragalus root or angelica root would suffice.
Spasmodic cough –It could be whooping cough which is caused by a virus and includes a loud bark with the cough, or it could also be caused by spasms in the lungs. In this case, you will need an antispasmodic herb. If a virus is involved, be sure to include an antiviral herb and an immune stimulant. Consider the individuals energetics before choosing an antispasmodic herb. Antispasmodics include Thyme which is considered warming and Red clover which is cooling. Echinacea is considered a cooling antiviral/immune stimulant, and Ginger root is considered warming with the same actions.
As you can see, choosing the right herb for your specific cough will give you better results. Just saying, “Take wild cherry bark syrup for coughs” will not necessarily benefit an individual’s cough due to energetics. They could make the situation worse, or have no effect at all. But the right herb makes all the difference in the world. Next time you have a cough or someone you know does, take into consideration what type of cough it is and balance it with the correct herb using actions and energetics. As always, I highly recommend researching each herb yourself before taking them due to possible contraindications or interactions, or inadequate or excessive dosing.