Respiratory
Chest Congestion and Bronchitis
Phlegm (mucus) in the chest and a productive cough, as with a chest cold or bronchitis. See a doctor if you're short of breath, have a fever, cough up colored or bloody phlegm, or the cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pain or blue lips. Don't use herbs in place of asthma inhalers or other prescribed medicines. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments.
7 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
ElecampaneInula heleniumListed in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for chest mucus and bronchitis. It hasn't been tested in people.
HorehoundMarrubium vulgareRecognized in Europe to help bring up phlegm.
LicoriceGlycyrrhiza glabraRecognized in Europe to help bring up phlegm. Watch for effects on blood pressure and potassium.
OshaLigusticum porteriTraditionally used for chest infections. It hasn't been studied in people; chest infections with shortness of breath need medical care.
Pleurisy RootAsclepias tuberosaTraditionally used for breathing problems and to loosen mucus. There's little research, and it contains heart-affecting compounds.
Search Mi HeartRhytidophyllum tomentosumTraditionally used in Jamaica for bronchitis and chest congestion.
ThymeThymus vulgarisIn a trial of 361 adults with acute bronchitis, thyme combined with primrose root reduced coughing fits more than placebo.