Cough

Used traditionally for cough. A seed extract reduced coughing in guinea pigs; not tested in people.

A review of 33 trials found andrographis eased cough from colds and similar infections.

A classic Chinese, Japanese and Korean cough and phlegm remedy. Not tested on its own in trials; it has some liver toxicity.

Monarda plants, including bee balm, were traditionally used by Native American tribes for cough. Not studied for cough in people.

A leaf tea was taken for coughs by many Western peoples. Not studied in people.

Eastern Kentucky locals drink boneset leaf tea to calm coughs. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used for cough; in lab tests its oil relaxed airways.

The Ramah Navajo took a tea of the leaves or roots for a bad cough. Not studied in people.

A traditional remedy for coughs and colds. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used for coughs; Germany's Commission E rejected it for lack of evidence and possible side effects.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for dry cough and cough with a cold.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold.

Used in Chinese lung-clearing and cough medicines. Not tested on its own in trials.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for cough with a cold, in adults.

Traditionally used for coughs and excess mucus. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used in Ayurveda for cough and bronchitis.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to help bring up phlegm with a cough from a cold.

Traditionally used for coughs. Not tested in trials.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for the dry cough that comes with throat irritation.

Used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for coughs and bronchitis. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used for breathing problems. It hasn't been tested in clinical trials.

A classic Chinese remedy for cough and phlegm; eased coughing in mice. Not tested on its own in trials.

Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine to help bring up phlegm with a cough from a cold.

A popular traditional remedy for coughs in Trinidad. This use hasn't been tested in people.

Pitch and inner bark were traditional cough remedies across the West. Not studied in people.

A traditional Ayurvedic cough remedy. A combination product with Malabar nut eased cough in one trial; it reduced coughing in animals.

Recognized in Europe for dry cough; small studies suggest it may reduce coughing.

Recognized in Europe for the sore throat that comes with a dry cough; no clinical studies exist.

Traditionally used for cough, asthma and shortness of breath. Not tested in trials.

Pine needle decoctions are traditionally used for coughs. Not tested in trials.

Traditional use only: used for cough, bronchitis, asthma and colds. Not studied in people for this.

Used in folk medicine for coughs. Not tested in trials, and eating the plant has caused poisoning.

Traditionally used for coughs in Chinese medicine; not tested in clinical trials.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for dry cough with little phlegm. Not tested in trials.

A traditional remedy for cough. Not tested in trials.

A traditional Asian remedy for cough and phlegm. Not tested in trials.

Traditionally used for colds and coughs in India. This use hasn't been tested in people.

Traditionally used for bronchitis and whooping cough. In a trial, thyme with primrose root reduced coughing fits in acute bronchitis.

Used in Chinese formulas for cough with phlegm from "lung heat". Not tested on its own in trials.

Traditionally used for cough and bronchitis.

Traditionally used for cough by Native Americans and in Mexico, and now an ingredient in cough syrups. It hasn't been properly tested in people, and its seeds and leaves can release cyanide.

Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for breathing problems. It hasn't been studied in people.