If you're struggling to soothe a cough, you may have heard about natural expectorants. But what is a natural expectorant, and how does it work? Check out this guide to learn how you can finally clear that cough, naturally.
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It’s not fun being sick. Fevers, chills, headaches...
*cough cough*
that annoying cough.
Did you know that annoying cough is your body’s way of clearing your airways of excess mucus? While it might be responsible for sore throats, poor sleep, and the annoyance of those around you, a cough can actually be beneficial in expelling irritants from your body during illness. It’s a natural reflex. So cover that mouth, and let’s look at some equally natural ways to soothe your cough so that it works for you—rather than against you.
How Expectorants Work
An expectorant is a substance that aids in loosening and clearing mucus from your respiratory system.
When your body detects pathogens, it produces extra mucus as a natural defense mechanism. This excess mucus can become thick and sticky, making it difficult to expel — or cough up — without some help. Expectorants to the rescue! An expectorant enhances this process, providing relief from chest congestion and respiratory discomfort. Expectorants work by increasing the water content of your mucus, effectively thinning it and making it less adhesive.
While they don’t treat the underlying symptoms of your illness, expectorants promote a more productive and beneficial cough. By facilitating the removal of mucus, expectorants can help you breathe comfortably while your immune system does its thing and fights off whatever is making you sick.
Expectorants are available as over-the-counter medications. However, many also occur naturally.
Benefits of Natural Expectorants
Naturally occurring expectorants have fewer side effects compared to their synthetic counterparts. They also contain added health benefits and properties that make them useful for reasons beyond their medicinal advantages. Honey, for example, has a sweet, pleasant taste that can soften the bitterness of certain beverages. Ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds which can benefit your bodily functions in a variety of ways.
So, what exactly are some of these expectorants found in nature?
Common Natural Expectorants
There are several non-herbal expectorants that can be utilized to achieve the desired effect. Simply staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is perhaps one of the most natural—and easiest—ways to relieve chest congestion caused by mucus. Take it a step further and gargle some salt water, as this has also been determined to loosen mucus.
There are also ways to generate external moisture in the air you breathe, such as taking a hot shower or using a humidifier.
Common herbal expectorants and their benefits include:
Honey
Nature’s candy. Honey has antibacterial properties and sweet, soothing effects when consumed. It’s delicious enough to be stirred into tea or licked off the spoon.
Ginger
Ginger root has anti-inflammatory and warming properties. It’s also rich in antioxidants. From digestion to congestion—ginger does it all.
Thyme
Your cough’s thyme is up! While this floral herb is popular in cooking, it also has antimicrobial and bronchial relaxing effects.
Peppermint
It doesn’t just freshen breath—peppermint has a high menthol content, which delivers a soothing, cooling effect to your airways. If you weren’t sick, you might just want to kiss someone.
Eucalyptus
There’s a reason spas smell like eucalyptus. Relax, inhale deeply, and breathe easy knowing that its oils contain Cineole, which aids decongestion.
Licorice Root
When not being consumed by your grandma, licorice has utility as an expectorant, delivering soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
Mullein
Mullein is a flowering plant with a long history of medical benefits, including softening mucous membranes and easing coughs. For a variety of reasons, mullein can be vital to lung health.
How to Use Natural Expectorants
At BetterBrand, we’ve taken equal parts medical expertise and culinary know-how to formulate natural, herbal expectorants into our celebrated product line. We offer convenient—and tasty—ways to try natural expectorants for yourself the next time a cough has you down.
BetterLungs® Tea
With natural ingredients and natural expectorants like Mullein Leaf, Thyme, Elderberry, Ginseng, and Ginger, BetterLungs Tea helps support respiratory health and boost immune system function. Its antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory recipe soothes coughs and respiratory issues.
Directions: Each box of BetterLungs Tea contains 15 individual tasty herbal mullein tea bags. Drink 1 mullein tea bag daily after breakfast for a healthy boost of lung support and immune system.
BetterLungs® Mullein + Chlorophyll
BetterLungs® Mullein Leaf Extract contains the natural expectorant mullein leaf (Verbascum Thapsus) extract and Chlorophyll as its primary ingredients, formulated to support respiratory health.
Directions: Mullein leaf extract is recommended to be taken as two full droppers daily. It is also advised to refrigerate the tincture to preserve its freshness.
BetterLungs® Mullein Gummies
BetterLungs® Mullein Gummies are crafted to support respiratory health, incorporating mullein, a natural expectorant, for its traditional uses. They contain mullein leaf extract - with a serving size of 2 gummies providing 40mg of the extract, equivalent to 2,000 mg of mullein leaf.
Directions: The recommended dose is 2 mullein gummies daily to maintain effective lung function.
Support Your Respiratory Health with Betterbrand
As we've explored together, natural expectorants can be valuable allies in managing respiratory discomfort and promoting a more productive cough. These remedies, ranging from honey and ginger to eucalyptus and mullein, offer a gentler approach to easing congestion with fewer side effects than their synthetic formulations.
Incorporating natural expectorants into your respiratory health routine can be both effective and delicious. Whether it's sipping on a soothing cup of peppermint tea, adding a spoonful of honey to your favorite warm beverage, or using a eucalyptus-infused steam inhalation, these remedies can provide relief while supporting your body's natural healing processes.
When not experimenting with these DIY remedies, try all of BetterBrands’ natural expectorant products—BetterLungs® Tea, BetterLungs® Mullein + Chlorophyll tincture, and BetterLungs® Mullein Gummies. Be sure to let us know what works best for you.
And remember: while these remedies can offer significant relief, they're not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you're dealing with persistent or severe respiratory issues, it's always wise to consult with a healthcare provider. Your healthcare professional can help you determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide you on how to safely incorporate natural expectorants into your overall treatment plan. They can also advise on potential interactions with any medications you may be taking and help you tailor your approach to meet specific health needs.
By combining the power of nature with professional medical guidance, you can develop a comprehensive strategy for maintaining optimal respiratory health. So breathe easy, stay hydrated, and don't hesitate to reach for natural cough expectorants when your lungs need a little TLC.
A healthy respiratory system is key to overall well-being. By integrating these natural expectorants into your routine, you're not just addressing immediate discomfort—you're investing in your long-term health and vitality.
FAQ
What is the strongest natural expectorant?
There is no single best natural expectorant as effectiveness can vary based on the individual and condition. Commonly recommended options include honey, ginger, mullein, and eucalyptus.
How quickly do natural expectorants work?
Some individuals may experience improvement within a few hours, while others may take a few days to notice significant benefits. Consistent use as per the recommended dosage is key.
Can natural expectorants be used every day?
Yes! Most of the ingredients — like natural expectorants — work better the longer you take them. Just make sure to always follow dosage recommendations.
*These statements haven't been evaluated by the FDA or any agency. BetterBrand Health's products aren't designed for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing diseases or altering any bodily structure/function. Use as directed. All trademarks/copyrights are owned by their respective parties, unaffiliated with and not endorsing this product. No sales to minors. Betterbrand Health makes no health or medical claims for the product. Don't use if on medication or have/suspect a medical condition.
Provided information doesn't replace medical advice or treatment. Consult a physician for medical advice, and a healthcare professional before using new products. Read all Warnings & Disclaimers. Results may vary, no guaranteed results. Limited offer, void where prohibited.
This information is based on the resources included. BetterBrand Health holds no responsibility for and has not verified it.
**All products have been formulated for adults 18 and older.