Cough: A protective reflex and herbal therapies

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVES. In this paper, we reviewed cough and herbal therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Research methods included searching online databases such as Google, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central, and PubMed at Kirikkale University. We used terms like “cough”, “herbal”, “reflex”, “Primula veris”, “Primula elatior”, “Thymus vulgaris”, “Althea Officinalis”, and “Mentha piperita” to find related articles. RESULTS. Coughing is a reflex that serves a legitimate physiological purpose by expelling fluids and debris from the lungs. Herbal teas and preparations with antioxidant and expectorant properties are made from medicinal herbs like Primula veris and Primula elatior. The phenolic monoterpene thymol, one of the primary components of thyme oil, is found primarily in thyme plants. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have lengthy histories of usage in conventional medicine, particularly for their upper respiratory system-targeted expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Historically, people have turned to the plant Althaea officinalis for help with treating respiratory issues, like cough. Officinalis extracts alone for dry cough therapy, while A. officinalis was more effective when combined with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinale, or Helix hedera. Furthermore, all types of coughs benefited from officinalis. One of the most popular types of herbal tea, known as a tisane, is peppermint, or Mentha piperita. Peppermint essential oil and tea made from the plant’s leaves have long histories of usage in alternative medicine. Some studies have found that peppermint may have antiallergenic properties in addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. CONCLUSION. Cough is a persistent symptom of many acute and chronic illnesses. Primula veris, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea Officinalis, and Mentha piperita are some herbs used to treat cough. Cough patients can supplement their standard medical care with herbal remedies that contain these compounds.