Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
Expectorant
Helps clear mucus from the lungs
Helps clear mucus from the airways. Mucolytics thin sticky mucus so it shifts more easily, while anti-catarrhals reduce how much is produced; used for productive coughs and congestion rather than dry, tickly ones.
How it works
Expectorant is not one mechanism but several overlapping ones. Each of these is its own herbal action — follow a link for the herbs strongest in that mechanism.
Mucolytic Thins and breaks down thick, sticky mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. Anti-catarrhal Reduces the body’s production of excess mucus and catarrh, especially in the upper respiratory tract. Bronchodilator Relaxes and widens the airways to ease breathing. Antiasthmatic Eases asthmatic bronchospasm and airway reactivity. Decongestant Reduces nasal and sinus congestion. Respiratory Tonic Strengthens and restores tone to the respiratory tract. Antitussive Calms and suppresses a dry, irritating cough; where there is mucus to clear, an expectorant suits better.
Key constituents
The compound classes most often behind a expectorant action.
- Saponins
- Volatile oils
- Mucilage
Indications
What typically calls for a expectorant herb.
- Productive, congested coughs
- Chest colds and bronchitis
- Thick, stubborn mucus that is hard to clear
- Sinus and chest congestion
Herbs with a expectorant action (31)
Key herbs
Herbs for which expectorant is a headline action.
Ephedra
Ephedra sinica
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon californicum
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Abuta
Cissampelos pareira
Albizzia
Albizzia lebbeck
Black Horehound
Ballota nigra
Cacao
Theobroma cacao
Camu-camu
Myrciaria dubia
Chickweed
Stellaria media
Coffee
Coffea arabica
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfara
Devils club
Oplopanax horridus
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Ephedra
Ephedra sinica
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Garlic
Allium sativum
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
Guamura
Cecropia mexicana
Holy Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Horse Chestnut
Aesculus hippocastanum
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Magnolia
Magnolia officinalis
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
Peppermint
Mentha × piperita
Pine
Pinus spp.
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
Schisandra
Schisandra chinensis
Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Wild Lettuce
Lactuca virosa
Wireweed
Sida acuta
Yerba Santa
Eriodictyon californicum
No herbs match this sub-action yet.