Expectorants are commonly used in herbalism to support the respiratory system, but how do they work? These are herbs that help expel mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system. They work by loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up or by stimulating the respiratory passages to clear congestion. Expectorants are commonly used to relieve symptoms of colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.
10 Common & Powerful Expectorants
1. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
- Uses: Soothes the respiratory tract and helps expel mucus. Known for its gentle action.
- Preparation: Often used as a tea or infused oil, sometimes combined with other respiratory herbs.
2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Uses: A potent expectorant with antimicrobial properties, thyme helps loosen mucus and fight infections.
- Preparation: Used as a tea, syrup, or tincture.
3. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Uses: Soothes inflamed respiratory tissues and promotes mucus clearance.
- Preparation: Brewed as a tea or taken as a tincture.
4. Elecampane (Inula helenium)
- Uses: Known for its ability to clear deep-seated mucus, elecampane is particularly effective for chronic respiratory issues.
- Preparation: Often prepared as a decoction, tincture, or syrup.
5. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
- Uses: Combines expectorant and demulcent properties to soothe irritation while loosening mucus.
- Preparation: Typically used as a tea or cold infusion.
6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Uses: Helps clear mucus while warming the respiratory system and improving circulation.
- Preparation: Consumed as a tea, in syrups, or fresh in recipes.
7. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
- Uses: Contains menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant to clear the airways.
- Preparation: Commonly used as a tea, steam inhalation, or in lozenges.
8. Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina)
- Uses: Eases coughing and helps expel mucus from the lungs, often used in cough syrups.
- Preparation: Made into syrups, teas, or tinctures.
9. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
- Uses: Contains cineole, a powerful compound that clears mucus and soothes the respiratory tract.
- Preparation: Used as a steam inhalation, in teas, or as an essential oil (externally).
10. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
- Uses: Stimulates mucus clearance and is often included in lozenges and syrups for respiratory relief.
- Preparation: Used as a tea, syrup, or tincture.
How To Use Expectorant Herbs
- Teas and Infusions: Many expectorants are prepared as teas, either alone or in blends.
- Tinctures: Concentrated herbal extracts can be taken directly or added to water.
- Syrups: Made by combining herbs with honey or sugar to soothe the throat and promote mucus expulsion.
- Steam Inhalations: Effective for herbs like eucalyptus and peppermint to directly address the respiratory system.