Herbal cough syrups — natural remedy for dry, chesty, tickly and mucus coughs

Autumn is approaching very fast so like each year at this time, we can call the season of increased upper respiratory tract infections has started.

The most common cause of respiratory tract infections, in almost 90% of entire cases, are viruses, including adenoviruses, coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, influenza viruses and more. 
When it comes to upper respiratory tract infections of viral origin, the so-called general symptoms are:

✓ fever

✓ general wrecking

✓ headache

✓ muscle achese

✓ weakness

✓ cough

✓  hoarseness

These are the results of inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane of the throat and respiratory tract. Symptoms of irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract occur not only during the course of the infection but often persist for several days or even more after the disease has subsided.

In the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, it is not recommended to use antibiotics, which are simply ineffective against viruses. We primarily use symptomatic treatment instead, consisting of the administration of drugs with antipyretic and analgesic effects, to relieve cough and hoarseness. These could either be drugs or medical devices.

Herbal cough syrups are generally the most recommended products, especially those containing active ingredients.

Herbal components with comprehensive action are the most desirable because they work as: expectorant, coating, shielding, and anti-inflammatory, whose cumulative action thus brings a rapid and positive effect on any type of cough. 

Such herbs includes:

✓ Icelandic lichen

✓ ivy (Hedera helix)

✓ marshmallow

✓ thyme

✓ ribwort plantain

✓ coltsfoot

Please bear in mind that when choosing your ideal cough remedy, you should also be guided by its volume, as larger bottles lasts for a much longer period. For the best choice of a specific cough product, it is always recommended to visit your local pharmacy and consult with a pharmacist.

If the symptoms of infection are particularly severe, accompanied by shortness of breath and other worrisome symptoms including high temperature, grey or green -ish mucus, or when the self-medication has no positive effect, you should seek an advice from your primary care physician.