Antitussive Herbs: Cough Suppressants



Herbs that help to calm, dry or nagging coughs are called antitussives. These herbs are commonly used in herbal cough syrups and teas. Angelica Root and Licorice Root both have these properties and often used.

See Also: * Immune System * Cold Remedies * Congestion Remedies * Cough Remedies


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


  • See List Herbs by Botanical Name

  • Angelica root Angelica root, Angelica archangelica : Choraka
    Biennial/Tender Perennial herb : Angelica is a good herb to add to treatments for colds, congestion, and fevers. Angelica root is warming and stimulating to the lungs, helping to ease chest congestion...
  • Balsam Fir Balsam Fir, Abies balsamea (L.)Mill. : Christmas tree, North American fir
    Evergreen tree : As a popular Christmas tree the balsam fir is noted for its aromatic needles and pleasing shape. It is even more notable for its benefits and uses in home herbal medicine....
  • Bugleweed Bugleweed, Lycopus spp. : Water Horehound, Gypsywort
    Perennial herb : Bugleweed is useful in many heart and vascular system disorders ,hyperthyroid conditions and breast pain. ...
  • Bupleurum Bupleurum, Bupleurum chinense : chai hu, Chinese thorowax root
    Perennial herb : Bupleurum is an important Chinese tonic herb for the liver and circulatory system....
  • Carob Carob, Ceratonia siliqua : Locust Bean, St.John's-Bread
    Evergreen tree : Carob is widely used as a healthy substitute for chocolate, and can be used in much the same manner as cocoa powder and is lower in calories...
  • Colt's Foot Colt's Foot, Tussilago farfara : Coughwort
    Perennial herb : Since the days of ancient Greece and Rome, coltsfoot has been used to relieve asthma, coughs and bronchial congestion. It remains one of the most effective herbal cough medicines today...
  • Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo biloba L. :
    Tree : Allergies and asthma improve with ginkgo. The leaves contains anti-inflammatory chemicals and natural antihistamines...
  • Grindelia Grindelia, Grindelia spp : Gumplant, tarweed, rosinweed
    scrub bush : Gridelia which grows wild in the Western states is better known as a external skin treatment for rashes, burns and insect bites. Gridelia was traditionally used for coughs and asthmatic conditions....
  • Holy Basil Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum : Tulsi, Tulasi, Indian Basil
    Herb : Holy Basil has been used for thousands of years in the traditional medicinal of India, Ayurveda. Known to Hindus as Tulsi ...
  • Licorice Root Licorice Root, Glycyrrhiza glabra : Liquorice, Gan-cao
    Perennial herb : Many herbalists regard licorice as a natural alternative to hydrocortisone and it is used in many formulations to activate and increase the effects of other herbs....
  • Psyllium Psyllium, Plantago psyllium, Plantago ovata : Flea Seed
    Perennial Herb : The seeds of the Plantago ovata contain copious amounts of mucilage that are able to treat diarrhea, constipation and act as a safe and effective weight loss aid....
  • Schisandra Schisandra, Schisandra chinensis : Magnolia vine, wu-wei-zi, Schizandra
    : Schisandra is a well known in Chinese medicine as an adaptogenic herb used to improve mental function, reduce tiredness, and improve endurance....
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Violet Leaf Violet Leaf, Viola spp :
    Perennial WildFlower : Violets and pansies have been used medicinally for ages, and are an important part of traditional folk medicine. ...
  • Wild lettuce Wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa : Bitter lettuce, Opium Lettuce
    Biennial herb : Wild lettuce contains a sedative milky latex that can induce opium like sensations. Wild lettuce is a valuable remedy for insomnia and muscular arthritis....