Definitions
Stimulating expectorant: stimulates mucus expulsion.
Relaxing expectorant: releases mucus secretions while soothing bronchial spasms.
Mucolytic: “bronchial fluidifier, expectorant, mucus thinner” #ref:20#.
Amphoteric expectorant: an expectorant that is both stimulating and relaxing.
Clearly, the terms overlap, leading to some confusion in the literature. Finally, all these properties serve to free our lungs and airways from mucus with a few subtleties that have their applications depending on the issues being addressed.
Did you know?
The term “amphoteric expectorant” is rarely used. It is borrowed from chemistry, where it designates a compound that acts as both a base and an acid. It comes from the ancient Greek “amphoteros”, meaning “each of the two”. Examples of amphoteric expectorants are mullein – Verbascum thapus and black elder – Sambucus nigra.
We’ll see in the next section that there are archetypes that clearly express the difference, and other plants that are either in the shade or strongly possess aspects of the different types of expectorant. That’s the beauty of nature… it offers so much variety that it’s hard to put it into a box. As these boxes are very useful to the human brain for managing information, here’s a look at the classifications made by some of the specialists who influence me.
Expectorant and mucolytic plants
| Plant | Expectorant (non-specific) | Expectorant stimulant | Expectorant relaxing | Mucolytic |
| Garlic Allium sativum L. | ⭐ | #ref:44# | #ref:44# | #ref:80# |
| Elecampane Inula helenium L. | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:14# #ref:20# | #ref:44##ref:80# | #ref:80# | |
| Nasturtium Tropaeolum spp. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:20# | #ref:80# | #ref:14# | |
| Marshmallow Althaea officinalis L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:73# | #ref:44# | #ref:80# | |
| Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:14##ref:20##ref:27# | #ref:80# | #ref:44# | #ref:14# |
| Ground ivy Glechom hederacea L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:20# #ref:83# | #ref:80# | ||
| Lobelia Lobelia inflata L. | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:14# | #ref:44##ref:80# | ||
| White Horehound Marrubium vulgare L. | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:14# #ref:20# | #ref:44##ref:80# | #ref:44# | #ref:80# |
| Mullein Verbascum thapus L. | ⭐⭐⭐ #ref:20# | #ref:44# | #ref:44##ref:80# | #ref:80##ref:14# |
| Lungwort Pulmonaria officinalis L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:92# | #ref:44# | #ref:80# | |
| Horseradish Armoracia rusticana G.Gaertn. et al. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9# | #ref:80# | #ref:80# | |
| Licorice Glycyrrhiza glabra L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:14##ref:20# | #ref:44# | ||
| Rosemary Rosemarinus officinalis L. | ⭐ #ref:27# | #ref:80# | ||
| Bloodroot Sanguinaria canadensis L. | ⭐ #ref:8# | #ref:44# | ||
| Balsam fir Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9# | #ref:80# | ||
| Thyme Thymus vulgaris L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:14##ref:20# | #ref:80# | #ref:44# | #ref:80# |
| Coltsfoot Tussilago fafara L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:8##ref:9##ref:14# | #ref:44##ref:80# | ||
| Scented violet Viola odorata L. | ⭐⭐ #ref:9##ref:25##ref:81# | #ref:44# |
For your own good…
Read the plant sheet
As much as possible, I try to offer a hyperlink for each plant proposed. This link opens a plant fact sheet that gives not only the information related to the crop, but if you look further down, also the information for safe use of the plant (methods of use, safe doses, precautions, interactions, properties). Naturally, if you have a complicated medical condition, this sheet won’t be enough, and you’ll need to consult a professional herbalist or pharmacist. But even if you’re in good health, for your own safety, take the time to get to know the plants before using them. They’re natural, but they’re also powerful.
Some stimulating expectorants may irritate the cough!
Active ingredients with expectorant properties
Stimulating expectorant
Stimulating expectorants liquefy mucus and irritate bronchioles, stimulating coughing to expel mucus. They are used in cases of wet coughs.
Read the plant fact sheets carefully: alkaloid- and saponin-based plants often have serious side effects when used in large quantities, and should generally be avoided during pregnancy.
Alkaloids – the heavy artillery of hacking coughs
The archetype in this category would be ipecac (once used in ipecac syrup, highly expectorant but so vomitory that it was also used in cases of poisoning). Today, this plant is no longer used for its intense effects. Alkaloids are found in many spices (anise, caraway, cayenne). Often, the very idea of eating spicy food stimulates us to produce more saliva. In fact, these spices not only stimulate gastric juices, but also the production of more and more fluid mucus.
They are stimulant expectorants, encouraging coughing by irritating the bronchi. They are mainly used to treat productive coughs. In dry coughs, they can exacerbate non-productive coughs.
Alkaloids often have little or no solubility in water. Anyone who has tried to soothe the heat of cayenne peppers with a glass of water will confirm this! To use these plants as stimulant expectorants, prefer alcoholic concentrates. This category of expectorants should be used sparingly, as many of them can become emetic (i.e. induce vomiting) when used in large quantities.
Saponins and glucosinolates: the mustard that goes up your nose
Glucosinolates – formerly known as sulfur heterosides – are mainly found in the brassica family (mustard, horseradish, radish, etc.). Saponins include nasturtium, licorice, primrose and elecampane. Compared to alkaloids, saponins are milder. Saponins are thought to stimulate the active expectoration movement by stimulating the vagus nerve. They are also mucolytic (promoting mucus liquefaction) and anticatarrhal (decongesting the sinuses). Saponins are available using both water and alcohol as solvents.
Oxides, lactones and sesquiterpenones: stimulating expectorant essential oils
Aromatic plants possess cocktails of several types of essential oils. These oils are classified into families. Among essential oil families, oxides are considered stimulating expectorants. The best-known oxides are 1,8-cineole and linalool oxide. They are found in cardamom, eucalyptus, laurel, lavender, rosemary, sage and hyssop. Oxides are powerful expectorants, as well as being mucolytic, anticatarrhal and antiviral. Herbalists use these essential oils in infusions, liquid concentrates, steam baths and liniments. Because the quantity of essential oils in herbalism is relatively small, it’s easier to manage the power of the oxides, but in concentrates they can be so stimulating that they can generate asthma attacks, and some uses are toxic – please refer to specialized articles on essential oils.
Relaxing expectorant
Relaxants release mucus while softening mucous membranes and calming spasms. Relaxants are used for dry, unproductive coughs, but also when excessive coughing is exhausting. They are also useful for colds and flu, when coughing prevents you from sleeping and regaining your strength.
Emollient plants: the mucilage in emollient plants softens mucous membranes and acts as a mucolytic. Marshmallow is a fine example of this category, acting gently and effectively. Although this is a very safe type of expectorant, these plants should be avoided in situations where there is excess mucus.
Certain alkaloids: alkaloids are a family of extremely powerful active ingredients. Not all alkaloids have the same properties. They should always be used with caution. Some alkaloids are relaxing expectorants. The most famous alkaloid plant generally considered relaxing is swollen lobelia. It is strongly antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive and bronchodilator. But beware, it is also highly emetic (vomiting). It’s certainly the most intense of the plants in this category, but its effectiveness is formidable.
Mucolytic and antispasmodic essential oils come from the monoterpene, monoterpenone and sesquiterpenone families. Monoterpenes, found in many of our conifers (spruce, white pine, hemlock and balsam fir), are mucolytic and pectoral tonics. In low doses (when used in the plant’s totum), they are calming and sedative but in concentrated form they are all more or less neurotoxic. I leave these uses to aromatherapists. Monoterpenones (lavender, rosemary, Roman chamomile, thuja, sage) are anticatarrhal and dry up mucus and pus. But beware: many are toxic internally, including thujone. Finally, sesquiterpenones (elecampane, marrube, poplar, sage, wild carrot, evergreen cypress) are also decongestant and mucolytic, but always in very small quantities in plants.
Issue: Cough
There’s the dry, non-productive cough (often viral in origin), the hacking cough and the chronic cough. When a cough occurs, the body wants to expectorate, so expectorant plants are used. While relaxants are preferred for dry coughs, stimulants are more useful for oily coughs. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Pectorales: tones the lungs;
– Mucolytic: liquefies and dissolves mucus;
– Bechiques, antitussives: combine with relaxants to facilitate sleep;
– Softeners/emollients: reduce irritation that can cause or result from coughing;
– Immunostimulants: stimulate immunocompetent cells (avoid when cough is allergic in origin);
– Antimicrobial or, if the source is known, antibacterial and antiviral;
– Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory: soothe the pectoral region;
– Bronchodilators: clear bronchial tubes if affected;
– Diaphoretics: accompany low-grade fevers;
– Anticatarrhals: reduce mucus discharge, particularly in the sinuses when a cold, initially in the upper respiratory system, descends into the lungs.
Useful plants
Green anise(Pimpinella anisum), ginger(Zingiber officinal ) , marshmallow(Althea officinalis), hyssop(Hyssopus officinalis), lobelia(Lobelia inflata), mullein(Verbascum thapsus), licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra), elderberry(Sambucus canadensis or Sambucus nigra), thyme(Thymus vulgaris), coltsfoot(Tussilago farfara).
Taking care of yourself
Coughs can sometimes have serious causes (cancer, emphysema) or complications (pneumothorax, syncope, epilepsy, ruptured aneurysm, etc.): don’t hesitate to consult a doctor in the event of a chronic or very severe cough.
Issue: Asthma
Lobelia is an asthma specialist, with strong antispasmodic, expectorant, calming and bronchodilator properties but it is a delicate plant to use as it is highly vomiting. Plants with the following properties may also be useful:
– Calming: soothes the nervous system;
– Relaxing and mucolytic expectorants: help evacuate excess mucus. It is important not to use stimulating expectorants, which could aggravate the situation;
– Bronchodilators: relax bronchi and bronchioles;
– Anti-allergics and antihistamines: attack one of the most common causes of asthma;
– Pectorales: tones the lungs over the long term;
– Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and soothing: soothe the pectoral region;
– Soothing: soothes irritation and promotes mucus liquefaction;
– Anticatarrhal: helps manage overproduction of mucus or sputum;
– Anti-inflammatory: reduce bronchial inflammation.
Useful plants:
Fennel(Foeniculum vulgare), lobelia(Lobelia inflata), licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra), water hyssop(Bacopa monnieri ), Baikal skullcap(Scutellaria baicalensis), thyme(Thymus vulgaris).
Warning: severe asthma attacks can be fatal. Herbal remedies are indicated only for mild to moderate attacks.
Issue: Cold
Immunostimulant, antiseptic and antimicrobial herbs can be used to fight colds.
Depending on the symptoms the following properties will help bring a little more comfort:
– Anticatarrhal: reduces nasal congestion and mucus in the lungs.
– Expectorant and mucolytic: help evacuate excess mucus.
– Astringent, antiseptic and soothing: tighten, clean and soften mucous membranes if throat is sore.
– Pectorales: invigorate the lung area.
Photo credit: Alexandr Litovchenko
Issue: Flu
To fight the flu, you can use immunostimulant, antiseptic and antimicrobial plants.
Depending on the symptoms, the following properties will help bring a little more comfort:
– Diaphoretics: accompany fever if it is not excessive;
– Expectorant (relaxing) and mucolytic: help evacuate excess mucus;
– Pectorales: invigorate the lung area;
– Bitter and lymphatic tonics: evacuate toxins from the intestines and lymph;
– Anticatarrhals: reduce nasal congestion and mucus in the lungs;
– Nervins and analgesics: promote rest and relieve pain.
Influenza can have serious consequences: a high fever of over 38.5°C for 72 hours, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath at rest or chest pain are symptoms that require medical attention.
Photo credit: Cottonbro
The most interesting galenic forms for expectoration
Liquid concentrate in alcohol (tincture)
Concentrated in alcohol is the most effective formula for the active ingredients in question. However, it can sometimes irritate.
Syrups are particularly suitable for
Expectorant syrups can be very effective; if you’re using expectorants with alkaloids, you can always add alcoholic concentrate to the syrup, in addition to the long aqueous reduction. You’ll use all the plant’s active ingredients and increase the syrup’s shelf life. If you also use honey as the main preservative, it will soften the alcohol.
Steam baths are effective for plants with essential oils
A great way to use plants that contain a lot of essential oils is to make a steam bath. It’s very simple: put a good handful of plant in a bowl of very hot water, put a cloth over the bowl (and your head) and suck in the vapors. Check the temperature to avoid burning yourself. Of course, you can use the same strategy directly with essential oils, but these are more concentrated… so potentially too powerful for this application (refer to specialized books on essential oils). You can use fresh or dried plants for this application (as long as they have retained their essential oils).
Herbal tea, especially for relaxing expectorants
Herbal tea with its simplicity, comforting aspects and the vapors it emanates, may not be the most drastic use but gentleness has its charm. It’s true that it’s not always effective with alkaloids but as some of them are emetic or even slightly toxic anyway, this is in some cases an advantage.
Externally, don’t forget flies, poultices, liniments and ointments.
Plants from the brassica family (mustard, horseradish), diluted in oil, are excellent for this purpose. Why not use these oil macerations to prepare your own homemade expectorant balm?
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.