Cough and mucus

Folk care for a cough works with two different sensations: a dry, irritating cough and a cough with phlegm. For the first, tradition brings mucilaginous infusions and honey; for the second, warmth, steam and aromatic species.

This split is also why it makes no sense to speak of 'a herb for coughs' in general. In the catalogue the herbs are linked to this topic individually, including notes on suitability for children.

The effect of honey on night-time cough in children over one year is among the better-documented measures in this field; for herbal species the evidence varies and is weak for many of them. The specific level is always on the card.

Never give honey to children under one year because of the risk of infant botulism. Keep steam and inhalations out of small children's reach — scalds from hot water are more common in this context than any benefit.

A cough with blood, breathlessness, chest pain, high fever or a condition that worsens after a few days belongs with a doctor.

Also have checked a cough lasting more than three weeks, a cough with weight loss or night sweats, and any cough in an infant. In asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease, herbal measures are discussed with the doctor, because they cannot simply be added to established treatment.