Key takeaways
- Herbs have been used for the chest for centuries.
- Umckaloabo and ivy are the best researched.
- Mullein soothes with mucilage.
- Peppermint and eucalyptus feel cooling.
- Some herbs need caution.
Almost every culture has a herbal tradition for coughs and the chest. Here are eight of the most widely used respiratory herbs and what we know about them today.
The herbs at a glance
| Herb | Origin | Traditional use |
|---|---|---|
| Umckaloabo | South Africa | Respiratory defences |
| Ivy leaf | Europe | Airways, mucus |
| Mullein | Europe, N. America | Soothing the chest |
| Coltsfoot | Europe, China | Chest comfort |
| Thyme | Mediterranean | Cough, airways |
| Licorice root | Europe, Asia | Soothing the throat |
| Peppermint | Mediterranean | Cool, open breathing |
| Eucalyptus | Australia | Inhalations, chest rubs |
The best-researched herbs
Umckaloabo (Pelargonium sidoides)
A standardized root extract has been tested in multiple clinical trials on acute bronchitis and common colds, and is widely sold in Germany and other European countries.
Ivy leaf
Ivy leaf extract has an official European Medicines Agency monograph as a traditional and well-established remedy for productive cough.
Thyme
Thyme is often combined with ivy in European cough syrups.
The soothing herbs
Mullein and licorice contain compounds that coat and soothe the throat, while coltsfoot is a traditional chest herb. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils activate cool-sensing receptors, which is why breathing feels more open with them. LungExpand Pro combines umckaloabo, ivy leaf, mullein, coltsfoot and peppermint oil with serratiopeptidase and vitamin D3 in one daily tablet.
Sources
- Timmer A. et al. – "Pelargonium sidoides extract for treating acute respiratory tract infections," Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013.
- European Medicines Agency – "Hederae helicis folium" and "Thymi herba" herbal monographs.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) – "Licorice root" and "Peppermint oil."
Common questions
Which herbs are good for the lungs?
Umckaloabo, ivy leaf, thyme, mullein and coltsfoot are traditional respiratory herbs.
Which lung herb has the most research?
Umckaloabo (Pelargonium sidoides) and ivy leaf.
Are herbal remedies safe for everyone?
No. Some herbs interact with medicines or are unsuitable in pregnancy or liver disease.