Antitussive

Quick Facts

Description: Antitussives are substances that suppress or relieve coughing. They are used to manage coughs that are dry, hacking, and non-productive (not bringing up mucus).

Mechanism of Action: Antitussives work primarily by acting on the central nervous system (brain) to suppress the cough reflex. They act on the "cough center" in the brainstem, raising the threshold for coughing. Some antitussives may also have a mild local anesthetic effect in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation. *It's important to note that antitussives treat the symptom (cough) but not the underlying cause.*

Common Uses: Antitussives are used to relieve dry, non-productive coughs associated with colds, flu, allergies, or other respiratory irritants. They are *not* typically recommended for productive coughs (coughs that bring up mucus), as suppressing the cough in those cases can be harmful. Examples of herbs with antitussive properties include Wild Cherry bark, Licorice root, and Marshmallow root. *Consult a healthcare professional if your cough is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.*