Coughing is a common reflex action that helps clear the airways of mucus and irritants.1 However, persistent, or severe coughing can be uncomfortable and disruptive, affecting daily life and even causing discomfort.^2,3 Fortunately, nature provides us with remedies known as demulcents that offer soothing relief for coughs. 

Demulcents are substances that have a soothing effect on mucous membranes, particularly in the respiratory tract. These substances form a protective film over irritated tissues, providing relief from irritation and inflammation.⁴ Common demulcents include certain herbs, plants, and other natural compounds. 

BENEFITS OF DEMULCENTS FOR COUGH RELIEF 

• Soothing irritated throat: Demulcents form a coating over the throat lining, reducing irritation and providing relief. ⁴ 
• Reducing dry cough: Demulcents help hydrate and lubricate the throat, which can alleviate dry cough symptoms.⁵ By providing a moist environment, demulcents can also help loosen and expel mucus, making coughing more productive. 
• Alleviating inflammation: Many demulcents possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the respiratory tract.^6,7,8 By calming inflammation, demulcents contribute to overall cough relief and may help ease breathing difficulties associated with inflamed airways. 
• Protecting mucous membranes: The protective film formed by demulcents not only soothes irritated tissues but also helps protect them from further damage. This protective barrier can shield the delicate mucous membranes from irritants and pathogens, promoting faster healing and recovery.⁸ 

EXAMPLES OF DEMULCENTS 

• Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a sticky substance that coats and soothes the throat, providing a protective film on the inflamed mucosa, making it a popular demulcent herb for cough relief.^5,8,9 
• Ribwort plantain: Also known as Plantago lanceolata, ribwort plantain also contains mucilage, providing soothing relief for respiratory irritation and associated dry cough. Additionally, ribwort plantain has mild expectorant properties, aiding in the clearance of mucus from the airways.¹⁰ 
• Honey: Honey possesses natural demulcent properties. It coats the throat, providing relief from cough irritation, and its antimicrobial properties may help fight infections that cause coughing.^5,9,11,12 There is even evidence that honey might reduce mucus secretion and reduce cough in children.⁶ 

Demulcents offer a natural and effective solution for alleviating cough symptoms by soothing irritated tissues, reducing inflammation, and protecting mucous membranes. Whether in the form of herbal remedies, honey, or other natural compounds, demulcents provide a gentle yet potent way to find relief from coughing discomfort. 

REFERENCES: 

1. Andrani F, Aiello M, Bertorelli G, Crisafulli E, Chetta A. Cough, a vital reflex. mechanisms, determinants and measurements. Acta Biomed. 2019 Jan 15;89(4):477-480. doi: 10.23750/abm.v89i4.6182. PMID: 30657115; PMCID: PMC6502102. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502102/ 
2. Morice AH, McGarvey L, Pavord I; British Thoracic Society Cough Guideline Group. Recommendations for the management of cough in adults. Thorax. 2006 Sep;61 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):i1-24. doi: 10.1136/thx.2006.065144. PMID: 16936230; PMCID: PMC2080754. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080754/ 
3. Esper M. Chronic Cough and Throat Irritation. Duke Health. 2023. Available from: https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/voice-disorders/chronic-cough-and-throat-irritation 
4. Eccles R, Mallefet P. Soothing Properties of Glycerol in Cough Syrups for Acute Cough Due to Common Cold. Pharmacy (Basel). 2017 Jan 20;5(1):4. doi: 10.3390/pharmacy5010004. PMID: 28970416; PMCID: PMC5419382. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5419382/#:~:text=A%20demulcent%20is%20a%20substance,syrups%20%5B7%2C8%5D. 
5. Spritzler F. 15 natural remedies for a sore throat. Medical News Today 2024. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318631 
6. Goldman RD. Honey for treatment of cough in children. Can Fam Physician. 2014 Dec;60(12):1107-8, 1110. PMID: 25642485; PMCID: PMC4264806. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/ 
7. Saling J. Manuka Honey. WebMD. 2023. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses 
8. Bonaterra GA, Bronischewski K, Hunold P, Schwarzbach H, Heinrich EU, Fink C, Aziz-Kalbhenn H, Müller J, Kinscherf R. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidative Effects of Phytohustil® and Root Extract of Althaea officinalis L. on Macrophages in vitro. Front Pharmacol. 2020 Mar 17;11:290. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00290. PMID: 32256361; PMCID: PMC7090173. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7090173/ 
9. Story CM, Gotter A. Sore Throat Remedies That Work (and What Not to Do). Healthline. 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies 
10. Jurowski K, Fołta M, Tatar B, Krośniak M. The Level of Cadmium Impurities in Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products with Plantago lanceolata L., folium (Ribwort Plantain Leaves) Available in Polish Pharmacies - Comprehensive Toxicological Risk Assessment Including Regulatory Point of View and ICH Q3D Elemental Impurities Guideline. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2022 Jun;200(6):2963-2969. doi: 10.1007/s12011-021-02861-5. Epub 2021 Aug 10. PMID: 34373979; PMCID: PMC9132828. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9132828/ 
11. Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi: 10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336. Epub 2020 Aug 18. PMID: 32817011. Available from: https://ebm.bmj.com/content/26/2/57.long 
12. Honey for Your Sore Throat and Cough. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/honey-for-sore-throat-and-cough