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Expectorant — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary

0Glossary·Expectorant
ISection · 01

Expectorant defined

Clears mucus from the airways.

II

The definition

Plants that aid removal of mucus from the respiratory tract. Two subtypes: stimulating expectorants (irritate the bronchi to increase clearance) and relaxing expectorants (loosen tight, dry coughs).

Mechanism

Saponins thin secretions, volatile oils stimulate ciliary action, mucilage in relaxing expectorants soothes spasmodic coughs while saponins below do the clearing work.

III

Example plants

Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.

Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Lamiaceae
Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
Lamiaceae
V

See also

Demulcent

Soothes irritated mucous membranes.

Antispasmodic

Relieves smooth-muscle cramping.

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