Expectorant
Expectorants are herbs that promote the secretion of mucus from the upper respiratory tract, helping to clear congestion. They work via multiple mechanisms including by increasing the water content of mucus to make it less sticky, reducing the viscosity of mucus to make it easier to expel or by stimulating the cough reflex. These actions all help to loosen thick, sticky mucus and support its expulsion from the respiratory tract.
Examples of expectorant herbs include liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), elecampane root (Inula helenium) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
