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Herbal ingredient in cough liquid

Coughing can be an annoying symptom to deal with but it is a natural response to help protect your airways. This uncontrollable cough reflex is triggered when nerves in your airways are stimulated. While that bit of knowledge doesn’t help you feel better, this bit might: DURO-TUSS® has you covered a herbal cough liquid to help with your cough naturally. Let’s take a look at what herbal ingredient you’ll find in this cough liquid – and how it can help with your cough.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is a type of herb that comes from Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It has been used in traditional Western herbal products for thousands of years to relieve a range of gut and skin problems. Importantly, marshmallow root is known for its cough-soothing properties, due to its gummy, sap-like substance called mucilage. It is believed that the mucilage found in marshmallow root provides a soothing effect by coating the throat and helping to protect it from irritation, hence improving cough.

Dry Cough

A dry cough – you know, that one where you have a scratchy feeling and tickle in your throat that you just can’t seem to get rid of – is named ‘dry’ because it generally doesn’t produce phlegm. When a cough does produce phlegm, it’s called a wet or productive chesty cough because phlegm is, well, wet. For a dry cough, using a cough liquid containing a demulcent may help. Demulcents are products that form a protective layer over your throat to help provide relief from a dry cough.

DURO-TUSS® Herbal Cough Liquid

  • What’s inside: contains marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), traditionally used in Western herbal  products to soothe an irritated throat and associated dry cough
  • How does marshmallow root help: form a protective layer to soothe irritation of the throat and mouth, support respiratory system and suitable for dry irritating cough
  • What’s not inside: free from alcohol and colour
  • What else you need to know: available in Mint flavour; non-drowsy
  • How to use: for adults and children 12 years and over, 15 mL 3 to 4 times a day; for children 3 to 11 years old,  10 mL 3 times a day

Always read the product label and follow the directions for use. Individual response varies. Should symptoms persist, please consult your healthcare professional.

Natural remedies in combination with cough liquids

In addition to taking over-the-counter cough liquids, here are some things you can try to help relieve your cough symptoms and get back to your normal self:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink adequate amount of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Take a hot shower or bath – the steamy air may help loosen your phlegm
  • Consider hot drinks with honey to help soothe your throat

When to see a doctor

If you’ve had a cold, your cough should clear up on its own in a few weeks. It is important to see your doctor if you have any concerns about your cough or any other symptoms, or if:

  • Your cough gets worse or lasts longer than 10 days to 3 weeks
  • You have a fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain
  • You cough up blood, or green or yellow phlegm
  • Your coughing causes vomiting