Stop Coughing

I hear too many people with a chronic cough. They live with it. A cough that hangs on is not normal. That's the body's way of saying there's a problem. It's good to listen to one's own body and take action. Throughout the long history of plants being used for the relief of humankind, there are weeds even, close at hand, that can help.

One of the most common weeds in the central US is mullein. To pronounce this, just ignore the "e." It has long been used to relieve coughs, especially due to asthma. It's easily identified by its large felty, soft leaves, slightly gray-green, continuing to grow during the cold months. The leaves at the base are all bunched together in a rosette shape. If you're comfortable about where it's growing, knowing it hasn't been poisoned with herbicide or other sprays, make use of it.

To harvest, just pull off entire clean looking, unblemished large leaves. Wash the leaves, then steam a couple minutes in a covered saucepan with just enough water to barely cover a couple leaves. Maybe you thought I was going to suggest making a tea. You could, with more water, but the tea is pretty bitter, so sweetener would be needed. Instead, I'm suggesting getting a towel to "tent" over the pan and one's head, turn off the heat, and just inhale the vapors, being careful not to get too close to really hot steam. Gently ease into the steamy air surrounding the saucepan with lid slightly ajar. Not only will the mullein steam relax the bronchials, but inhaling moist air assists in "thinning the mucous." That's what down there in the lungs... and sometimes it needs some help clearing the system.

This is the topic I'm preparing to cover at the Midwestern Herb and Garden Show in Mt. Vernon, IL at the Times Square Mall, Feb. 12-14, 2010. The hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. except Sunday. Check out the show's website.

I'll speak at 1:15 on Friday on respiratory herbs and share more of my experiences with this plant and others. It's a really great show with lots of vendors and speakers with ideas on gardening and cooking, and is free to the public.

I'll have my Legacy Herbs booth with soaps, essential oils, repellants, teas, and my usual aids to health close to the main entrance, together with Raymond Creasy, where we'll also be playing our music, selling his wooden flutes and drums, plus our CDs. We're looking forward to reconnecting with all our friends at the show.