The term expectorant
refers to therapeutic agents (e.g. natural substances
such as herbs, oils, or essences, or conventional pharmaceutical drugs)
that help to ease the removal of mucus from the respiratory system.
In more medical parlance, expectorants are (usually) drugs that aid
and increase the secretion of sputum by the air passages in the respiratory
system
so that it is easier for the person to cough up to expel excessive
fluids.
Expectorants are commonly included in cough mixtures
and cold/flu remedies. This term is therefore familiar to many people
as it appears on the packaging of popular medications that are widely
available without prescription..
For information about specific oils, herbs, and remedies
that may have properties including some of the actions mentioned in this
section, see other parts of this website.
For example, the pages about Aromatherapy
Essential Oils, Bach
Flower Remedies, Herbalism, Homeopathic
Remedies, Homeopathy and Massage
Carrier Oils . |
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This Section is about terms
that describe the actions (effects) of both pharmaceutical drugs
and natural remedies, e.g. astringent, decongestive, etc.. A full
list of terms defined in this section is on the left-hand-side of
each page. |
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