Wild Cherry Bark has sedative expectorant properties and has been used in cough remedies, especially syrups. It contains a cyanogenic glycoside, called prunasin, a hydrolysis product of amygdalin.

White Horehound consists of the dried leaves and flowering tops, which contain a bitter principle called marrubiin, as well as a volatile oil. It is used as an expectorant and flavoring agent in cough remedies.

Slippery Elm Bark is known to be effective for dry, irritated coughs due to its demulcent and antitussive actions. The inner bark contains a viscous mucilage which is soothing to inflamed mucus membrane.

Elecampane Root A closely related species to the sunflower, elecampane has a long history of use as an antiseptic expectorant. It’s rich in the starch, inulin, which has diuretic actions, explaining its use in pleurisy to expel fluids from the lungs. It also contains alantolactone, a sesquiterpenoid with anti-fungal properties.

Licorice Root has mild demulcent properties that soothes the throat and is known for its sweet taste which is fifty times sweeter than sugar. Licorice is contra-indicated for people with hypertension and edema.

Mullein Leaves are a specific for respiratory inflammation due to their demulcent & expectorant properties, attributed to mucopolysaccharide and flavonoid content.

Coltsfoot Leaves have demulcent & expectorant activities. Coltsfoot’s name Tussilago comes from Latin, meaning "chase away coughs". It stimulates the microscopic cilia that move mucus out of the air passages. It also suppresses production of platelet-activating factor, a protein in blood that plays a role in triggering bronchial spasms, the narrowing of air passages that causes asthma symptoms.

Valerian is known for its potent odor & its sedative, anti-spasmodic properties. It contains iridoids called valepotriates, sesqiterpenoids & volatile oil. It is used for easing coughing spasms and whooping coughs.

Lobelia is known for its nauseant expectorant properties in the treatment of asthma & chronic bronchitis. Its medicinal activity is attributed to a mixture of pyridine-derived alkaloids, mainly lobeline which is less potent than nicotine, but similar in its physiological action, exciting the central nervous system, then depressing it. In small doses it produces bronchiodilation & increased respiration.