One of the most common health issues that Filipinos young and old may deal with at any time of the year would be cough. This particular illness can be classified either as dry or nonproductive cough (a cough without mucus) or wet or productive cough (a cough mucus is present).¹

Some of the common causes of a cough include the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, allergens, irritants like smoke and dust, or postnasal drip. In some instances, a cough may even be an indicator of illnesses like pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),² or even COVID-19.³  

While health experts have said that a cough can go away on its own or once its root cause is addressed,⁴ alleviating it the get-go can provide relief on your end. 

The good news is, apart conventional over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, there are herbal remedies that may help you target respiratory discomfort caused by a cough as well. Take a closer look at the potential positive effects of ginger and lagundi on a cough here.

Does Lagundi Work for Dry Cough?

The Philippines has a long history of utilizing plants and herbs grown in various parts of the country for traditional medicine. One notable example would be lagundi (Vitex negundo L), also known as the five-leaf chaste tree.⁵ Nowadays, you can find or even buy lagundi capsules that have vital benefits.

This plant, which can also be found and grown in other Southeast Asian countries,⁶ has long been known to address a variety of health concerns such as fever, common cold, flu, sore throat, ulcers, rheumatism, and clogged sinuses.⁷ In some instances, lagundi leaves were even used to heal insect or snake bites.⁸ 

However, lagundi is definitely most known for its potential in addressing cough. In traditional medicine, this plant has been heavily linked to alleviating some of the discomfort associated with this health issue. Recent findings and reports have positively confirmed this benefit. 

According to findings by the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Philippine Council for Health Research & Development, lagundi may be helpful for cough in general (and not just dry cough) by helping:⁹ 

1. Prevent the spread of disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens
2. Reduce viscosity or thickness of mucus or phlegm 
3. Improve phlegm color
4. Lessen cough frequency
5. Reduce high body temperature caused by fever
6. Address shortness of breath and wheezing

Researchers the University of the Philippines Manila also expound that lagundi may be helpful in addressing cough caused by mild to moderate acute bronchitis and bronchospasm or muscle tightness in people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other obstructive airway diseases.

These particular respiratory benefits may be linked to certain compounds found in lagundi that may possess antihistamine, bronchodilator (aids in relaxing and opening lungs’ airways¹⁰), or even anti-inflammatory benefits.¹¹

Does Ginger Have Benefits for Cough?

While lagundi may be good on its own at alleviating cough and its potential causes, getting an assist another herb can be beneficial too. Just like lagundi, ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been linked to a very long list of health benefits, ranging arthritis, cramps, sprains, muscle pains and aches, constipation, indigestion, and hypertension.¹² 

But that’s not all, as this herb may even be useful if you have a cough. Researchers discovered that ginger root was traditionally used in East Asian traditional medicine. Ginger’s reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities may be key factors in its prominent use as a cough treatment.¹³ Other compounds present in ginger have also been linked to antioxidant, anti-viral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and neuroprotective capabilities.¹⁴

Meanwhile, a 2013 study showed that some of the compounds present in ginger may help relax some of the muscles in the lungs and pave the way for increased respiratory comfort.¹⁵ Lastly, results of a 2022 pediatric study showed that a syrup made of ginger and honey helped improve productive cough (cough with phlegm) in kids better compared to cough syrup.¹⁶  

Count on This Formula to Act on Irritating Cough

There’s a saying that goes “Two is better than one.” When it comes to improving your respiratory health and combating cough, harness the power of two herbs with a supplement like Rhizomex® Lagundi plus Ginger today!

Together with proper diet and exercise, this food supplement may help provide discomfort cough and sore throat, thanks to its natural and organic formula: 250 mg of powdered extract made lagundi leaves (Vitex negundo L.) and 250 mg of powdered extract made ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale).

The next time you’re struggling with a cough, take two (2) Rhizomex® capsules once or twice daily, or as prescribed by a doctor. Once done, make sure to store these supplements in a dry place below 30°C, away direct sunlight, and out of reach and sight of children. 

Rhizomex® is available in selected drug stores in Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union, as well as on e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.