Winter has arrived and with it comes the coughs associated with colds, the flu, etc. Herbs with warm and drying properties may be appropriate when a cough is combined with excess clear or white discharge. One herb in particular can be used as an effective cough remedy and expectorant for unproductive coughs with dyspnea and excessive clear or white sputum. But note: this herb must be processed first, as the unprocessed herb can cause severe irritation of the mouth, tongue, buccal mucous membranes, throat and stomach.