Respitrol (CF)™

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Overview

Respitrol (CF) is a traditional Chinese empirical herbal formula traditionally used to help support comfort during cough from a variety of causes. Respitrol (CF) is designed to help release wind from the exterior, eliminate phlegm, nourish yin, and support healthy Lung qi. It may be used alone or alongside a formula targeting an underlying cause.

⚠️ Important: This formula works well when taken as directed, so please stick to the recommended dose. Two of its herbs, Ku Xing Ren and Tian Zhu Zi, act on the body's natural respiratory reflex — taken in far larger amounts than recommended, they may cause breathing difficulty, along with dizziness, weakness, or nausea. Staying within the suggested dosage avoids this. Use with a bit of extra care in pediatric and geriatric patients, and only under practitioner guidance for children. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Cough has many possible causes, and it's worth having any persistent, severe, or unexplained cough checked by a physician, since cough occurring with a temporary seasonal environmental change is sometimes a helpful protective response the body needs. Never stop or adjust a prescription medication because of a side effect without consulting your prescribing physician.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Respitrol (CF) is traditionally used to help support comfort during:

• Cough with associated sputum, chest congestion, or general respiratory discomfort
• Cough associated with sudden temporary seasonal or environmental throat irritation
• Occasional cough associated with post-nasal drip or environmental irritation

This formula is most appropriate when the cause of a cough is not known or a specific treatment is not possible, or as a general comfort-support adjunct once the underlying cause has been addressed by a physician. Anyone with a persistent, severe, unexplained, or worsening cough — or blood in the sputum — should be evaluated by a physician promptly.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Ku Xing Ren (Bitter Apricot Kernel) and Tian Zhu Zi (Nandina): the primary herbs in this formula, traditionally used to help calm coughing. Best taken exactly as directed.

— Gan Cao (Licorice): a traditional harmonizing herb used to help ease coughing and chest congestion.

— Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger): traditionally used together to help release wind-cold and eliminate phlegm.

— Jie Zi (Mustard Seed): traditionally used to help open the airways and eliminate phlegm.

— Mai Dong (Ophiopogon): traditionally used to help nourish yin and balance the formula's warming, drying herbs.

— Wu Mei (Japanese Plum): traditionally used to help astringe Lung qi and ease cough.

— Zi Su Zi (Perilla Fruit): traditionally used to help eliminate phlegm and support healthy Lung qi.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Please follow the recommended dosage. Taking far more than directed may affect breathing, since Ku Xing Ren and Tian Zhu Zi act on the body's respiratory reflex.
2. Use with a bit of extra care in pediatric and geriatric patients; children should only use this formula under practitioner guidance.
3. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
4. Any persistent, severe, unexplained, or worsening cough — or cough with blood in the sputum — should be evaluated by a physician promptly.
5. Never stop or adjust a prescription medication because of a side effect without consulting your prescribing physician.

Dosage & Directions

Standard: 4–6 capsules three times daily for adults. Dosage should be adjusted based on age, body weight, and the individual, especially for pediatric and geriatric patients, and only under practitioner guidance for children.

Supplementary formulas: For environmental throat discomfort during seasonal shifts, this formula is traditionally paired with Lonicera Complex. For cough with clear post-nasal drip, it is traditionally paired with Magnolia Clear Sinus. For cough with wheezing, it is traditionally paired with Respitrol (Heat) or Respitrol (Cold) depending on pattern.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Individuals with a weak swallowing reflex are traditionally advised to eat and drink slowly. Pear, loquat, lemon with honey, and white radish are traditionally used to help ease cough. Cold beverages are traditionally reduced, as they are believed to constrict the airways. Acrid, spicy, greasy, or deep-fried foods are traditionally reduced.

Lifestyle: Avoiding smoke, dust, and airborne irritants is traditionally recommended. Using an air filter at home is traditionally encouraged to help support respiratory comfort.

Related Reading

Also see: Lonicera Complex – for temporary seasonal throat discomfort, Nourish (Fluids) – for dryness and yin deficiency, and the Respiratory & Lung Health Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.