By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Cough
Herbal teas for cough are a natural remedy that helps alleviate cough symptoms by soothing the throat and reducing inflammation.
They are made from various herbs, including Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eucalyptus globulus, Sambucus nigra, Mentha x piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, and Verbascum thapsus.
If left untreated, a persistent cough can disrupt sleep, lead to fatigue, and even worsen respiratory conditions, negatively impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with cough because of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which work to combat underlying infections and soothe irritated airways.
The tea's active compounds, including alkylamides and glycosides, stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe and alleviate cough symptoms. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, providing relief from persistent coughs and promoting overall respiratory health.
This makes it a popular herbal remedy for colds and flu.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with cough.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the inflammation in the throat and airways, thereby alleviating cough symptoms.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea teas have immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off infections that cause cough.
- Flavonoids: As potent antioxidants, flavonoids in Echinacea purpurea teas help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, soothing the throat and airways to alleviate coughing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for cough.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas because they contain the highest concentration of echinacoside and other bioactive compounds responsible for their medicinal properties.
- Roots: They are used to make teas because they contain a higher concentration of alkaloids and glycosides, which have been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas because they are easier to harvest and process than the roots, while still retaining some of the medicinal properties.
2. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with cough because of its natural expectorant properties, which aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs and airways.
The tea's antimicrobial properties also help to combat infections and reduce inflammation, making it easier to recover from respiratory issues.
Additionally, Thymus vulgaris contains compounds that have a soothing effect on the throat, providing relief from coughing and allowing for better sleep and overall well-being during times of illness.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with cough.
- Thymol: Thymol helps with cough by its expectorant properties, allowing mucus to be easily coughed up, relieving congestion and soreness in the throat.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol helps with cough by its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the severity of coughs caused by infections and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps with cough by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protecting the respiratory tract from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to a productive cough.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Thyme for making teas due to their high concentration of essential oils and bioactive compounds.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers are used to make teas for their medicinal properties, including their ability to soothe coughs and aid in digestion.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with cough because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the throat and reduce inflammation caused by the cough.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have natural expectorant properties that help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, the warming sensation of ginger tea can help to calm a sore throat and reduce the urge to cough.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with cough.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the throat, alleviating cough symptoms.
- Shogaols: Shogaols have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion.
- Volatile oils: These oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and combat underlying infections that may be causing the cough.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for cough.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Roots: Roots are often used in combination with rhyzomes to enhance the tea's flavor and medicinal properties, providing additional relief from cough and congestion.
- Leaves: Leaves are sometimes used to make a tea that is said to help relieve a cough and congestion due to their mild expectorant properties, which help bring up mucus and phlegm.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with cough because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The licorice root, a key ingredient in these teas, contains compounds that calm the throat and reduce irritation. It also contains glycyrrhizin, which has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Additionally, the teas have antimicrobial properties, which can help combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the cough.
This combination of properties makes Glycyrrhiza glabra teas a natural and effective remedy for cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with cough.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe and calm the irritated tissues in the throat, providing relief from cough.
- Liquiritin: This flavonoid glycoside has expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion.
- Licoric acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and combat infections in the throat, thereby alleviating cough symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for cough.
- Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps in soothing coughs and reducing inflammation.
- Leaves: They contain glycosides and flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties to relieve cough and congestion.
- Barks: They contain glycosides and saponins that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to relieve cough and soothe the throat.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with cough because of its decongestant properties, which ease congestion in the airways.
The tea contains compounds like eucalyptol, a natural expectorant that helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, eucalyptus globulus teas have anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the throat and airways, providing relief from a dry, persistent cough.
This natural remedy promotes a soothing and calming effect, allowing the body to recover from respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with cough.
- Cineole: Acts as an expectorant to help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up.
- Pinene: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and lungs, thus easing cough symptoms.
- Catechins: Possesses antimicrobial properties to combat infections that may be causing the cough, while also reducing inflammation and congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are used to make teas for cough because they contain the essential oils and compounds responsible for the plant's decongestant and expectorant properties.
- Buds: The buds of Eucalyptus globulus are used to make teas for cough because they have a higher concentration of essential oils and are often considered more effective for relieving respiratory issues.
- Leaves (again): The leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are also used to make teas for cough because they are more readily available and easier to process than other parts of the plant.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with cough because of its unique properties.
The tea contains high levels of flavonoids, particularly quercetin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This helps to soothe and calm the irritated mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and congestion. Additionally, the tea contains glycosides, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to combat the underlying infection that caused the cough.
The combination of these properties makes Sambucus nigra tea a popular natural remedy for coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with cough.
- Flavonoids: They help with cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, and alleviate coughing.
- Phenylethyl alcohol: It helps with cough by acting as an expectorant, thinning mucus and making it easier to expel, thereby relieving coughing.
- Saponins: They help with cough by having anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce inflammation and combat infections in the throat and airways that may be causing coughing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: They contain bioactive compounds that help alleviate cough and cold symptoms.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, they help soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Fruits: Their berries contain anthocyanins and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and ease cough symptoms.
7. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
The menthol present in the tea acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax the airways and make breathing easier. This allows mucus to be expelled more efficiently, reducing the severity of coughing. Additionally, mentha's expectorant properties help to thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate cough and congestion, providing relief for those suffering from respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with cough.
- Menthol: It helps to thin mucus and make it easier to expel, providing temporary relief from cough and congestion.
- Limonene: It has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways and provide relief from cough.
- Rosmarinic acid: It has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the airways and providing relief from cough and congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: The leaves of Mentha x piperita are widely used to make teas for cough relief due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which provide a cooling effect and help to ease congestion.
- Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for cough relief as they contain similar compounds to the leaves, offering a similar soothing and decongestant effect.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes (or rhizomes) of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for cough relief as they contain a higher concentration of menthol and menthone than the leaves, providing a more intense decongestant effect.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with cough because of its expectorant properties, which loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up.
The rosmarinic acid present in the herb also has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat and airways, thereby alleviating cough symptoms. Additionally, the tea's soothing properties can calm an irritated throat, providing relief from persistent coughing.
This makes rosmarinus officinalis teas a popular natural remedy for coughs and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with cough.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reducing inflammation in the throat and airways to alleviate cough symptoms.
- Camphene: Exhibits bronchodilatory properties, helping to relax airway muscles and improve respiratory function, thereby reducing the severity of cough.
- Bornyl acetate: Displays expectorant properties, facilitating the removal of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, which helps to relieve cough.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: Rosmarinus officinalis leaves are commonly used to make teas for cough due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Rosmarinus officinalis flowers are used to make teas for cough due to their antiseptic and expectorant properties, helping to relieve congestion and soothe the throat.
- Stems: Rosmarinus officinalis stems are sometimes used to make teas for cough due to their ability to help relieve respiratory issues and reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with cough because of its soothing properties and ability to calm the respiratory system.
The tea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and fight off infections that can cause coughing. The presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, two key compounds found in the tea, also help to relax the muscles in the throat, making it easier to breathe and reducing the frequency and severity of coughing.
This can provide relief and comfort for those experiencing coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with cough.
- Linalool: Helps to reduce inflammation in the airways and relax the muscles responsible for coughing.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways and make coughing more productive.
- Caryophyllene oxide: Displays anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help to reduce coughing spasms and alleviate inflammation in the throat and airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: Used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve cough and congestion.
- Flowers: Utilized for their calming and soothing effects, which can help reduce coughing and promote relaxation.
- Stems: Employed for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate cough and other respiratory issues.
10. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus teas helps with cough because of its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea is extracted from the leaves of the plant and contains mucilage, a thick, protective substance that soothes the throat and coughs. It helps to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to breathe and reducing congestion. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Verbascum thapsus tea may help to reduce the inflammation in the airways that can contribute to coughing, providing relief from a persistent cough.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with cough.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help relieve cough by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and facilitating the removal of mucus.
- Saponins: Saponins in Verbascum thapsus teas exhibit expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help alleviate cough by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids, such as triterpenes and sesquiterpenes, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help alleviate cough by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of microorganisms in the respiratory tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Verbascum thapsus used to make teas for cough.
- Leaves: Used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to relieve cough.
- Flowers: Used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to calm cough and sore throats.
- Roots: Used for their demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and calm cough and irritated tissues.