By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Coughing Fits
Herbal teas for coughing fits are natural remedies that help alleviate the discomfort and irritation associated with persistent coughs.
These teas are made from a blend of herbs, each with its unique properties and benefits, which work together to soothe the throat and calm the respiratory system. The best herbal teas for coughing fits include Echinacea purpurea, Eucalyptus globulus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Mentha x piperita, Lavandula angustifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis.
If left untreated, coughing fits can disrupt daily life, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and reduced productivity, ultimately affecting one's overall well-being and quality of life.
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with coughing fits because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The active compounds in Echinacea, such as alkylamides and glycosides, work to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the throat and airways. This helps to alleviate congestion and soothe the coughing, allowing for a more comfortable recovery from respiratory illnesses.
As a result, Echinacea purpurea teas have become a popular natural remedy for colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with coughing fits.
- Iridoid glycosides: They help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating coughing fits.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: They possess anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, which help to soothe the throat and reduce the frequency of coughing fits.
- Alkylamides: They have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, providing relief from coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Roots: They contain a high concentration of active compounds, making them a primary source for medicinal extracts.
- Leaves: They have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in soothing respiratory issues and reducing coughs.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, they contribute to the plant's immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, making them a popular choice for teas.
2. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with coughing fits because it contains decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that ease congestion and soothe the throat.
The tea's expectorant properties help loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to cough out. The menthol content in eucalyptus globulus also helps to thin mucus, reducing the severity of coughing fits. Furthermore, the tea's antimicrobial properties help fight off infections that can cause coughs, providing relief and reducing the frequency of coughing fits.
This results in a smoother, more comfortable breathing experience.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with coughing fits.
- Cineole: It helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, relieve congestion, and ease the urge to cough, thereby providing temporary relief from coughing fits.
- Α-pinene: It has a bronchodilatory effect, which means it helps to relax and widen the airway passages, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of coughing fits.
- Borneol: It has expectorant properties, helping to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear out the airways, thereby providing relief from coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: Eucalyptus leaves are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, a natural decongestant and expectorant.
- Barks: Eucalyptus barks are used to make teas as they contain a high amount of salicylic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and ease congestion.
- Stems: Eucalyptus stems are occasionally used to make teas, particularly in traditional medicine, as they are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve respiratory issues.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with coughing fits because it contains active compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
These compounds help to calm the throat and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating coughing fits. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, providing relief from persistent coughing.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to provide quick and effective relief from coughs and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with coughing fits.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps soothe the mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, reducing inflammation and irritation that can contribute to coughing fits.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate coughing by reducing inflammation and protecting the respiratory system from oxidative stress.
- Coumarins: These organic compounds exhibit antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which can help relax the airway muscles and promote the clearance of mucus, thereby alleviating coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that helps soothe and calm coughs.
- Leaves: Contain flavonoids and glycosides that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to relieve coughs and congestion.
- Flowers: Have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and aroma, making them a popular ingredient in cough teas due to their soothing and calming effects.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with coughing fits because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe the throat and respiratory tract.
The active compound gingerol in Zingiber officinale has been shown to reduce inflammation and ease congestion, providing relief from coughs and colds. Additionally, its warming and comforting properties can help to relax the airways and promote a good night's sleep, making it easier to recover from a cough.
This makes Zingiber officinale teas a popular natural remedy for cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with coughing fits.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, thus alleviating coughing fits.
- Shogaols: As powerful decongestants, shogaols help break down mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and relieving coughing fits.
- Terpinen-4-ol: This compound exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, thereby reducing coughing fits and promoting easier breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves are sometimes used in teas for coughs due to their antipyretic and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce fever and combat underlying infections causing the cough.
5. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with coughing fits because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, work to combat bacterial and viral infections that can cause persistent coughing. Additionally, thyme's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, providing quick relief from coughing fits. Its soothing and decongestant effects also calm the throat and airways, reducing discomfort and allowing for easier breathing.
This natural remedy can provide effective relief for coughing fits.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with coughing fits.
- Thymol: It helps to reduce inflammation and congestion in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving coughing fits.
- Carvacrol: It has antimicrobial properties that help to combat infections and reduce the severity of coughs caused by respiratory tract infections.
- Rosmarinic acid: It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to soothe irritated airways and reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their antiseptic and expectorant properties that help soothe the throat and loosen mucus.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their soothing and calming effects that help reduce inflammation and ease coughs.
- Stems: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their antibacterial properties that help combat infections and reduce cough severity.
6. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus teas helps with coughing fits because of its expectorant properties, which loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
The tea is rich in mucilages, a type of complex carbohydrate that forms a soothing protective layer on the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation. This helps to calm the cough reflex, allowing the body to clear out mucus and debris more efficiently.
The tea's natural anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing congestion and promoting a smoother respiratory function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with coughing fits.
- Iridoid glycosides: They help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which in turn alleviates coughing fits by soothing the irritated airways.
- Phenolic acids: They exhibit anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties, helping to calm the coughing muscles and reduce mucus production, ultimately providing relief from persistent coughs.
- Flavonoids: They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate coughing fits by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory system, making it easier to breathe.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Verbascum thapsus used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
- Roots: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief from coughing fits and associated inflammation.
- Stems: Used to make teas for coughing fits due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve congestion and inflammation in the lungs.
7. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with coughing fits because it contains bioactive compounds, specifically flavonoids and tannins, that possess potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and congestion associated with coughing fits.
By inhibiting the replication of viruses, Sambucus nigra teas can also help to alleviate symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and flu, making it a popular natural remedy for cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with coughing fits.
- Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds help to reduce inflammation and relieve coughing fits by acting as antihistamines and antioxidants.
- Volatile oils: These essential oils have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby easing coughing fits.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation that can contribute to coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Flowers: They are used due to their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
- Leaves: They are used because of their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Stems: They are used for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, alleviating coughing fits.
8. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with coughing fits because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.
The menthol in peppermint oil acts as an irritant to the mucous membranes in the throat, helping to loosen and clear out excess mucus. This can provide quick relief from congestion and coughing, making it easier to breathe and swallow.
The calming effects of peppermint also help to soothe the throat and reduce coughing spasms, providing a welcome respite from persistent coughing fits.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with coughing fits.
- Menthol: Provides a cooling sensation in the throat, which helps to numb the pain and reduce inflammation associated with coughing fits.
- Menthone: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways, making it easier to cough up.
- Menthol's ester, menthyl acetate: Demonstrates antimicrobial properties, reducing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections and exacerbate coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: The menthol content in peppermint leaves helps to soothe the throat and ease coughs.
- Stems: The menthol in peppermint stems also provides relief from coughs and congestion.
- Roots: The menthol and other volatile oils in peppermint roots help to calm the respiratory system and reduce coughing.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with coughing fits because its soothing properties calm the respiratory system.
The tea's antispasmodic effects help relax the muscles in the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The essential oils present in the tea, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, have natural decongestant properties that ease congestion and promote easier breathing.
As a result, individuals can experience relief from persistent coughs, making Lavandula angustifolia tea a popular natural remedy for coughing fits and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with coughing fits.
- Linalool: A monoterpenoid with antispasmodic properties that helps to relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, thereby reducing coughing fits.
- Linalyl acetate: A monoterpenoid with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that helps to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating coughing fits.
- Lavandulol: A monoterpenoid with bronchodilatory properties that helps to open up the airways and reduce congestion, thereby making it easier to breathe and alleviating coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their calming and soothing properties that help alleviate coughs and sore throats.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas because of their antispasmodic and calming properties that help ease coughs and promote relaxation.
- Buds: They are used to make teas due to their antispasmodic and expectorant properties that help ease coughs and promote the removal of mucus.
10. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with coughing fits because it contains compounds like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid that have potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
These properties help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and clear mucus. Additionally, the tea's decongestant properties help to loosen and clear phlegm from the lungs, providing relief from coughing fits.
The soothing effects of the tea can also help to calm the throat and chest, providing fast and effective relief from coughing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with coughing fits.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helping to reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, which can contribute to coughing fits.
- Camphor: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving coughing fits.
- Bornyl acetate: Displays bronchodilatory effects, widening airways and making breathing easier, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of coughing fits.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for coughing fits.
- Leaves: Used for their expectorant properties to help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up.
- Flowers: Used for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties to help soothe the throat and reduce coughing fits.
- Stems: Used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to help clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.