10 best herbal teas for coughing fits

Many excellent herbal teas bring coughing fits under control, providing soothing relief.

Thyme tea, for instance, has potent anti-inflammatory properties, loosening mucus and calming irritated throats. Another popular choice is licorice root tea, which boasts a natural sweetness and works as an expectorant and demulcent, alleviating both coughs and irritation.

Peppermint tea, with its cooling menthol, opens up airways and calms spasms, providing instant respite. Ginger tea, known for its warming qualities, reduces inflammation and suppresses coughs with its mild numbing effect.

These powerful teas offer natural, effective alternatives for managing coughing fits.

1. Peppermint

Peppermint tea provides relief from coughing fits due to its active ingredient, menthol.

This compound possesses strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the throat, reducing irritation. Furthermore, menthol's cooling effect helps to loosen phlegm, making it easier to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. Additionally, peppermint tea's antispasmodic qualities alleviate chest discomfort by calming the muscle spasms responsible for coughing fits.

Consequently, drinking peppermint tea creates a more comfortable environment within the respiratory system, ultimately decreasing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with coughing fits.

• Leaves: Contain rosmarinic acid and flavonoids that soothe throat irritation and reduce coughing.
• Flowers: Rich in essential oils and antioxidants, helping to alleviate inflammation and suppress coughing fits.
• Buds: High in menthol, which provides a cooling effect, relieving congestion and easing coughing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Menthol: Acts as a natural decongestant and suppressant, helping to soothe coughs and clear respiratory tract.
• Rosmarinic acid: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating irritation in the throat and reducing coughing fits.
• Limonene: Helps to break up mucus and phlegm, making it easier to expel and reducing the frequency of coughing.
• Methyl salicylate: Acts as a mild analgesic and antispasmodic, providing relief from throat pain and reducing coughing spasms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for coughing fits.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water, taking 5-7 minutes to reach a rolling boil.
2. Crush or tear 10 fresh peppermint leaves, releasing their oils.
3. Steep leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
4. Strain out and discard peppermint leaves, retaining only the tea.
5. Sip the warm peppermint tea throughout the day to soothe coughing fits.

2. Licorice

Licorice tea provides relief from coughing fits due to its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin.

This compound soothes irritated throats by forming a protective coating. Moreover, it has an expectorant property, helping to loosen and expel mucus.

Additionally, licorice tea reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract, further alleviating coughing spasms. Furthermore, it stimulates the production of mucus, ensuring that the respiratory system remains hydrated and functional.

Ultimately, by addressing the root causes of coughing fits, licorice tea brings soothing, effective relief.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with coughing fits.

• Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, the root of licorice tea plant soothes irritated throats and reduces coughing.
• Flowers: Containing antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, licorice flowers help alleviate respiratory infections causing coughing fits.
• Leaves: High in flavonoids and volatile oils, licorice leaves provide anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects for cough relief.
• Seeds: Packed with coumarins and triterpenoids, licorice seeds offer soothing and relaxing effects to suppress persistent coughing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-tussive properties that can help alleviate coughing by reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.
• Liquiritigenin: Exhibits expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the expulsion of mucus from the airways and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
• Liquiritin: Demonstrates expectorant and antioxidant properties, helping to clear mucus and protect lung tissue from oxidative damage caused by coughing fits.
• Glabridin: Offers anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, potentially reducing inflammation and viral activity that can contribute to coughing fits.
• Naringenin: Possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the protection of lung tissue from oxidative damage and reducing inflammation caused by coughing fits.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for coughing fits.

1. Measure - Pour 8 ounces of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Add - Stir in 1 tablespoon of crushed dried licorice root and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain - Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a cup, discarding the solids.
4. Sweeten - Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added soothing properties, if desired.
5. Serve - Enjoy the tea while warm, up to three times a day as needed.

3. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea, derived from the marshmallow plant's roots, contains a substance called mucilage that soothes irritated respiratory tissues.

This mucilage creates a protective coating in the throat, decreasing the intensity of coughing fits. Furthermore, it reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating irritation that often triggers persistent coughing. Additionally, the tea's warmth helps to loosen and expel mucus, making it easier to eliminate accumulated phlegm.

Ultimately, marshmallow tea's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties provide quick relief for coughing fits while promoting overall respiratory health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with coughing fits.

• Roots: Contain medicinal compounds that help soothe throat irritation and suppress coughing.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that relax throat muscles, providing cough relief.
• Leaves: Known for expectorant properties, help clear mucus and reduce coughing fits.
• Bark: Source of antitussive agents that alleviate persistent coughing.
• Seeds: Contain antioxidants that support respiratory health and reduce coughing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over the mucous membranes, relieving irritation and reducing coughing.
• Ascorbic Acid: Also known as Vitamin C, it boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections that cause coughing.
• Pectin: This soluble fiber has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce irritation in the throat and suppress coughing.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help reduce inflammation, soothing the respiratory tract and alleviating coughing fits.
• Quercetin: A type of flavonoid, it reduces inflammation, helps control coughing, and soothes a sore throat.
• Tannins: These astringents help in reducing inflammation and relieving irritation, thereby alleviating coughing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for coughing fits.

1. In a pot, combine 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme; let it simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solid parts.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice.
4. Warm the tea in a microwave or on a stove for 30 seconds.
5. Sip the tea slowly, breathing in the steam, to soothe your cough.

4. Thyme

Thyme tea provides relief from coughing fits due to its expectorant properties, which means it promotes the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.

The herb's volatile oils, specifically thymol and carvacrol, have antibacterial and antispasmodic qualities that reduce irritation in the throat, alleviating coughing spasms. Furthermore, thyme's soothing warmth increases blood flow to the lungs, helping to eliminate congestion. Its anti-inflammatory agents further decrease inflammation in the airways, resulting in fewer coughing fits.

Ultimately, thyme tea's comprehensive action on the respiratory system makes it an effective remedy for managing persistent coughing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with coughing fits.

• Leaves: Contain oils and compounds that help relax throat muscles and alleviate coughing fits.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, reducing coughing and inflammation.
• Stems: Contain similar beneficial compounds as leaves, although in smaller quantities, still contributing to reducing coughing and inflammation.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Thymol: A potent antiseptic that helps kill the bacteria responsible for respiratory infections, providing relief from coughing fits.
• Carvacrol: An expectorant that loosens mucus, making it easier to expel congestion and calm coughing fits.
• Linalool: A compound with anti-inflammatory properties that helps soothe irritated airways and reduces coughing.
• Terpinen-4-ol: A compound with mucolytic effects that thins and clears mucus, alleviating coughing fits.
• α-Pinene: A compound that acts as a bronchodilator, opening up airways and easing coughing fits.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for coughing fits.

1. Gather 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves.
2. Boil the water in a pot or kettle for 3-5 minutes.
3. Place thyme leaves in a teapot or infuser and pour hot water over them.
4. Steep tea for 10 minutes, then strain out thyme leaves.
5. Drink warm thyme tea immediately for cough relief.

5. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea provides relief from coughing fits due to its demulcent properties, which involve the extraction of mucilage from the bark of the slippery elm tree.

This mucilage forms a slick, gel-like barrier when combined with water, soothing inflamed tissues in the throat and reducing irritation. As a result, slippery elm tea alleviates coughing by lubricating and soothing the respiratory tract, easing irritants' removal from the airways, and diminishing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits.

Moreover, the tea's comforting warmth further assists in calming the throat, offering additional respite from persistent coughing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with coughing fits.

• Bark: Contains high mucilage content that coats and soothes irritated throats, making it effective for coughing fits.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate respiratory issues and ease continuous coughing.
• Roots: Packed with tannins that have astringent qualities, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and suppressing coughs.
• Buds: High in glycosides, which have expectorant properties that help expel mucus and relieve persistent coughing.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils and flavonoids that work synergistically to soothe throat irritations and calm coughing spasms.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Tannins: These astringent compounds help to soothe inflamed and irritated mucous membranes, reducing the urge to cough.
• Mucilage: This gel-like substance forms a protective coating over the respiratory tract, helping to relieve irritation and suppress coughing.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract, easing coughing fits.
• Gallic acid: This polyphenol acts as an expectorant, aiding in the removal of excess mucus and reducing coughing.
• Catechins: These antioxidant compounds help protect the respiratory tract from damage, lessening coughing fits caused by irritation or inflammation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for coughing fits.

1. Measure - Scoop 1 teaspoon of dried slippery elm bark into a tea infuser or loose in a teapot.
2. Boil - Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the bark and let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Stir - Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of honey for added soothing properties, if desired.
4. Filter - Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea to remove loose bark.
5. Drink - Sip the tea while warm, up to three times a day for coughing relief.

6. Mullein

Mullein tea aids in alleviating coughing fits due to its expectorant properties, which promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.

The soothing effects of mullein on the mucous membranes reduce irritation, thereby minimizing the intensity and frequency of coughing spells. Mullein's demulcent qualities create a protective layer over the throat, shielding it from further irritation and inflammation. Furthermore, mullein's antioxidant compounds counteract oxidative stress, contributing to overall lung health and bolstering the body's defense against respiratory ailments.

Consequently, mullein tea proves an effective remedy for coughing fits, offering quick relief and supporting respiratory well-being.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in mullein tea that help with coughing fits.

• Leaves: Contain mucilage that soothes inflammation and mucous membranes, providing relief for coughing fits.
• Flowers: Rich in saponins, which help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract, alleviating persistent coughs.
• Roots: Have expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in treating irritating coughs and easing bronchial congestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in mullein tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over the mucous membranes, providing relief from coughing fits by reducing irritation.
• Sitosterol: Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating coughing fits caused by inflammation.
• Saponins: These constituents have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the airways, which can reduce coughing fits.
• Verbascoside: Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help protect the respiratory tract and reduce coughing caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Rosmarinic acid: This compound has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate coughing fits caused by spasms and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein tea for coughing fits.

1. Gather 2-3 dried mullein leaves, crush and place in a tea infuser.
2. Boil 8 ounces of water and pour over the infuser in a cup.
3. Steep the mullein leaves for 10 minutes, allowing the water to turn dark brown.
4. Remove the infuser and add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
5. Drink the tea up to three times a day for coughing relief.

7. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot tea's expectorant properties make it an effective remedy for coughing fits.

This herbal tea loosens mucus buildup in the respiratory tract, easing congestion and facilitating smooth breathing. Coltsfoot contains mucilage, a substance that forms a soothing film on the throat, reducing irritation and suppressing coughs. Moreover, it boasts anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that alleviate inflammation and soothe any discomfort, thus diminishing the frequency and severity of coughing fits.

Drinking coltsfoot tea, with its demulcent, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant qualities, provides holistic relief for coughing fits, offering comfort to those suffering from respiratory ailments.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in coltsfoot tea that help with coughing fits.

• Leaves: Contain anti-tussive properties that help alleviate coughing fits.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, help soothe irritated throat.
• Rhyzomes: Contain mucilage that coats the throat, reducing irritation and coughing.
• Buds: High in flavonoids that have expectorant properties, helping to expel mucus.
• Roots: Have demulcent properties that soothe irritated membranes in the respiratory tract.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in coltsfoot tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Zinc: Zinc supports immune function, helping the body fight off infections that can cause coughing fits.
• Mucilage: Mucilage forms a soothing film over the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, relieving irritation and reducing coughing.
• Selenium: Selenium has antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress in the lungs, helping to alleviate persistent coughing.
• Tannins: Tannins have astringent properties that help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated throat tissues, thereby alleviating coughing.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to relax bronchial muscles and reduce coughing fits.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic coltsfoot tea for coughing fits.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried coltsfoot leaves and place them in a teapot.
2. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the coltsfoot leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, leaving only the liquid.
4. Add honey or lemon juice to taste, if desired.
5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to soothe coughing fits.

8. Elecampane

Elecampane tea aids in alleviating coughing fits due to its expectorant properties, which help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

This herbal tea contains alantolactone, a compound known for its anti-tussive effects, reducing the intensity and frequency of coughing fits. Moreover, elecampane tea soothes irritated throat tissues, providing relief and diminishing the urge to cough.

Additionally, this tea supports the immune system, bolstering the body's defenses against respiratory infections that often induce coughing fits.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in elecampane tea that help with coughing fits.

• Roots: Contain high amounts of useful compounds, such as alantolactone and isoalantolactone, which have anti-tussive and expectorant properties, making them ideal for soothing coughs.
• Rhizomes: Packed with essential oils and beneficial compounds that help alleviate bronchial congestion and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, contributing to a more comfortable breathing experience.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe irritated airways and alleviate coughing fits.
• Leaves: Contain rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and mucus production, helping to alleviate coughs and support overall respiratory health.
• Bark: High in tannins with astringent properties that can help shrink and tighten mucous membranes, providing relief for persistent coughs and irritation in the respiratory tract.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in elecampane tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Isoalantolactone: Inhibits the activity of inflammatory agents that can trigger coughing fits.
• Alantolactone: Possesses expectorant properties that help clear mucus from the airways, relieving coughing.
• Dihydroisoincomarnin: Has antitussive effects that directly suppress coughing.
• Chlorogenic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that alleviate irritation in the respiratory tract.
• Rosmarinic acid: Demonstrates antispasmodic effects, helping to relax the muscles involved in coughing.
• Luteolin: Displays antitussive properties and supports overall respiratory health.
• Apigenin: Contributes to reducing inflammation in the respiratory system and relieving coughing.
• Acacetin: Exhibits antibacterial properties, which can help combat respiratory infections causing coughs.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elecampane tea for coughing fits.

1. Chop 2 tablespoons of dried elecampane root into small pieces, crushing roots slightly to release compounds.
2. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add chopped elecampane root, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, cover and let steep for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Strain out and discard the elecampane pieces, leaving only the tea.
5. Drink warm elecampane tea up to three times a day as needed for coughing fits.

9. Pleurisy

Pleurisy tea brings immediate relief to coughing fits due to its active ingredients, such as licorice root and thyme, which have expectorant properties.

These powerful herbs soothe inflammation in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation that triggers coughing fits. Moreover, pleurisy tea's natural calming effect on the nervous system further alleviates persistent coughing, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Furthermore, its antibacterial properties help fight off infections causing the cough, supporting the immune system and accelerating recovery.

By combining these multifaceted healing benefits, pleurisy tea offers a holistic approach to managing coughing fits effectively and efficiently.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in pleurisy tea that help with coughing fits.

• Leaves: Contain compounds with expectorant properties, helping to expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, flowers support soothing coughs and reducing inflammation.
• Stems: Packed with essential oils, stems offer calming and antispasmodic effects to alleviate persistent coughing.
• Buds: High in vitamins and minerals, buds provide nourishment while assisting in easing throat irritation.
• Bark: Contains tannins that have astringent properties, helping to reduce irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in pleurisy tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Eucalyptol: This compound has expectorant properties that help loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up and expel.
• Menthol: This constituent has a cooling and calming effect on the throat, helping to relieve irritation and suppress coughing fits.
• Limonene: This antioxidant constituent supports a healthy respiratory system, reducing inflammation and alleviating coughing.
• Cineole: This compound has been shown to relieve coughing by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
• Alpha-pinene: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to clear the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing coughing fits.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pleurisy tea for coughing fits.

1. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh licorice root and combine with 1 tablespoon of dried elecampane root in a mortar and pestle. Grind into a coarse powder.
2. In a small pot, combine the ground herbs with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the water to extract the herbal properties.
4. Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve into a mug, discarding the solid remains.
5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and drink while warm, up to three times a day as needed for coughing fits.

10. Grindelia

Grindelia tea provides relief from coughing fits due to its expectorant and anti-spasmodic properties.

This tea, derived from the Grindelia robusta plant, contains compounds that relax the muscles of the respiratory tract, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing fits. Furthermore, grindelia tea stimulates the expulsion of mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and alleviating the need to cough. Its soothing effect on inflamed tissues in the throat and airways also contributes to its cough-calming benefits.

Regularly consuming grindelia tea offers a natural, caffeine-free alternative for managing coughing fits.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in grindelia tea that help with coughing fits.

• Roots: Contain compounds that help loosen phlegm and soothe irritated throat membranes.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that reduce inflammation and suppress coughing fits.
• Flowers: Have soothing properties and essential oils that help clear airways and alleviate congestion.
• Seeds: Contain mucilage that coats the throat, providing a soothing effect and reducing coughing.
• Stems: May include beneficial compounds that can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments.
• Buds: High in antioxidants and essential oils that can support respiratory health and reduce coughing fits.
• Bark: Historically used for treating respiratory conditions due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in grindelia tea that aid with coughing fits.

• Mangiferin: Has potent anti-tussive properties that help alleviate coughing fits by reducing the frequency and intensity of coughing spasms.
• Harpagoside: Possesses anti-inflammatory effects that help soothe irritated respiratory tracts, reducing coughing fits caused by inflammation.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit antispasmodic effects that help relax bronchial smooth muscles, reducing coughing fits caused by spasms.
• Diterpenes: Demonstrate expectorant effects that help eliminate excess mucus, alleviating coughing fits associated with mucus buildup.
• Quinic acid: Displays antitussive effects that help suppress coughing fits by inhibiting the cough reflex.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic grindelia tea for coughing fits.

1. Measure 1-2 teaspoons of dried Grindelia (Grindelia robusta) leaf and flower and place in a tea infuser or loose in a teapot.
2. Boil 1 cup of water and pour over the Grindelia in the teapot or infuser.
3. Steep the tea for 10-15 minutes to allow the medicinal compounds to extract.
4. Remove the tea infuser or strain the loose tea from the teapot.
5. Drink the tea, up to three times a day, as needed for coughing fits.