10 best herbal teas for dry cough

Dry coughs often respond well to herbal teas with expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.

Three excellent choices include licorice root, thyme, and marshmallow root teas. Licorice root contains flavonoids that soothe irritated mucous membranes while stimulating the body's natural mucus clearing abilities.

Thyme's essential oils have an expectorant effect, making it easier to expel mucus. Marshmallow root soothes inflammation by creating a protective layer on the throat's mucous membrane.

These herbal teas can be consumed up to three times a day for relief from a dry cough.

1. Licorice

Licorice tea brings immediate relief to a dry cough because it contains glycyrrhizin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated throat tissues.

This tea also acts as a natural expectorant, loosening and expelling mucus from airways, thus reducing tickling sensations and spasms in the throat. Moreover, licorice tea's demulcent qualities facilitate the creation of a protective mucous membrane along the mucous membrane lining of the throat, further alleviating irritation. Additionally, this herbal remedy boasts antiviral and antibacterial properties, helping to combat infections causing the cough while promoting faster healing.

Lastly, licorice tea's soothing warmth increases blood flow to the throat, enhancing the immune response and accelerating recovery.

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

• Roots: Contain glycyrrhizin, which soothes throat irritation and inflammation, making it effective for treating dry cough.
• Stems: Rich in flavonoids that have an expectorant effect, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Leaves: Contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat, alleviating dry cough.
• Flowers: Have a calming effect on the respiratory system, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of dry cough.
• Seeds: Contain essential oils with antispasmodic properties that help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, providing relief from dry cough.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with dry cough.

• Glycyrrhizin: Has been shown to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can help alleviate symptoms of a dry cough.
• Liquiritin: Has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Flavonoids: Have antioxidant properties that can protect the respiratory tract from damage and inflammation.
• Chalcones: Have been shown to have anti-tussive (cough suppressant) properties, which can help reduce the frequency of coughing.
• Coumarins: Have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce irritation in the respiratory tract.
• Volatile oils: Contain compounds such as eucalyptol and linalool, which can help to soothe irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for dry cough.

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove the licorice root pieces.
4. Add honey to taste, stirring until fully dissolved.
5. Drink the tea while still warm, up to three times a day as needed.

2. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea provides soothing relief for dry coughs due to its demulcent properties, meaning it contains mucilage that forms a protective film over the throat.

This film alleviates irritation and reduces the urge to cough. Moreover, it encourages the production of beneficial mucus, which hydrates the respiratory tract and supports cough suppression.

In addition, marshmallow tea's antitussive properties contribute to its calming effect on the cough reflex, decreasing the frequency of coughing fits. Notably, its anti-inflammatory agents further reduce inflammation in the throat, providing added comfort.

Ultimately, these combined elements of marshmallow tea work synergistically to offer an effective and holistic approach to easing dry cough symptoms.

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

• Flowers: Contain mucilage that soothes irritated throat, helpful for dry cough.
• Leaves: Rich in triterpenoid saponins, known to reduce inflammation and suppress cough.
• Bark: Has antitussive and expectorant properties, making it effective in treating dry cough.
• Roots: Contain starch and mucilage, helpful in providing relief from irritating coughs.
• Stems: Contain antitussive and expectorant compounds, alleviating symptoms of dry cough.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with dry cough.

• Mucilage: This slippery substance coats the throat, providing a soothing effect that reduces irritation and eases dry cough.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help reduce inflammation, alleviating the irritation in the throat that can trigger a dry cough.
• Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates form a protective layer on the throat, retaining moisture and easing the discomfort of a dry cough.
• Phenolic acid: This compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe a dry throat and reduce the frequency of a dry cough.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for dry cough.

1. In a pot, combine 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root, and 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the roots to release their healing properties.
3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup, discarding the solids.
4. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of honey for added soothing effects, adjusting to your taste.
5. Drink the tea while still warm, up to 3 times a day, as needed for your dry cough.

3. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea provides relief for dry cough due to the presence of mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when combined with water.

This gel creates a protective film over the mouth, throat, and stomach, soothing irritation and reducing the cough reflex. Moreover, slippery elm contains antitussive properties, further contributing to its effectiveness in treating dry cough. Its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties help alleviate irritation in the respiratory tract and soothe coughing spasms.

As a result, slippery elm tea offers a natural, efficient, and soothing remedy for dry cough.

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

• Bark: Contains mucilage that soothes irritated throat and coughs.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and provides a coating to the throat for relief.
• Roots: High in tannins, aiding in reducing inflammation and relieving dry cough.
• Buds: Packed with nutrients, helping to ease irritation and soothe coughs.

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

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over the mouth, throat, and stomach, providing relief from irritation and reducing coughing.
• Tannins: These compounds have astringent properties that help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated membranes, alleviating dry cough.
• Starch: Serving as a demulcent, starch can help to coat and protect mucous membranes, providing relief from dry cough.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation, protecting the respiratory tract and alleviating dry cough symptoms.
• Polysaccharides: Known for their immune-boosting properties and ability to soothe inflammation, polysaccharides can help to alleviate dry cough.
• Gallic acid: This potent antioxidant has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, helping to suppress coughing fits and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
• Kaempferol: As a flavonoid, kaempferol exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, supporting respiratory health and easing dry cough.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and providing relief from dry cough.
• Rutin: This bioflavonoid contributes to the relief of dry cough by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting overall respiratory health.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for dry cough.

1. Measure - Precisely measure out 1-2 teaspoons of slippery elm bark powder.
2. Boil - Bring 8 ounces of water to a boil.
3. Mix - Stir the bark powder into the boiling water, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Strain - Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer into a cup.
5. Serve - Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day for dry cough relief.

4. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot tea assists with dry cough due to its expectorant and demulcent properties.

Its expectorant qualities aid in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract, while demulcent properties soothe irritated mucous membranes. Thus, coltsfoot tea alleviates discomfort by reducing inflammation and providing relief for persistent coughing fits. Furthermore, it encourages the production of beneficial phlegm, which hydrates and lubricates the airways, thereby mitigating the symptoms of dry cough.

Ultimately, the active compounds in coltsfoot tea, such as mucilage and flavonoids, play a crucial role in mitigating dry cough symptoms, offering a natural and effective alternative to chemical-laden cough syrups.

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

• Leaves: Contain high levels of antitussive compounds that help relieve dry cough by suppressing chronic coughing fits.
• Flower heads: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they help soothe irritated throats and alleviate dry coughs.
• Rhizomes: Packed with mucilage and expectorant properties, they help coat and moisturize the throat, making it easier to expel mucus and reduce dry cough symptoms.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in coltsfoot tea that aid with dry cough.

• Zinc: Supports immune function, helping to reduce the duration and severity of a dry cough.
• Mucilage: Coats and soothes irritated throat membranes, providing relief from chronic dry coughing.
• Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and easing dry cough symptoms.
• Selenium: Supports immune function, aiding in the fight against respiratory infections causing dry coughs.
• Tannins: Have astringent properties, helping to tighten and protect irritated mucous membranes in the throat.
• Silica: Promotes healing of damaged tissue in the respiratory tract, reducing dry cough symptoms.
• Phenolic acids: Exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive effects, helping to alleviate dry cough.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic coltsfoot tea for dry cough.

1. Heat 2 cups of water to boiling point, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
2. Add 2 teaspoons of dried coltsfoot leaves to a teapot, ensuring proper measurements.
3. Pour the boiling water over the coltsfoot leaves and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the leaves, discarding them properly.
5. Drink the coltsfoot tea while warm, up to three times a day, to alleviate dry cough.

5. Thyme

Thyme tea brings immediate relief to a dry cough due to its expectorant properties, which stimulate the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.

The herb contains volatile oils like thymol, which display antitussive qualities, calming the cough reflex. Additionally, thyme boasts powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, alleviating irritation in the throat while combating potential infections. Its soothing warmth furthermore increases blood flow, promoting healing within the respiratory system.

Consequently, thyme tea provides fast, dependable relief for dry coughs.

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

• Leaves: Contain oils with antispasmodic properties that help soothe irritated throats and relieve dry cough.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce irritation and alleviate symptoms of dry cough.
• Stems: Comprise essential oils and tannins that have astringent properties, helping to alleviate dry cough by reducing inflammation and soothing the throat.
• Seeds: Contain thymol, a potent antitussive compound that helps alleviate dry cough and relaxes tracheal muscles.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with dry cough.

• Thymol: A potent antispasmodic, thymol eases coughing by relaxing the muscles of the trachea.
• Carvacrol: A strong expectorant, carvacrol helps expel mucus and soothes irritation in the throat.
• Flavonoids: Acting as antioxidants, flavonoids protect throat tissues, reducing inflammation and irritation.
• Volatile oils: These oils provide antimicrobial properties, helping combat throat infections that can cause dry cough.
• Terpinen-4-ol: Known for its soothing effects, terpinen-4-ol reduces throat irritation and minimizes coughing.
• Linalool: Possessing anti-inflammatory properties, linalool helps alleviate swelling in the respiratory tract and eases coughing.
• Neryl acetate: A gentle relaxant, neryl acetate helps loosen phlegm and relieve the coughing reflex.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for dry cough.

1. Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to a teapot or infuser.
3. Pour the hot water over the thyme leaves and steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the thyme leaves, pouring it into a cup.
5. Drink the thyme tea, sipping slowly, up to three times a day for dry cough relief.

6. Plantain

Plantain tea brings virtually immediate relief to dry cough due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Its mucilage content creates a protective coating in the throat, easing irritation and reducing coughing fits. Furthermore, plantain contains active compounds that help minimize inflammation in the respiratory tract, fostering a faster recovery. Moreover, plantain tea offers expectorant qualities, assisting in the expulsion of mucus and phlegm from the lungs.

Finally, its demulcent nature helps moisturize and lubricate the throat, easing irritation and discomfort while alleviating dry cough.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in plantain tea that help with dry cough.

• Leaves: Contain mucolytic agents that help loosen mucus and ease congestion.
• Flowers: Have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing.
• Seeds: Rich in mucilage, which forms a protective coating on the throat, alleviating dry cough.
• Bark: Contains tannins that have astringent properties, helping to reduce inflammation and dry cough.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in plantain tea that aid with dry cough.

• Mucilage: This constituent coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes, providing relief from dry cough.
• Flavonoids: These constituents have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating dry cough.
• Chlorogenic acid: This compound acts as an expectorant, helping to expel mucus and relieve dry cough.
• Tannins: These constituents have astringent properties that help to tighten and calm irritated mucous membranes, reducing dry cough.
• Rosmarinic acid: This compound has antispasmodic properties that can help reduce coughing spasms and relieve dry cough.
• Caffeic acid: This constituent has antitussive properties that help suppress cough and relieve dry cough.
• Saponins: These constituents act as expectorants, helping to loosen and remove mucus, providing relief from dry cough.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain tea for dry cough.

1. Peel and slice 2 ripe plantains into small pieces, then place in a pot.
2. Fill the pot with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, straining the tea into a separate container.
4. Let the tea cool down to drinking temperature, usually around 5-10 minutes.
5. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for added soothing properties and drink 1 cup of plantain tea, up to 3 times daily, to alleviate dry cough.

7. Elecampane

Elecampane tea addresses dry cough by stimulating the production of beneficial mucus in the respiratory tract.

Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated membranes, reducing coughing fits. The tea's expectorant qualities facilitate the elimination of mucus, minimizing congestion. Moreover, elecampane contains alantolactone, a compound known for its soothing effects on the throat, therefore alleviating dry cough symptoms.

The tea's demulcent action further protects the throat from further irritation.

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

• Roots: Rich in helpful compounds, the roots of elecampane are used in tea to soothe dry coughs due to their expectorant and anti-tussive properties.
• Rhizomes: Packed with beneficial constituents, elecampane rhizomes aid in relieving dry coughs by promoting mucus secretion and soothing throat irritation.
• Flowers: High in soothing compounds, elecampane flowers are used in tea to alleviate dry coughs by reducing inflammation and providing gentle relief.
• Leaves: Containing active agents, elecampane leaves are used in tea to help alleviate dry coughs by calming irritation and easing respiratory discomfort.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in elecampane tea that aid with dry cough.

• Inulin: Provides soothing effect on respiratory tract, helping to reduce dry cough.
• Helenalin: Possesses anti-tussive and expectorant properties, alleviating dry cough symptoms.
• Flavonoids: Exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, reducing irritation in the throat and suppressing dry cough.
• Sesquiterpene lactones: Act as bronchodilators, helping to clear airways and easing dry cough.
• Mucilage: Forms a protective layer on respiratory tract mucous membranes, soothing dry cough.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elecampane tea for dry cough.

1. Chop 2 tablespoons of dried elecampane root into small pieces.
2. Place the chopped elecampane root in a pot and add 4 cups of water.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea to remove the elecampane pieces, then let it cool until warm.
5. Drink 1 cup of the elecampane tea up to three times a day for dry cough relief.

8. Mullein

Mullein tea addresses dry cough by providing demulcent properties, meaning it contains mucilage that coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs.

This herbal tea's emollient effect creates a protective barrier, minimizing irritation. Furthermore, mullein tea's antitussive qualities help suppress constant coughing fits, while its expectorant property encourages the expulsion of excess mucus, promoting a healthier respiratory tract.

Lastly, mullein tea's soothing warmth brings comfort to the throat, alleviating discomfort and reducing the urge to cough.

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

• Leaves: Contain mucilage that soothes the throat and reduces irritation, making them effective in relieving dry cough.
• Flowers: Rich in saponins that produce a soothing effect on the respiratory tract, helping to alleviate dry cough.
• Roots: Have expectorant properties that help to clear phlegm from the respiratory tract, providing relief from dry cough.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in mullein tea that aid with dry cough.

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over mucous membranes, providing relief from irritation and reducing coughing.
• Sitosterol: Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, sitosterol helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating dry cough.
• Saponins: These natural compounds help eliminate mucus and soothe irritated throats, making it easier to expel mucus and reducing the frequency of coughing.
• Verbascoside: Exhibiting antitussive and expectorant properties, verbascoside supports respiratory health and helps clear mucus, thus reducing the intensity of dry cough.
• Phenolic acids: Known for their antioxidant effects, phenolic acids protect lung tissue from damage and reduce oxidative stress, providing relief from dry cough.
• Flavonoids: These powerful antioxidants reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and protect lung tissue, ultimately alleviating dry cough symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein tea for dry cough.

1. Gather 2-3 teaspoons of dried mullein leaves and place them in an infuser or teapot.
2. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the mullein leaves and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Cover the infuser or teapot to retain nutrients and prevent the escape of volatile oils.
4. Remove the infuser or strain the tea into a cup to discard the mullein leaves.
5. Drink the tea 3 times a day, as needed, for its soothing and expectorant properties to alleviate dry cough.

9. Skullcap

Skullcap tea aids in alleviating dry cough due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

These properties stem from the presence of flavonoids and volatile oils in the skullcap plant. Flavonoids reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, while volatile oils relax muscles, thus soothing persistent coughing. Moreover, skullcap tea's demulcent effect creates a protective coating in the throat, further easing irritation and dryness that contribute to coughing.

Ultimately, drinking skullcap tea offers a natural remedy for dry cough by addressing its underlying causes and providing immediate symptomatic relief.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with dry cough.

• Leaves: Contain compounds that help soothe irritated throat tissues, providing relief from dry cough.
• Flowers: Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce throat inflammation and relieve dry cough.
• Buds: High in antioxidants, supporting respiratory health and alleviating dry cough symptoms.
• Stems: Contain essential oils that help relax the muscles of the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel mucus and easing dry cough.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with dry cough.

• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system, soothing dry coughs.
• Potassium: Essential for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, it helps soothe throat irritation and reduce coughing.
• Tannins: Astringent properties help to reduce inflammation and provide relief for dry, irritated throats.
• Volatile oils: Contain sedative and antispasmodic properties that help calm coughs and promote relaxation.
• Bitter iridoids: Stimulate mucus production and expectorant properties help clear congestion, alleviating dry cough.
• Phenolic acids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that help protect the respiratory system and reduce cough symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for dry cough.

1. Measure - Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried skullcap herb.
2. Steep - Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the active compounds to extract.
3. Strain - Strain the liquid to remove the herb particles, leaving only the skullcap tea.
4. Stir - Add honey to taste, if desired, for its soothing and cough-suppressing properties.
5. Serve - Drink the skullcap tea while warm, up to three times a day, for best results in relieving dry cough.

10. Ginger

Ginger tea helps with dry cough due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe irritated throat tissues.

This herbal beverage contains gingerols, compounds that inhibit airway contraction and ease coughing. Furthermore, ginger tea's expectorant qualities loosen and expel mucus, alleviating congestion. Additionally, ginger's natural analgesic effects numb the throat, reducing discomfort and frequency of coughing spells.

Lastly, ginger tea gently warms the body, stimulating circulation and promoting overall respiratory health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with dry cough.

• Roots: Contains gingerols and shaogals, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate dry cough by soothing irritated throat tissues.
• Rhizomes: Rich in gingerols and paradols, known for their expectorant properties, which aid in expelling mucus and alleviating dry cough.
• Leaves: Contain high levels of antioxidants and essential oils that help soothe dry cough symptoms and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
• Flowers: Packed with flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have been shown to reduce cough frequency and relieve irritation in the throat.
• Seeds: Contain zingiberene and other volatile oils that have antitussive properties, which help suppress dry cough by acting on the cough reflex in the lungs.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with dry cough.

• Gingerols: These compounds possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate irritation in the airways, providing relief from dry cough.
• Shogaols: Known for their expectorant qualities, shogaols help loosen and expel mucus, making it easier to expel mucus from the respiratory tract during a dry cough.
• Paradols: With strong antioxidant properties, paradols protect lung tissues from oxidative stress and damage, supporting overall lung health during dry cough.
• Zingerone: This compound has been shown to suppress cough by inhibiting the cough reflex, offering direct relief for dry cough symptoms.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for dry cough.

1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root.
2. Boil 2 cups of water, then add grated ginger and reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 lemon juice, let it steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the ginger pieces.
5. Sip the warm ginger tea to soothe a dry cough.