By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Pertussis
Herbal teas for pertussis are a natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms of this contagious respiratory illness.
They work by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The best herbal teas for pertussis include Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea pallida, Eucalyptus globulus, Thymus serpyllum, Lavandula angustifolia, Pelargonium sidoides, and Astragalus membranaceus.
If left untreated, pertussis can lead to severe coughing fits, bronchitis, and pneumonia, causing fatigue, missed work or school, and strained relationships with loved ones.
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with pertussis because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in reducing the severity and duration of the illness.
The tea's immunomodulatory effects can help boost the body's natural defenses, while its expectorant properties can help relieve respiratory congestion and coughing associated with pertussis. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea's antiviral properties may help combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, potentially reducing the risk of complications and shortening the recovery time.
This herbal remedy may provide relief and support during the recovery process.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with pertussis.
- Cichoric acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, potentially reducing inflammation and oxidative stress associated with pertussis.
- Icariin: May inhibit the release of histamine, a chemical mediator involved in allergic responses, which could help alleviate symptoms of pertussis such as coughing and congestion.
- N-alkylamides: Possesses immunomodulatory properties, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes pertussis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for pertussis.
- Roots: They are the primary source of medicinal compounds, including alkylamides and glycosides, which contribute to their antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
- Flowers: They contain a range of bioactive compounds, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help combat the infection.
2. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia teas helps with pertussis because of its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb is believed to stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body's natural defense against infection. Additionally, Echinacea angustifolia contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and relieve coughing, a common symptom of pertussis. Its antimicrobial properties may also help combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes the disease.
These properties make Echinacea angustifolia teas a popular natural remedy for pertussis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with pertussis.
- Alkylamides: These compounds help by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can alleviate symptoms of pertussis such as coughing.
- Iridoids: Iridoids have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria responsible for pertussis, and also reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Polyacetylenes: These compounds have immunomodulatory effects, meaning they can help regulate the body's immune response to fight off the infection and reduce the duration of pertussis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea angustifolia used to make teas for pertussis.
- Roots: The roots of Echinacea angustifolia are commonly used due to their high concentration of alkaloids, which are believed to have immunomodulatory effects that may help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
- Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea angustifolia are used due to their content of flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support the body's natural defenses.
- Roots: The roots are also used due to their content of echinacoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with pertussis because of its natural anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, help to reduce inflammation in the airways and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. This can provide relief from the persistent coughing associated with pertussis, also known as whooping cough.
Additionally, ginger's warming and soothing effects can help to calm the respiratory tract and promote a sense of comfort and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with pertussis.
- Gingerols: These compounds help alleviate pertussis symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving coughing spasms, thereby providing temporary relief.
- Shogaols: Shogaols help with pertussis by displaying antimicrobial properties, which may help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
- Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel and alleviate pertussis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for pertussis.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes are commonly used due to their high concentration of gingerol, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used in traditional medicine for their purported expectorant properties, which may help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs in cases of pertussis.
- Barks: The bark of Zingiber officinale is sometimes used to make teas for its potential antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help soothe and calm the respiratory system in cases of pertussis.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with pertussis because of its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The saponins present in the plant have been shown to soothe respiratory tract irritations and reduce inflammation in the lungs. Additionally, the glycosides in Glycyrrhiza glabra have been found to thin mucus, making it easier to expel. This can help alleviate the severe coughing associated with pertussis, also known as whooping cough, allowing the body to recover more efficiently.
Its natural properties make it a promising complementary remedy.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with pertussis.
- Licoricidin: This constituent has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract caused by pertussis (whooping cough).
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of pertussis symptoms.
- Isoliquiritigenin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it easier to manage pertussis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for pertussis.
- Roots: They are commonly used due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that may help alleviate cough symptoms associated with pertussis.
- Leaves: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may aid in reducing the severity of pertussis symptoms.
- Barks: They are employed for their expectorant and soothing properties, helping to ease coughing and promote the removal of mucus in patients with pertussis.
5. Echinacea pallida
Echinacea pallida teas helps with pertussis because it is believed to stimulate the immune system, helping to combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that causes the illness.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties may also reduce the severity of symptoms such as coughing and congestion. Additionally, Echinacea pallida contains compounds that may help to reduce the duration and frequency of coughing fits, making it a potential natural remedy for pertussis.
This can help alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea pallida teas that help with pertussis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds may help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, potentially alleviating symptoms of pertussis such as coughing and respiratory issues.
- Cichoric acid: This phenolic compound has shown antimicrobial properties, which could help combat bacterial infections like Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of pertussis.
- Alkylamides: These compounds may exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which could help mitigate the severity of pertussis symptoms and support the body's natural defenses.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea pallida used to make teas for pertussis.
- Roots: They contain high levels of alkaloids and phenolic compounds, which are believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that may help boost the immune system and reduce the severity of pertussis symptoms.
- Flowers: They contain a variety of compounds, including alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote a faster recovery from pertussis.
6. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with pertussis because of its decongestant properties, which relieve congestion and cough associated with the respiratory infection.
The tea's expectorant properties help in loosening and removing mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties may help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection.
The tea's natural properties may also help soothe a sore throat and calm a persistent cough.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with pertussis.
- Cineole: This terpene helps to thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs, which is beneficial for patients with pertussis who experience severe coughing.
- Camphor: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating symptoms of pertussis such as chest tightness and coughing.
- Limonene: This terpene has antimicrobial properties that can help combat the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which causes pertussis, by reducing the bacterial load in the respiratory tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for pertussis.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high oil content, which provides antitussive and expectorant properties.
- Barks: They are used for their antimicrobial properties, which help in reducing inflammation and relieving cough.
- Stems: They contain eucalyptol, which is the primary active compound that helps in relieving cough and congestion.
7. Thymus serpyllum
Thymus serpyllum teas helps with pertussis because of its antimicrobial properties, which aid in fighting the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that cause the disease.
The tea's thymol content has been shown to inhibit the growth of the bacteria, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Additionally, thymol has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the respiratory tract and alleviate coughing fits, making it a potential natural remedy for pertussis sufferers.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus serpyllum teas that help with pertussis.
- Thymol: Helps combat pertussis by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which can inhibit the growth of Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria causing the disease.
- Carvacrol: Contributes to the relief of pertussis symptoms by reducing inflammation and exhibiting antimicrobial activity, thereby helping to alleviate respiratory issues.
- Rosmarinic acid: Plays a role in alleviating pertussis symptoms by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the severity of respiratory complications.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus serpyllum used to make teas for pertussis.
- Leaves: Used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Used for its antiseptic and expectorant properties.
- Stems: Used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
8. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with pertussis because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The tea's calming effects can soothe coughing fits and reduce stress, which is often a major contributor to pertussis symptoms. Additionally, the tea contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have antispasmodic and expectorant properties, helping to relieve congestion and coughing.
This makes Lavandula angustifolia tea a potentially effective natural remedy for pertussis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with pertussis.
- Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help alleviate the intense coughing and respiratory tract inflammation associated with pertussis.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system and may help reduce anxiety and stress-related symptoms that can exacerbate pertussis.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity of respiratory tract infections and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and congestion associated with pertussis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for pertussis.
- Leaves: Used for their calming properties.
- Flowers: Used for their calming and soothing effects.
- Stems: Used for their calming and soothing properties.
9. Pelargonium sidoides
Pelargonium sidoides teas helps with pertussis because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea, made from the roots of the Pelargonium sidoides plant, has been traditionally used to support the body's natural defenses against respiratory infections, such as whooping cough.
Studies have shown that the tea's active compounds, particularly sidoidin, help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing inflammation in the airways, making it a potentially effective natural remedy for pertussis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Pelargonium sidoides teas that help with pertussis.
- Ursolic acid: This phenolic compound helps with pertussis by exhibiting antimicrobial properties, which can aid in reducing the severity and duration of the disease.
- Rosmarinic acid: As an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, rosmarinic acid may help alleviate symptoms of pertussis by reducing inflammation and combating infections.
- Geraniol: This terpene may help with pertussis by exhibiting expectorant properties, which can facilitate the removal of mucus and reduce cough frequency and severity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Pelargonium sidoides used to make teas for pertussis.
- Leaves: Used to make teas due to their bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Roots: Utilized for their pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, to create teas for pertussis treatment.
- Buds: Employed to prepare teas due to their content of bioactive compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
10. Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus membranaceus teas helps with pertussis because of its immune-boosting properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
The herb contains saponins and polysaccharides that stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body's ability to fight off infections. Additionally, Astragalus has been traditionally used to relieve coughs and soothe irritated respiratory tracts.
By reducing inflammation and promoting immune function, Astragalus membranaceus teas may help alleviate the symptoms of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, and support the body's natural healing process.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Astragalus membranaceus teas that help with pertussis.
- Saponins: These compounds help by reducing inflammation and suppressing coughing, which can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis.
- Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates help by enhancing immune function and increasing the production of white blood cells, which can help the body fight off the pertussis bacteria.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds help by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can help alleviate symptoms of pertussis and promote recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Astragalus membranaceus used to make teas for pertussis.
- Roots: They contain high levels of bioactive compounds, making them a primary choice for herbal teas.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, leaves are often used for their immune-boosting properties.
- Barks: With its high content of saponins and other secondary metabolites, the bark is commonly used to enhance the medicinal properties of Astragalus tea.