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Home | Remedies | Respiratory System | Cough | Teas

Updated: Nov 30, 2024

7 Herbal Teas For Cough

herbal teas for cough

Herbal teas can be a great way to soothe a cough, especially when you're feeling under the weather.

Many herbs have natural properties that help to calm and clear your airways, making it easier to breathe and feel more comfortable. One example is Eucalyptus globulus, which contains a compound called eucalyptol that helps to thin mucus and relieve congestion. Drinking Eucalyptus tea can make it easier to cough up phlegm and feel more clear-headed. Echinacea purpurea is another herb that's often used to help combat coughs and colds. It's believed to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, which can help to ease symptoms like a sore throat and congestion. Some studies have even shown that Echinacea can help to reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections.

Ginger is also a popular herbal remedy for coughs. Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. Drinking ginger tea can also help to soothe a sore throat and reduce nausea and stomach discomfort. Drinking herbal teas for a cough can bring many benefits to your life. Not only can they help to relieve symptoms and make you feel more comfortable, but they can also be a natural and gentle way to support your immune system. Many herbal teas are caffeine-free and can be enjoyed at any time of day, making them a great alternative to traditional medications.

Plus, they can be a delicious and soothing way to unwind and relax, especially when you're feeling under the weather.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for cough and wh.

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1. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus herbal teas for cough

Eucalyptus globulus teas contains compounds like eucalyptol, a key player in its effectiveness against coughs.

Eucalyptol is a natural expectorant that helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. The tea also contains other active constituents like alpha-pinene and limonene, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation. These properties work together to ease congestion and provide relief from coughs caused by colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.

By promoting drainage and reducing inflammation, Eucalyptus globulus teas helps to calm a persistent cough and promote healing.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water in a kettle or pot.
  2. Measure 1 teaspoon of dried Eucalyptus globulus leaves into a tea infuser or a small muslin bag.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves in the infuser or muslin bag.
  4. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the leaves.
  5. Strain the tea and drink it while still warm, or add honey to taste.

2. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea herbal teas for cough

Echinacea purpurea teas contains a group of active compounds called alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and flavonoids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, making it a soothing remedy for cough. The alkylamides, in particular, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, such as cytokines, which contribute to the severity of a cough. The caffeic acid derivatives and flavonoids in Echinacea purpurea teas also have antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infections that can cause cough.

By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, Echinacea purpurea teas can provide relief from a persistent cough.

  1. Gather 1 cup of Echinacea purpurea flowers and 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Measure 1 tablespoon of dried Echinacea purpurea flowers and place them in a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
  3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the Echinacea purpurea flowers and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into another cup and discard the flowers.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve cough and soothe your throat.

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3. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale herbal teas for cough

Zingiber officinale teas contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which are responsible for its medicinal properties.

These bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, helping to reduce congestion and soothe the throat. Gingerols and shogaols also have expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up. The antimicrobial properties of Zingiber officinale teas help combat infections that can cause coughing, such as the common cold and flu.

The warm and comforting properties of ginger tea also help to relax the body and relieve coughing fits.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh ginger root and 2 cups of water.
  2. Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin pieces.
  3. Boil the sliced ginger in 2 cups of water for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the mixture and discard the ginger pieces.
  5. Drink 1 cup of the tea, 2-3 times a day, to help soothe a cough.

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4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra herbal teas for cough

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas contains licorice root, a natural ingredient known for its soothing properties.

The tea contains compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These properties help to calm a sore throat and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe and swallow. Glycyrrhizin also acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.

As a result, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can be an effective remedy for coughs caused by respiratory infections.

  1. Gather 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root, and a tea infuser or strainer.
  2. Boil the water in a pot and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning the roots.
  3. Add the dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root to the tea infuser or strainer and place it in the pot.
  4. Steep the roots in the water for 5-7 minutes, then remove the infuser or strainer.
  5. Strain the tea into a cup and drink it warm. You can add honey to taste, if needed.

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5. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris herbal teas for cough

Thymus vulgaris teas contains compounds like thymol, carvacrol, and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help soothe and calm the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and irritation that can cause coughing. Thymol, in particular, has been shown to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Rosmarinic acid also has antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation.

By reducing inflammation and loosening mucus, Thymus vulgaris teas can provide relief from coughing and other respiratory symptoms.

  1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried Thymus vulgaris leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Place the dried Thymus vulgaris leaves in a teapot or a heat-resistant cup.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup using a tea strainer or a piece of cheesecloth.
  5. Drink the tea while it's still warm, up to 3 times a day, for relief from cough.

6. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra herbal teas for cough

Sambucus nigra teas contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and calm the throat. The flavonoids, particularly rutin, are known for their ability to reduce inflammation and swelling, making Sambucus nigra teas effective in relieving cough symptoms. The phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid, have antimicrobial properties that help combat respiratory infections, while the triterpenes, like ursolic acid, have expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.

By addressing the root causes of cough, Sambucus nigra teas can provide quick relief and promote a faster recovery.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Sambucus nigra flowers. If using fresh flowers, dry them first by spreading them on a paper towel and letting them air dry for 24 hours.
  2. Combine 1 tablespoon of Sambucus nigra flowers with 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup or teapot.
  3. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
  4. Add honey to taste, if desired. Some people find that a teaspoon of honey helps soothe a cough.
  5. Drink the tea hot or let it cool to room temperature before consuming it. You can drink 1-2 cups of Sambucus nigra tea per day to help alleviate a cough.

7. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis herbal teas for cough

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the throat, making it an effective remedy for cough.

The herb's anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the mucous membranes, reducing the irritation and discomfort caused by coughing. Additionally, rosmarinic acid has antimicrobial properties, which help combat the underlying infections that cause cough. The herb's expectorant properties also help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and recover from a cough.

By reducing inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and loosening mucus, Rosmarinus officinalis teas provides relief from cough and congestion.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
  2. Chop the leaves into small pieces and add them to a cup.
  3. Pour boiling water over the leaves and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the liquid and discard the leaves. Add honey to taste, if needed.
  5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help soothe a cough.

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FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent cough from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough.

Some herbal teas, like thyme and peppermint, have natural ingredients that can help reduce inflammation and ease congestion.

When you drink these teas, they can help loosen up mucus and make it easier to cough up.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for cough every day?

Herbal teas can be a soothing way to calm a cough.

However, drinking them daily can have its downsides. Some herbal teas, like thyme and eucalyptus, can be too potent and may cause stomach upset or interact with medications.

It's best to enjoy them in moderation and choose gentler options like peppermint or chamomile.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in cough?

Herbal teas can help soothe a cough, but how long it takes to work depends on the tea and your body.

Some people notice relief within 30 minutes to an hour after drinking a warm cup. Others might feel better after a few hours or a full day.

It's different for everyone.

What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for cough?

For a cough, it's best to drink herbal tea in the evening, before bed.

This helps soothe your throat and calm your body while you sleep.

Drinking it then allows your body to work on healing your cough while you rest.

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