10 Best Herbal Teas For Cough

Herbal teas for cough are natural remedies made from plants, herbs, and flowers that help soothe and calm a persistent cough.

These teas work by reducing inflammation, relieving congestion, and promoting relaxation. Examples include peppermint tea, ginger tea, and thyme tea, which can help ease a cough and improve breathing.

Regular consumption can lead to improved sleep, reduced coughing fits, and enhanced overall well-being, making everyday life more manageable and enjoyable.

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The following article describes in detail the most important teas for cough, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, teas helps with cough because of its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost the immune system.

The plant's roots and flowers contain compounds like alkylamides and caffeic acid, which have been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells and activate the body's natural defense mechanisms. This helps to reduce the severity and duration of coughs, making it a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.

Its soothing effects also calm irritated throats.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with cough.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the throat, making it less irritated and reducing the urge to cough.
• Alkylamides: Alkylamides exhibit immunomodulatory effects, which can help boost the immune system and fight off infections that may be causing the cough.
• Caffeic acid: As a phenolic compound, caffeic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract, alleviating cough symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make teas for cough.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are commonly used to make teas for cough because they contain a higher concentration of active compounds.
• Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for cough because they are rich in volatile oils that provide anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for cough because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for cough.

1. Harvest echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves when they are in full bloom for optimal potency.
2. Dry the harvested flowers and leaves in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves with 8 ounces of boiling water.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes or according to your desired tea strength.
5. Strain and serve the echinacea purpurea tea immediately after steeping has finished.

2. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with cough because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The roots of the licorice plant contain compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, making it an effective natural remedy for coughs. The tea also has a sweet and warm taste, which can help to calm the throat and promote relaxation, providing relief from coughing.

This makes licorice tea a popular choice for alleviating cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with cough.

• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thus relieving cough.
• Isoflavones: These phenolic compounds, particularly formononetin and isowhitetonin, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract that can trigger cough.
• Flavonoids: This flavonoid compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, helping to break down thick mucus and reduce coughing.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for cough.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are commonly used to make teas for cough due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound with expectorant properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are often used to make teas for cough due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory system.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are sometimes used to make teas for cough due to their ability to reduce inflammation and promote a soothing effect on the throat.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 10-20 fresh roots of glycyrrhiza glabra in late summer or early fall when they are mature.
2. Clean the roots thoroughly with cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Chop 2-3 teaspoons of the roots into small pieces using a sharp knife to increase surface area.
4. Steep the chopped roots in 8 oz of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their active compounds.
5. Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the roots and discard the solids.

3. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with cough because of its natural decongestant properties.

The menthol content in peppermint helps to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. The tea's cooling sensation also helps to soothe an irritated throat and calm coughing spasms.

Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling in the throat and airways, further alleviating cough symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with cough.

• Menthol: Menthol helps to thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the throat, making it easier to expel mucus and alleviate coughing.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and calm the throat, reducing irritation and inflammation that can cause coughing.
• Carvone: Carvone has expectorant properties that help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the frequency and severity of coughing.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: They are used because of their high concentration of menthol, which helps to soothe and calm the throat, providing relief from coughs.
• Buds: They are used because the young buds contain a higher concentration of menthol and other oils, which can help to ease congestion and coughs.
• Stems: They are used because the stems of peppermint plants are also a good source of menthol and other oils, which can be used to make teas that help to alleviate coughs.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for cough.

1. Harvest the fresh leaves of mentha x piperita at the peak of their fragrance and potency for best results.
2. Wash the leaves thoroughly with cold water to remove dirt and debris from the harvesting process immediately.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried or 2 teaspoons of fresh leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the leaves completely.
5. Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable temperature before serving and drinking slowly.

4. Verbascum thapsus

Verbascum thapsus, also known as mullein, teas helps with cough because of its soothing and expectorant properties.

The leaves of the mullein plant contain mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and calms the throat, reducing inflammation and discomfort. As the mucilage dissolves, it loosens and clears mucus from the airways, promoting easier breathing and relieving coughs.

This natural remedy has been traditionally used to ease coughs, congestion, and other respiratory issues, providing relief and comfort to those affected.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with cough.

• Saponins: Saponins help soothe and calm the throat, reducing inflammation and irritation associated with coughing.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate cough symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the respiratory tract.
• Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides possess expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thus providing relief from coughing.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of mullein used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: The leaves are used for teas due to their antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which help relieve cough and respiratory issues.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for teas to take advantage of their antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties and to provide relief from cough and cold symptoms.
• Stems: The stems are used for teas due to their mucilaginous properties, which help soothe and calm the throat, reducing cough and inflammation.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh or dried verbascum thapsus flowers in late summer or early fall when they are fully open.
2. Rinse the flowers with cold water to remove dirt and debris then pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Steep one teaspoon of dried verbascum thapsus flowers or two teaspoons of fresh flowers in one cup of boiling water.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for 5 to 10 minutes or until the desired flavor and color are achieved.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids then serve it hot or cold according to personal preference.

5. Malva sylvestris

Malva sylvestris, also known as mallow, teas helps with cough because of its soothing properties.

The mucilage present in the plant forms a protective barrier on the throat and lungs, reducing inflammation and irritation. This helps to calm a dry, hacking cough and brings relief to those suffering from respiratory issues.

The tea's natural anti-inflammatory properties also help to ease congestion, making it an effective remedy for soothing a persistent cough.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Malva sylvestris teas that help with cough.

• Mucilages: Mucilages help with cough by forming a protective layer on the mucous membranes, soothing irritation, and promoting the clearance of mucus, thereby reducing cough frequency.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as quercetin, help with cough by reducing inflammation, alleviating oxidative stress, and relaxing airway smooth muscles, which in turn eases coughing.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, particularly ursolic acid, help with cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting airway inflammation, and reducing mucus production, thereby alleviating cough symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of mallow used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: The leaves of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for cough because they contain mucilage, which helps soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes.
• Flowers: The flowers of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for cough because they have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract.
• Roots: The roots of Malva sylvestris are used to make teas for cough because they contain expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mallow for cough.

1. Gather 1 cup of dried malva sylvestris flowers and 1 quart of boiling water for infusion.
2. Steep the malva sylvestris flowers in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release the properties.
3. Strain the tea mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
4. Discard the malva sylvestris flowers and retain the tea liquid for consumption.
5. Serve the tea warm or chilled within 30 minutes to 1 hour of preparation.

6. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with cough because of its natural expectorant properties.

The roots and leaves of the plant contain compounds like inulin and taraxasterol, which work together to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

The soothing effects of the tea can also calm a sore throat and provide relief from coughing, making it a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with cough.

• Inulin: Inulin acts as a demulcent, forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes to soothe and calm coughs, reducing irritation and inflammation.
• Taraxasterol: Taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and alleviating coughing.
• Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the respiratory tract from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, thus reducing cough severity and frequency.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: They are used to make teas for cough due to their expectorant properties, which help in loosening mucus and relieving respiratory issues.
• Flowers: They are used to make teas for cough due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help in soothing the throat and reducing coughing.
• Stems: They are not commonly used, but the roots are used to make teas for cough due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help in reducing inflammation and fighting infections in the respiratory tract.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for cough.

1. Harvest fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Dry the taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers in a single layer at 30 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
3. Combine one teaspoon of dried taraxacum officinale with one cup of boiling water.
4. Steep the mixture for three to five minutes to allow the flavors and nutrients to infuse.
5. Strain the tea and discard the solids before serving.

7. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, teas helps with cough because of its natural expectorant properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as anethole, help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, fennel tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, providing relief from coughing and congestion.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe coughs and promote a healthy respiratory system.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with cough.

• Anethole: A terpene compound found in Foeniculum vulgare, anethole has expectorant properties that help relieve cough by thinning mucus and making it easier to expel.
• Foeniculin: A phenolic compound, foeniculin has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the airways, alleviating cough caused by irritation and inflammation.
• Sulphur compounds: Foeniculum vulgare contains sulphur compounds that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the severity of cough by fighting off infections and reducing inflammation in the airways.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are often used to make teas for cough due to their high content of compounds that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to soothe and clear the airways.
• Seeds: The seeds of Foeniculum vulgare are commonly used in cough teas because of their carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to ease congestion and coughs.
• Stems: Foeniculum vulgare stems are sometimes used in cough teas due to their ability to produce a compound called anethole, which has a calming effect on the respiratory system and can help to relieve coughs.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for cough.

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried foeniculum vulgare leaves and flowers for a standard serving.
2. Boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes to reach a temperature of 95-100 degrees celsius.
3. Steep the foeniculum vulgare mixture in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
5. Serve the herbal tea immediately and allow it to cool to a comfortable temperature.

8. Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, teas helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation in the throat.

The citral and geraniol present in lemongrass tea have decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to expel.

This, in turn, provides quick relief from coughs caused by colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, promoting a faster recovery and improved breathing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cymbopogon citratus teas that help with cough.

• Citronellol: This monoterpene helps to reduce inflammation and relieve cough symptoms by its expectorant properties, making it easier to cough up mucus.
• Limonene: As a terpene, limonene has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce the severity of cough and congestion.
• Cineol: This monoterpene has decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to break down and clear out mucus, making it easier to breathe and relieving cough symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of lemongrass used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: Used to make teas due to their high content of citral, which has decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rhyzomes: Used to make teas due to their ability to provide relief from cough and cold symptoms with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemongrass for cough.

1. Harvest 1/4 cup of cymbopogon citratus leaves and stems from a mature plant in the morning.
2. Clean the harvested material with cold running water for 30 seconds to remove impurities and debris.
3. Dry the cleaned cymbopogon citratus material in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried cymbopogon citratus in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the herbal tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and let it cool to room temperature.

9. Origanum vulgare

Origanum vulgare, also known as wild marjoram, teas helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

The essential oils in Origanum vulgare, such as carvacrol and thymol, work to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, making it easier to expel mucus and phlegm. Additionally, the herb's expectorant properties help to thin and clear out mucus, providing relief from coughing and congestion.

This makes Origanum vulgare tea a popular remedy for colds and respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Origanum vulgare teas that help with cough.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic acid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, relieving cough symptoms.
• Carvacrol: A monoterpenic phenol with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that helps combat respiratory infections and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating cough.
• Thymol: A phenolic monoterpene with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce the severity of respiratory infections and inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving cough.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of wild marjoram used to make teas for cough.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant due to their high concentration of essential oils and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are used in teas for their calming and soothing effects, which can help reduce coughing and promote relaxation.
• Stems: The stems of the plant contain a higher concentration of menthol and menthone, which have expectorant and decongestant properties that can help relieve coughs and congestion.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild marjoram for cough.

1. Harvest fresh or dried origanum vulgare leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated for best flavor.
2. Clean the harvested origanum vulgare leaves and flowers thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Steep one tablespoon of dried origanum vulgare in a cup of boiling water for five to seven minutes.
4. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container to remove the solids.
5. Store the prepared herbal tea in the refrigerator for up to two days before consumption.

10. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, teas helps with cough because of its rich content of flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help soothe irritated mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and congestion in the throat and lungs. Additionally, elderberry contains expectorants, which help loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to cough up.

This combination of properties makes Sambucus nigra teas an effective natural remedy for relieving coughs and congestion, providing quick relief and comfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with cough.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate cough by exerting anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, reducing the severity of respiratory symptoms.
• Sambunigrin: A glycoside present in Sambucus nigra, sambunigrin has been found to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thus relieving cough.
• Quercetin: As a flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, quercetin in Sambucus nigra tea helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract, providing relief from cough and other symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make teas for cough.

• Flowers: They are used due to their high content of bioactive compounds and their traditional use in folk medicine for respiratory issues.
• Leaves: They are used because they contain similar compounds to the flowers and are often harvested and dried for tea.
• Buds: They are used due to their rich content of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that help in soothing a sore throat and relieving cough.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for cough.

1. Harvest fresh sambucus nigra berries in late summer when they are ripe and fully colored.
2. Clean 30g of the harvested berries by gently rinsing them under cold running water for 2 minutes.
3. Chop the cleaned berries into small pieces and combine them with 250ml of boiling water in a saucepan.
4. Steep the berry mixture for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid has reached a dark red color and reduced slightly.
5. Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and discard the solids.

What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for cough?

The best combination of herbal teas that help with cough is a blend of Thyme, Ginger, and Lemon Balm.

Thyme's antimicrobial properties combat infections, while Ginger soothes inflammation and calms the throat. Lemon Balm's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to cough up. This combination can be brewed individually and then mixed together for a soothing and effective remedy.

Drinking this tea regularly can help to alleviate cough symptoms and promote overall respiratory health.