Updated: Nov 30, 2024
7 Herbal Tinctures For Cough
Herbal tinctures for cough are a natural way to relieve throat irritation and congestion.
When you drink herbal tea, the warm liquid helps to thin out mucus, making it easier to expel. This is especially helpful when you have a cold or flu. For example, Eucalyptus globulus, also known as eucalyptus, has decongestant properties that can help to clear your airways. Its menthol-like scent can also help to ease coughing and soothe a sore throat. Another herb that's commonly used to relieve cough is Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower. It's known for its immune-boosting properties, which can help to fight off infections that cause coughing.
Some studies have also shown that Echinacea can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is another herb that's often used to soothe a sore throat and relieve cough. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce swelling and irritation in the throat, making it easier to swallow and breathe. Additionally, licorice root has antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent infections from taking hold. Using herbal tinctures for cough can be beneficial for many reasons. For one, they're a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, which can have side effects like drowsiness and stomach upset. Additionally, herbal tinctures are often less expensive than prescription medications and don't require a doctor's visit to obtain.
Furthermore, many herbal tinctures can be used in combination with other natural remedies, like honey and steam inhalation, to create a comprehensive treatment plan for cough.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for cough and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus tinctures contains eucalyptol, camphor, and cineole as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have natural decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve coughs. Eucalyptol, in particular, is known for its expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Camphor adds a soothing effect, reducing irritation and congestion in the throat.
By combining these properties, eucalyptus globulus tinctures can provide quick relief from coughs and congestion.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Eucalyptus globulus leaves and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add 1 cup of water to the jar with the leaves and vodka. Stir well to combine.
- Seal the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every day.
- After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in the fridge and use 15-30 drops as needed to relieve a cough. Keep the tincture away from children and pets.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains bioactive constituents like alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and phenolic acids that help alleviate a cough.
Alkylamides, specifically echinacoside, have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the throat and airways, making it easier to breathe. Caffeic acid derivatives and phenolic acids possess antimicrobial properties that fight off infections causing the cough. The combination of these properties helps to soothe and calm the throat and airways, reducing the severity of the cough.
By modulating the body's immune response, Echinacea purpurea tinctures can help the body recover from illness and reduce the duration of a cough.
- Gather 1 cup of Echinacea purpurea flowers and 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the Echinacea flowers to the jar and fill it with vodka, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture in water or tea to help with cough.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains glycyrrhizin and other bioactive constituents like flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help relieve a cough by reducing inflammation in the throat and making it easier to expel mucus. Glycyrrhizin also has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes, calming a sore and irritated throat. The expectorant properties of flavonoids help loosen and clear out mucus, giving cough relief.
The combination of these properties in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures can help alleviate a cough, especially one caused by a cold or allergies.
- Gather 250g of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root, 750ml of vodka or glycerin, and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the dried root and vodka or glycerin in the glass jar. Stir well.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in the fridge and use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, to soothe a cough.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its medicinal properties.
These bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects that help soothe irritated tissues in the throat and lungs. The warming properties of ginger help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, reducing coughing and congestion. The expectorant properties of gingerols also help thin and clear mucus, making it easier to cough up phlegm and relieve a persistent cough.
By reducing inflammation and loosening mucus, Zingiber officinale tinctures can help provide relief from coughs caused by respiratory infections and allergies.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Zingiber officinale (Ginger) roots, a clean glass jar, and a cup of 80% or higher vodka.
- Chop the ginger roots into small pieces and pack them into the glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of vodka to the jar, making sure the ginger is completely covered.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, and discard the solids. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
5. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra tinctures contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce swelling and fight off infections in the respiratory tract. The tannins present in Sambucus nigra tinctures help soothe and calm the throat, reducing irritation and coughing. The antiviral properties of the tincture, particularly from the flavonoids, help combat viral infections that cause coughs.
By reducing inflammation and fighting off infections, Sambucus nigra tinctures help alleviate cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Sambucus nigra flowers, leaves, and stems. Use a clean bucket or container.
- Add 2 cups of 80-proof vodka or brandy to the Sambucus nigra mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the mixture every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean container. Discard the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to small bottles and label them. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day for cough relief.
6. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris tinctures contains thymol, carvacrol, and linalool as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties that help relieve cough symptoms. Thymol, in particular, has a soothing effect on the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and congestion. Carvacrol, on the other hand, helps break down mucus, making it easier to expel.
By combining these properties, Thymus vulgaris tinctures can help alleviate coughing and promote a smoother recovery.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers.
- Combine the leaves and flowers with 2 cups of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed for cough relief.
7. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita tinctures contains menthone, menthol, and limonene as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe an irritated throat and reduce coughing. Menthone and menthol in Mentha x piperita tinctures have expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up. The anti-inflammatory properties of limonene and menthone also help reduce inflammation in the throat, further alleviating cough symptoms.
By using Mentha x piperita tinctures, you can harness the natural powers of these bioactive constituents to help manage coughs and promote a healthy respiratory system.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Mentha x piperita leaves and flowers.
- Combine the leaves and flowers with 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into another clean glass jar.
- Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture, and store it in a cool, dark place.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent cough from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help soothe a sore throat and calm the airways, making it easier to fight off a cough.
Some herbal teas, like thyme and ginger, have natural antiviral properties that could help prevent a cough from forming in the first place.
It may also thin out mucus and make it easier to cough up.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for cough every day?
Consuming herbal teas for a cough every day can be safe, but it depends on the type of tea and your individual health.
Some herbal teas, like peppermint and ginger, are generally considered safe. However, others like licorice root can be problematic in large amounts.
Moderation is key when drinking herbal teas daily.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in cough?
Herbal teas can help with a cough in a few days.
Some people notice relief within 24 to 48 hours. The time it takes depends on the individual and the specific tea being used.
Ginger and peppermint teas are often used for coughs and can start to show results quickly.
What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for cough?
For a cough, it's best to drink herbal tea in the morning or early afternoon when your body is most active. This helps the soothing properties of the tea to work effectively and provide relief from your cough.