10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Cough

Herbal tinctures for cough are liquid extracts made from plants, flowers, and herbs that have been traditionally used to soothe and calm coughs.

These natural remedies help alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation and congestion in the throat and chest, making it easier to breathe and sleep. Examples of effective herbal tinctures for cough include thyme, ginger, and eucalyptus.

By using these tinctures, people can find relief from chronic coughing, improve their quality of life, and reduce reliance on over-the-counter medications.

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

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice tinctures helps with cough because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

When inhaled or taken as a supplement, this compound can help soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, reducing inflammation and relieving coughing spasms.

Additionally, licorice tinctures may also help thin mucus, making it easier to expel and promoting overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides help reduce inflammation and soothe the mucous membranes, providing relief from cough and sore throat.
• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to reduce the production of mucus, thereby alleviating cough and congestion.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, isoflavonoids like isorhapontigenin and licopyranocoumarin, these compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help calm the respiratory tract and reduce cough.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are commonly used to make tinctures for cough because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe the throat.
• Leaves: Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves are often used to make tinctures for cough because they possess expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
• Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are also used to make tinctures for cough due to their ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the respiratory tract.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Collect fresh or dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra in quantities of 1 part by weight to 2 parts of solvent.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for efficient extraction.
3. Combine the chopped roots with 95% ethanol in a 1:2 ratio by weight in a glass container.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container discard the solids.

2. Gelsemium sempervirens

Yellow jessamine tinctures helps with cough because its active compounds, such as limonene and beta-pinene, possess natural expectorant properties.

When ingested, these compounds help to loosen and clear out mucus from the respiratory tract, relieving congestion and making it easier to breathe. Additionally, yellow jessamine's anti-inflammatory properties may reduce throat irritation and discomfort associated with coughing.

By soothing and calming the respiratory system, yellow jessamine tinctures offer a natural remedy for alleviating cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gelsemium sempervirens tinctures that help with cough.

• Triterpenoids: These compounds may help with cough by reducing inflammation in the airways and lungs, which can alleviate cough symptoms.
• Gelsemine: As an alkaloid, Gelsemine may help relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, relieving cough spasms and reducing the urge to cough.
• Gelsemicine: This alkaloid may possess expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, which can reduce coughing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of yellow jessamine used to make tinctures for cough.

• Roots: The roots of Gelsemium sempervirens are used to make tinctures due to their high concentration of active compounds.
• Leaves: The leaves of Gelsemium sempervirens are used to make tinctures because they contain bioactive constituents that help in soothing cough.
• Barks: The barks of Gelsemium sempervirens are used to make tinctures as they contain compounds that help in alleviating cough symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest the plant parts in the morning after the dew has evaporated and before the heat of the day sets in.
2. Dry the harvested plant parts in a dark place at a temperature of 30-40°c for 1-2 weeks.
3. Use a ratio of 1 part plant to 2 parts solvent and add 70% ethanol to the dry plant parts.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks in a dark glass container with a lid, shaking it every day.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store it in a cool dark place.

3. Sambucus nigra

Elder tinctures helps with cough because they contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids that possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the airways, loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs and bronchi.

As a result, elder tinctures can provide rapid relief from coughing fits, congestion, and chest tightness, making them a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and colds.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Flavonoids: They help to reduce inflammation and ease the constriction of airways, thus alleviating cough symptoms.
• Phenylethylamine and hydroxyphenylethylamine alkaloids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties, which help to soothe the respiratory system and alleviate cough.
• Volatile oils: They exhibit expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways, thus reducing cough frequency and severity.

Parts Used

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

• Flowers: Used for cough tinctures due to their high content of antitussive and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Leaves: Utilized for cough tinctures because of their expectorant properties, which help relieve congestion and cough.
• Fruits: Employed in cough tinctures due to their rich content of sambunigrin, a compound with antitussive properties that helps alleviate cough.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in the morning after the dew has dried completely.
2. Weigh 250 grams of the plant material and place it in a clean glass jar.
3. Cover the plant material with 500 milliliters of 25% ethanol and seal the jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids.

4. Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower tinctures helps with cough because it contains compounds like ursolic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the airways.

The tincture also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and calm the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and congestion.

Additionally, purple coneflower has natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear out mucus, making it easier to expel, providing relief from stubborn coughs.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Ishagarins: Ishagarins have antiviral properties that help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, thereby alleviating cough symptoms.
• Cichoric acid: Cichoric acid exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and relieve cough associated with colds and flu.
• Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid has antiviral and antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and reduce cough severity.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: They contain alkaloids, glycosides, and polysaccharides that help stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, making them effective for cough relief.
• Leaves: They possess antiviral and antimicrobial properties that aid in fighting off respiratory infections and reducing the severity of coughs.
• Flowers: They are rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to soothe the throat and reduce coughing.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves in late summer when they are in full bloom and at their peak potency.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material using a food dehydrator on a low setting for 8 hours.
3. Chop the dried plant material into small pieces and combine it with a carrier solvent such as 80 proof vodka at a 1:5 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the plant material in the solvent for 2-3 weeks in a glass jar with a lid, shaking it daily.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.

5. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme tinctures helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated airways.

The essential oils present in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, thyme's antibacterial properties help to combat infections that can cause coughs, providing fast relief from congestion and discomfort.

As a result, herbal thyme tinctures are a popular natural remedy for alleviating cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris tinctures that help with cough.

• Thymol: Thymol has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to combat infections that cause coughing, thereby reducing the severity and duration of cough.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can contribute to coughing, and also has decongestant effects that help to relieve congestion.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to protect the respiratory tract from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by coughing, thereby reducing the discomfort and severity of cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make tinctures for cough.

• Leaves: They contain thymol, a key compound responsible for the herb's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate coughs.
• Stems: The stems of Thymus vulgaris contain essential oils and compounds that contribute to its expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Flowers: The flowers of Thymus vulgaris have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which aid in soothing a sore throat and reducing cough symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves in the morning when they are at their highest moisture content.
2. Dry the harvested leaves in a single layer using a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 part dried thymus vulgaris leaves with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the tincture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

6. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint tinctures helps with cough because of its natural expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.

The menthol in peppermint oil also relaxes the muscles in the throat and chest, making it easier to cough up phlegm and relieving congestion. Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce swelling in the airways, further alleviating coughing fits and making breathing easier.

Overall, herbal peppermint tinctures provide a natural and effective way to soothe and calm a nagging cough.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Menthol: It helps with cough by acting as a natural expectorant, thinning mucus and making it easier to expel, thereby providing relief from congestion and coughing.
• Rosmarinic acid: It helps with cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent infections that can trigger coughing.
• Piperitenone: It helps with cough by exhibiting expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to thin mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and cough.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part for cough tinctures due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have decongestant and expectorant properties.
• Stems: Stems are also widely used for cough tinctures as they contain similar compounds to leaves, including menthol and menthone, which help to relieve coughs and congestion.
• Flowers: Flowers are used in cough tinctures for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest the fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated using 1/4 cup of the plant material.
2. Chop the harvested mentha x piperita leaves into smaller pieces using sharp knives to release their oils.
3. Combine 1 part of the chopped mentha x piperita with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids and storing in a cool dark place.

7. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel tinctures helps with cough because its natural compounds, particularly anethole, have a soothing effect on the respiratory system.

When taken internally, fennel tincture helps to relax the muscles in the throat and bronchi, reducing inflammation and congestion associated with coughs.

Additionally, fennel's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to expel, thus providing fast relief from a persistent cough.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Fenchone: Fenchone, a monoterpene ketone, has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby relieving cough.
• Anethole: Anethone has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and open airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving cough symptoms.
• Phenolic compounds: Phenolic compounds, including ferulic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating cough.

Parts Used

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

• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are commonly used to make tinctures for cough due to their high concentration of carvone, a compound with expectorant properties.
• Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used in tinctures for cough relief due to their carminative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: Foeniculum vulgare roots are used to make tinctures for cough as they contain essential oils that help soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of foeniculum vulgare roots and 2 parts of the aerial parts by cutting them during the flowering stage.
2. Clean the harvested parts by gently brushing off dirt and debris under running water for 10 minutes.
3. Dry the cleaned foeniculum vulgare parts in a well-ventilated area at 40 degrees celsius for 2 weeks.
4. Combine 1 part of the dried foeniculum vulgare parts with 2 parts of a neutral solvent such as ethanol or glycerin in a ratio of 1:2.
5. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place then strain it through cheesecloth to obtain the tincture.

8. Trichosanthes kirilowii

Chinese snakegourd tinctures helps with cough because its unique blend of natural compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, works to soothe and calm irritated airways.

The tincture's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear out mucus, reducing congestion and making it easier to breathe. Additionally, the herbal formula has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the throat and lungs, further alleviating cough symptoms.

As a result, Chinese snakegourd tinctures provide effective relief from coughs and other respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Trichosanthes kirilowii tinctures that help with cough.

• Saponins: These compounds help with cough by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and providing expectorant properties, making it easier to expel mucus and phlegm.
• Phenolics: Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help alleviate cough symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory system.
• Terpenoids: Terpenoids, including triterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate cough by reducing inflammation and preventing the growth of pathogens in the respiratory tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chinese snakegourd used to make tinctures for cough.

• Roots: The roots of Trichosanthes kirilowii are used to make tinctures for cough due to their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
• Leaves: The leaves of Trichosanthes kirilowii are used to make tinctures for cough due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help to reduce inflammation and ease coughing.
• Fruits: The fruits of Trichosanthes kirilowii are used to make tinctures for cough due to their expectorant and mucolytic properties, which help to break down mucus and promote its expulsion from the lungs.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh trichosanthes kirilowii roots in early summer when the plant is in full growth.
2. Clean and dry the roots in a warm dry place for at least 2 weeks.
3. Chop the dried roots into small pieces using a sharp knife and weigh out 500 grams.
4. Mix the chopped roots with 1000 milliliters of 95% ethanol in a glass jar and seal it tightly.
5. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks before straining and bottling it.

9. Scutellaria lateriflora

Skullcap tinctures helps with cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe irritated airways and reduce inflammation.

The tincture's expectorant qualities help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel, providing relief from congestion. Additionally, skullcap contains flavonoids, which have a bronchodilatory effect, opening up airways and improving breathing.

By reducing coughing fits and relieving respiratory discomfort, herbal skullcap tinctures provide natural and effective relief for people suffering from chronic or acute coughs.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Scutellaria lateriflora tinctures that help with cough.

• Baclofen: This alkaloid helps with cough by reducing inflammation and modulating the nervous system to alleviate cough spasms.
• Scutellarin: This flavonoid acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which helps to soothe the respiratory tract and reduce irritation that can trigger coughing.
• Scutellarein: This flavonoid also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the severity of cough by minimizing inflammation in the airways and throat.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of skullcap used to make tinctures for cough.

• Leaves: Used for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and calm coughs.
• Roots: Utilized for their expectorant properties to help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
• Flowers: Employed for their antitussive properties to help reduce the frequency and severity of coughing.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of scutellaria lateriflora roots and flowers at the end of the growing season when they are completely dry.
2. Chop 1 part of the harvested scutellaria lateriflora roots and flowers into small pieces to release their active compounds.
3. Combine 1 part of chopped scutellaria lateriflora with 2 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow the tincture to extract.
5. Strain and filter the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

10. Verbascum thapsus

Mullein tinctures helps with cough because its soothing properties can provide instant relief from annoying tickles in the throat.

The tannins present in mullein help to reduce inflammation and swelling, which can be a major contributor to chronic coughing. Additionally, the expectorant properties of mullein help to loosen and clear out mucus, making it easier for your body to expel it and reducing the frequency and severity of coughs.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to calm coughs and soothe irritated throats, providing a safe and effective solution for a variety of respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds exhibit expectorant properties, helping to break down mucus and facilitate its expulsion from the respiratory tract, thereby relieving cough.
• Verbascoside: A phenylethanoid glycoside, verbascoside has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and helping to clear out mucus that causes cough.
• Saponins: These compounds have mucolytic properties, capable of breaking down and dissolving mucus, which can help alleviate cough by making it easier to expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Verbascum thapsus to make cough tinctures because they are rich in expectorant properties that help relieve respiratory issues.
• Stems: The stems of Verbascum thapsus are used to make cough tinctures because they contain mucilage, a soothing substance that helps calm irritated throats and coughs.
• Flowers: The flowers are used in cough tinctures because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and soothe coughs.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather fresh verbascum thapsus flowers and leaves from a clean and healthy source.
2. Dry the plant material at a low temperature of 35-40 degrees celsius for 1-2 weeks.
3. Combine 500 grams of dried plant material with 1 liter of high-quality vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
5. Filter the liquid and discard the solids, then store the tincture in a cool dark place.

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

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with cough is a blend of thyme, slippery elm, and licorice root.

Thyme's antibacterial properties help combat infection, while slippery elm soothes and protects the mucous membranes. Licorice root's expectorant properties aid in loosening and removing mucus, making it easier to cough up. This combination not only reduces inflammation but also helps to clear congestion, providing quick relief from cough and cold symptoms.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.

What ailments similar to cough are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to cough/tinctures.html">cough/tinctures.html">cough that are treated with herbal tinctures are bronchitis, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.

Herbal tinctures like elderberry, eucalyptus, and peppermint help to soothe congestion and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Other herbal remedies, such as garlic, onion, and ginger, have natural antiseptic properties that combat infection and ease symptoms.

These tinctures can be used individually or combined with other herbs to provide effective relief from these respiratory issues.