Updated: Nov 30, 2024
10 Herbal Tinctures For Coughing Fits
Herbal tinctures can be a great help for people who get coughing fits.
These tinctures are made from plants that have been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and calm coughs. Herbal teas, in particular, are a popular way to get the benefits of these plants. One reason why herbal teas can relieve coughing fits is that they help loosen mucus in your chest and sinuses, making it easier to cough up. This can be especially helpful if you have a cold or flu. For example, Eucalyptus globulus, also known as eucalyptus oil, has a powerful decongestant effect that can help break up mucus and make it easier to breathe.
Other herbs like Echinacea purpurea, also known as coneflower, can help boost your immune system and fight off infections that can cause coughing fits. This is because Echinacea has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent the spread of illness. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough. Using herbal teas to relieve coughing fits can bring a number of benefits to your life. For one, they can help you feel better faster. When you're not coughing as much, you can rest and recover more easily.
Herbal teas can also be a natural and non-habit-forming way to manage coughing fits, which can be especially helpful if you're trying to avoid medication.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for coughing fits and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus tinctures contains the bioactive constituents eucalyptol and cineole, which have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to relieve congestion and swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe when experiencing a coughing fit. Eucalyptol, in particular, has been shown to have a soothing effect on the throat and lungs, reducing irritation and discomfort. Cineole, on the other hand, has antimicrobial properties that can help combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the cough.
By addressing both the physical and infectious aspects of a coughing fit, Eucalyptus globulus tinctures can provide fast and effective relief.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Eucalyptus globulus leaves and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Muddle the Eucalyptus leaves with a spoon to release their oils.
- Add the vodka to the jar, covering the leaves completely.
- Steep the mixture in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains compounds like alkylamides, caespitatin, and sesquiterpene lactones.
These constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat. The tinctures also contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that can help protect the body from free radicals and infections. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of Echinacea purpurea can help fight off the underlying cause of a cough, such as a virus or bacteria.
The tincture's ability to stimulate the immune system can also help the body recover from illness and reduce the frequency and severity of coughing fits.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves. Clean and dry them with a paper towel.
- Use a glass jar and add 1 cup of the dried flowers and leaves to it. Pour 2 cups of 80-proof vodka over them.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Use 10-20 drops in water, 2-3 times a day, to help soothe coughing fits.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, and isoflavonoids like glabrene and licaglabrol.
These bioactive constituents help to reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, making it a useful remedy for coughing fits. Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, providing temporary relief from coughing. The isoflavonoids also contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe the throat and calm the cough.
By reducing inflammation and loosening mucus, Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures can provide quick and effective relief from coughing fits.
- Gather 250ml of 80% Vodka, 50g of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root, a clean glass jar, and a coffee filter.
- Combine 50g of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root with 250ml of 80% Vodka in the glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in the dark for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through the coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and use 10-20 drops as needed to relieve coughing fits.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris tinctures contains thymol and carvacrol, two potent compounds that help soothe a cough.
Thymol has expectorant properties, which means it helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, relieving congestion and coughing fits. Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the throat and airways, making it easier to breathe and swallow. These properties work together to calm a cough and make it easier to breathe.
Thymus vulgaris tinctures can be an effective natural remedy for coughing fits, providing quick relief from congestion and discomfort.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers, and clean glass jars with lids.
- Use 1 cup of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar, and add the Thymus vulgaris leaves and flowers.
- Seal the jar and let it sit 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, discarding the solids.
- Store the Thymus vulgaris tincture in the fridge and take 20 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed, to help with coughing fits.
5. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains active compounds like gingerols and shogaols, responsible for its medicinal properties.
These bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which help to relax the muscles in the throat and airways, reducing coughing fits. The warming and soothing properties of gingerols and shogaols can also help to thin mucus and promote its expulsion, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, zingiber officinale tinctures has expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear out mucus and other debris from the lungs and airways.
By reducing inflammation and promoting the expulsion of mucus, zingiber officinale tinctures can help to alleviate coughing fits and provide relief from respiratory issues.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Zingiber officinale root, a clean glass jar with a lid, and 1 cup of 80% vodka.
- Cut the Zingiber officinale root into small pieces and add them to the glass jar.
- Pour 1 cup of 80% vodka over the root pieces in the jar, making sure they are completely covered.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After the 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra tinctures contains bioactive constituents like isorhapontigenin and sambunigrin, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the airways.
These compounds also exhibit antiviral activity, which can help fight off the underlying cause of the cough. The tannins present in Sambucus nigra tinctures have a soothing effect on the throat and mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation. The flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol, have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by coughing fits.
By combining these properties, Sambucus nigra tinctures can help alleviate coughing fits by addressing the underlying causes.
- Gather 250ml of 80% Vodka, 100g of dried Sambucus nigra flowers, and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the dried Sambucus nigra flowers and vodka 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.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture. Store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops in water or tea for cough relief.
7. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita tinctures contains essential oils like menthol and menthone, which have a soothing effect on the throat and airways.
These compounds help to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion. Menthol also has a cooling effect, which can help to calm irritation and inflammation in the throat. The antimicrobial properties of menthone help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infection and exacerbate coughing fits.
By addressing the underlying causes of coughing, Mentha x piperita tinctures can provide quick and effective relief.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Mentha x piperita leaves and flowers.
- Chop the leaves and flowers into small pieces.
- Combine 1 cup of chopped Mentha x piperita with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle. Use 20-30 drops as needed to relieve coughing fits.
8. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis tinctures contains compounds like quinine, quinidine, and cinchonine.
These alkaloids have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of coughing fits. Quinine, in particular, has been shown to relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinchonine and quinidine also help to soothe and calm the irritated tissues in the throat, reducing the urge to cough.
By relaxing the airway muscles and reducing inflammation, Cinchona officinalis tinctures can provide relief from persistent and severe coughing fits.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Cinchona officinalis bark and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the dried Cinchona officinalis bark to the jar and cover it with vodka. Make sure the bark is fully covered.
- Seal the jar and shake it well for 10 minutes. Store the jar in a cool, dark place.
- Let the mixture sit for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day. This allows the tincture to steep and the active ingredients to extract.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids and store the tincture in a cool, dark place.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains active constituents like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
These properties help to relax the muscles in the airways and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe. The antispasmodic properties also help to calm down the coughing fits by reducing the spasms in the muscles that trigger the cough. Additionally, the calming effects of linalool and linalyl acetate can help to soothe the nervous system and reduce anxiety, which can contribute to coughing fits.
By relaxing the airways and reducing inflammation, Lavandula angustifolia tinctures can provide relief from coughing fits.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Combine the flowers and vodka in the jar, making sure the flowers are 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, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day, as needed to relieve coughing fits.
10. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus tinctures contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and mucilages, which are its active constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help calm a dry, irritated throat and reduce coughing fits. The mucilages, in particular, form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, making it easier to breathe and swallow. The flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and combat infection, further alleviating coughing.
By soothing and protecting the respiratory tract, Verbascum thapsus tinctures can provide quick relief from intense coughing fits.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Verbascum thapsus leaves and flowers.
- Combine the plant material with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and store it 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 container, discarding the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops, 2-3 times a day as needed.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent coughing fits from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help soothe a sore throat and calm a cough.
Some herbal teas, like peppermint or ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce coughing fits. These teas can also help relax the body and promote better breathing.
By sipping on a warm cup, you may find some relief from coughing fits.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for coughing fits every day?
While herbal teas can help soothe a cough, drinking them daily may not be the best idea.
Some herbal teas, like those with licorice root or ephedra, can be too strong and cause problems if used regularly.
It's better to limit your intake to when you need it most, like during a cold or flu.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in coughing fits?
Herbal teas can help soothe a cough, but it may take some time to notice results.
Some people start to feel better within a few hours, while others may need a day or two to see improvement.
Drinking herbal tea regularly, especially when you're feeling unwell, may help calm your cough and make you feel more comfortable.