10 Best Herbal Teas For Dry Cough
Herbal teas for dry cough are natural remedies made from herbs and plants that help soothe and calm the throat, relieving dry cough symptoms.
They work by reducing inflammation and moisturizing the mucous membranes, making it easier to cough up mucus. Examples include thyme, licorice root, and slippery elm teas, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Drinking these teas can improve lives by providing quick relief from dry cough, allowing individuals to rest, and regain energy.
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The following article describes in detail the most important teas for dry cough, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with dry cough because of its soothing properties and ability to reduce inflammation in the throat.
The roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to thin and clear mucus from the airways, providing relief from dry, persistent coughs.
Additionally, licorice tea has been shown to have a calming effect on the respiratory system, making it an effective natural remedy for dry coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with dry cough.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with dry cough by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and suppressing cough reflex due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Liquiritin: This phenolic compound helps with dry cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antitussive (cough-suppressing) activities, which can help soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
- Licoricidin: This flavonoid glycoside helps with dry cough by showing antitussive and expectorant activities, which can help relieve cough and promote mucus secretion to help clear the airways.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for dry cough.
- Roots: Used due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe a dry cough.
- Leaves: Used for their bitter and sweet compounds, which aid in reducing cough and promoting expectoration.
- Roots: Also used because they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate dry cough symptoms and promote overall well-being.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for dry cough.
- Harvest 2-3 bunches of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots.
- Clean the roots by rinsing them with filtered water.
- Steep 1 tablespoon of the roots in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh filter or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
- Store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
2. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with dry cough because it contains thymol and carvacrol, compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help soothe the throat, reduce inflammation, and combat the underlying infection causing the cough. As a natural expectorant, thyme tea helps loosen and clear mucus from the airways, providing relief from dry, persistent coughs.
Its calming effects on the respiratory system also promote a restful night's sleep, further aiding in the recovery from dry cough.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with dry cough.
- Thymol: A phenolic compound that helps to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, relieving dry cough symptoms.
- Caryophyllene: A sesquiterpene that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus and reduce dry cough.
- Bornyl acetate: A monoterpene that has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to thin mucus and relieve dry cough symptoms.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: Rich in essential oils, particularly thymol, which has decongestant and antimicrobial properties that help soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids and volatile oils, including thymol, that help ease coughs and congestion due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buds: High in essential oils, including thymol, which helps to reduce inflammation and clear mucus from the airways, relieving dry cough symptoms.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for dry cough.
- Gather 1 teaspoon of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried leaves.
- Heat 8 ounces of water in a pot until it reaches a rolling boil in 3 minutes.
- Steep the thymus vulgaris leaves in the boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the leaves.
- Serve the tea hot or iced and enjoy within 30 minutes of preparation.
3. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with dry cough because of its natural expectorant properties.
The menthol content in peppermint helps to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, reducing congestion and coughing. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe an irritated throat, providing relief from a dry, hacking cough.
As a natural and non-irritating remedy, peppermint teas can be an effective and gentle solution for dry cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with dry cough.
- Menthol: Menthol is a terpene that helps relieve dry cough by creating a cooling sensation in the throat, providing temporary relief from irritation and inflammation.
- Eucalyptol: Eucalyptol is a phenolic compound that helps with dry cough by acting as an expectorant, loosening mucus and reducing congestion, thereby making it easier to cough up.
- Menthone: Menthone is a terpene that has anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the throat and suppress coughing, which can provide relief from dry cough.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: The leaves of Mentha x piperita are the most commonly used part to make teas for dry cough due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which provide a soothing effect on the respiratory system.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for dry cough as they contain a higher concentration of menthol and menthone compared to leaves, offering a more intense and long-lasting relief.
- Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita are used to make teas for dry cough, although to a lesser extent, as they also contain menthol and menthone, although in smaller quantities.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for dry cough.
- Gather fresh or dried leaves of mentha x piperita in quantities of about 1 to 2 teaspoons.
- Heat water in a kettle to a temperature of around 212 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Steep the leaves in the heated water for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the leaves and other solids from the tea.
- Serve the tea hot or cold as desired and enjoy its refreshing flavor and aroma immediately.
4. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, teas helps with dry cough because it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The root of the plant is traditionally used to soothe and calm irritated respiratory tracts, reducing inflammation and relieving congestion.
The active ingredients in Echinacea angustifolia, such as alkylamides and glycosides, may also help to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of coughs caused by viral infections, providing quick relief from dry, persistent coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with dry cough.
- Alkylamides: These compounds help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to dry cough, and also exhibit anti-tussive properties, directly relieving cough symptoms.
- Cichoric acid: This phenolic compound exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the airways and soothe the throat, which can help alleviate dry cough.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been shown to have expectorant properties, helping to thin mucus and promote its clearance from the airways, which can help alleviate dry cough symptoms.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make teas for dry cough.
- Roots: The roots of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make teas for dry cough due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make teas for dry cough due to their flavonoid content, which may help to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
- Roots and stems are often used together, but if you want to pick a third, stems: The stems of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make teas for dry cough due to their alkaloid content, which may help to reduce mucus production and alleviate cough symptoms.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for dry cough.
- Gather 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried echinacea angustifolia root in a clean bowl.
- Combine the root with 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
- Steep the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate cup.
- Drink the tea immediately and consume 3 to 4 times a day.
5. Verbena officinalis
Verbena officinalis, also known as lemon verbena, teas helps with dry cough because of its soothing and expectorant properties.
The tea's high content of volatile oils, particularly citral and geranial, helps to break down mucus and ease congestion, providing relief from dry coughs. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of Verbena officinalis tea help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and promoting a more comfortable cough.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to provide relief from dry coughs and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbena officinalis teas that help with dry cough.
- Verbenalin: This iridoid glycoside has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to relieve dry cough by facilitating the removal of mucus from the airways and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Verbascoside: This phenylethanoid glycoside has anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, helping to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up mucus and relieving dry cough.
- Isorhapontigenin: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, protect against oxidative stress, and alleviate dry cough symptoms.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon verbena used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high concentration of essential oils, which possess anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
- Flowers: They are used for their sweet fragrance and medicinal properties, which help to reduce cough and provide relief from dryness in the throat.
- Roots: They are used as they contain a higher concentration of bioactive compounds, such as iridoids and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help to alleviate dry cough.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon verbena for dry cough.
- Harvest fresh verbena officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning when they are at their most fragrant and potent.
- Rinse the verbena leaves and flowers with cool water to remove dirt and any impurities instantly.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of dried verbena leaves and flowers or 2 teaspoons of fresh verbena leaves and flowers in a tea infuser or a heat-resistant cup.
- Steep the verbena leaves and flowers in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release their medicinal properties.
- Strain the tea and discard the verbena leaves and flowers before serving the tea hot or iced.
6. Phyllanthus emblica
Phyllanthus emblica, also known as amla, teas helps with dry cough because of its natural expectorant properties.
The high concentration of vitamin C in amla helps to reduce inflammation in the throat, providing quick relief from dry cough. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of amla help to soothe and calm the irritated throat, allowing for easy mucus secretion and cough relief.
Regular consumption of amla tea has been shown to provide long-term relief from dry cough symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Phyllanthus emblica teas that help with dry cough.
- Tannins: Tannins help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the throat, thereby alleviating dry cough symptoms.
- Ellagic acid: Ellagic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the throat, reducing the severity of dry cough.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, have antimicrobial properties that help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the dry cough, thereby reducing its severity.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of amla used to make teas for dry cough.
- Fruits: Fruits are commonly used to make teas for dry cough due to their high concentration of ascorbic acid, which helps to soothe and calm the throat.
- Leaves: Leaves are used to make teas for dry cough because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and calm the respiratory system.
- Barks: Barks are used to make teas for dry cough due to their antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infections and reduce the severity of coughs.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic amla for dry cough.
- Harvest the fresh or dried phyllanthus emblica fruits from the trees in the summer season.
- Rinse 10 grams of the dried phyllanthus emblica fruits with cold water for a minute.
- Steep the rinsed phyllanthus emblica fruits in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the steeped mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup.
- Serve the phyllanthus emblica tea hot or chilled within 30 minutes of preparation.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with dry cough because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
The roots and leaves of the dandelion plant contain inulin, a prebiotic that promotes digestive health, and flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects. These compounds work together to reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, providing quick relief from dry cough. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to cough up and breathe more comfortably.
This natural remedy can provide effective relief from dry cough.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with dry cough.
- Inulin: A type of fructan, inulin helps with dry cough by soothing and lubricating the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation and inflammation.
- Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid saponin, taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, relieving dry cough symptoms.
- Taraxasterol acetate: Another triterpenoid saponin, taraxasterol acetate exhibits anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties that help relax the smooth muscles in the airways, reducing spasms and coughing fits associated with dry cough.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: Used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe a dry cough.
- Roots: Utilized for their anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties to help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
- Flowers: Employed for their expectorant and antiseptic properties to help relieve congestion and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for dry cough.
- Gather taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers from a clean source in a ratio of 2:1 leaves to flowers.
- Rinse the gathered taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers under cold running water for 30 seconds to remove impurities.
- Heat 250ml of boiling water and let it steep with 2-3 teaspoons of taraxacum officinale for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the taraxacum officinale tea mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove solids.
- Store the herbal taraxacum officinale tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with dry cough because of its expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
The tea's anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce swelling in the throat, making it easier to breathe and swallow. Additionally, rosemary tea has antispasmodic properties that calm the throat muscles, reducing the severity of coughing fits.
Its decongestant properties also help to ease congestion and promote a more productive cough, making it a popular natural remedy for dry cough relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with dry cough.
- Cineole: It helps relieve dry cough by acting as an expectorant, thinning mucus and making it easier to cough up.
- Rosmarinic acid: It helps soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and irritation that can exacerbate dry cough.
- Bornyl acetate: It has antimicrobial properties that can help combat infections that may be contributing to the dry cough, and its expectorant properties can aid in relieving congestion.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: The most commonly used part of Rosmarinus officinalis for teas to alleviate dry cough, as they contain essential oils and antioxidants that help soothe the throat.
- Flowers: The flowers are also used to make teas for dry cough due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and combat infection.
- Buds: The buds of Rosmarinus officinalis are sometimes used to make teas, as they contain a high concentration of essential oils that help to relieve cough and congestion.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for dry cough.
- Harvest 20 to 30 fresh or dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves from the plant.
- Rinse the harvested leaves with cool water to remove any impurities and debris.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of rosmarinus officinalis leaves with 1 cup of boiling water for infusion.
- Steep the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes or until the desired flavor and aroma are achieved.
- Strain the tea into a cup and let it cool to a comfortable drinking temperature immediately.
9. Malva sylvestris
Malva sylvestris, also known as mallow, teas helps with dry cough because of its soothing and demulcent properties.
The mucilage in the plant forms a protective barrier on the throat and respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and irritation. This helps to calm the dry, scratchy sensation associated with dry coughs, while also providing relief from congestion and discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in Malva sylvestris also help to reduce coughing, allowing for more comfortable breathing and relaxation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Malva sylvestris teas that help with dry cough.
- Saponins: Saponins help with dry cough by reducing inflammation in the airways and expectorating mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Phenolic acids: Gallic acid helps with dry cough by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the severity of coughing and soothing irritated mucous membranes.
- Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid helps with dry cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, breaking down and dissolving mucus, and making it easier to expel.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of mallow used to make teas for dry cough.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high mucilage content, which helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
- Flowers: The flowers are used because they contain anthraquinones and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and calm dry coughs.
- Roots: The roots are used due to their high mucilage content, similar to the leaves, which helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mallow for dry cough.
- Gather 10-20 grams of dried malva sylvestris flowers or 20-30 grams of fresh leaves and flowers.
- Steep the gathered herb in 250ml of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release its properties.
- Strain the liquid using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the herb particles.
- Discard the solids and transfer the remaining liquid to a clean container for serving.
- Store the prepared tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before consumption.
10. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, teas helps with dry cough because of its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in elderberry, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, help to break down mucus and reduce inflammation in the airways. This can provide quick relief from dry, hacking coughs by loosening and clearing out mucus, allowing for easier breathing and a reduction in coughing fits.
Its natural properties also help to soothe the throat and calm irritation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with dry cough.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds help alleviate dry cough by reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory infections leading to dry cough.
- Triterpenoids: This compound has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to break down mucus and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up excess mucus.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make teas for dry cough.
- Flowers: They contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are rich in saponins, which help in loosening and removing mucus from the airways, providing relief from dry cough.
- Buds: The buds of Sambucus nigra contain glycosides, which are believed to help in reducing inflammation and congestion in the respiratory system.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for dry cough.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh sambucus nigra branches in late spring or early summer.
- Dry the harvested branches in a warm dark place for 1-2 weeks or use a food.
- Crush 2 tablespoons of dried sambucus nigra flowers into a fine powder using a.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of the sambucus nigra powder in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7.
- Strain the tea and enjoy immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for dry cough?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with dry cough is a blend of Slippery Elm, Licorice Root, and Thyme.
Slippery Elm soothes the mucous membranes, Licorice Root provides anti-inflammatory properties to reduce irritation, and Thyme has antimicrobial properties to combat infection. These teas work together to provide relief from dry cough, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Drinking a warm infusion of this blend can help alleviate discomfort and promote a speedy recovery.