Updated: Nov 30, 2024
11 Herbal Tinctures For Dry Cough
Herbal tinctures can be a great help if you're suffering from a dry cough.
These tinctures are made from the extract of certain herbs, which are then mixed with a liquid to create a concentrated form that's easy to take. When you drink herbal tea, the warm liquid helps to loosen up mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up. This can provide relief from a dry cough, especially if you're experiencing one due to a cold or allergies. Herbal teas work by using the natural properties of certain plants to calm and soothe your throat. For example, Eucalyptus globulus has decongestant properties that can help to clear out your airways, making it easier to breathe.
Echinacea purpurea is known for its immune-boosting properties, which can help to fight off infections that may be causing your dry cough. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm your throat. Using herbal tinctures to relieve a dry cough can be beneficial in many ways. For one, they can provide quick relief from your symptoms, allowing you to feel better faster. They can also be a more natural and gentle alternative to over-the-counter medications, which can have side effects and interact with other medications.
Additionally, herbal tinctures can be used in combination with other remedies to help you recover from a cold or other illness.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for dry cough and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus tinctures contains compounds like eucalyptol and bornyl acetate, which have expectorant properties.
This means they help break down and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Eucalyptol also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in the airways and make breathing easier. The decongestant properties of bornyl acetate help open up airways, allowing for easier airflow and relieving congestion.
By helping to clear mucus and reduce inflammation, Eucalyptus globulus tinctures can help relieve symptoms of a dry cough.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Eucalyptus globulus leaves and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the dried Eucalyptus leaves to the jar and make sure they are completely covered by the vodka.
- Close the jar tightly and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Label the jar and store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 15-30 drops of the tincture in water or tea to relieve a dry cough.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea tinctures contains bioactive constituents like alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides that help soothe a dry cough.
Alkylamides have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the throat and airways, making it easier to breathe and swallow. Caffeic acid derivatives have antimicrobial properties that fight off infections that can cause coughs. Polysaccharides stimulate the immune system to produce more mucus, which helps trap and remove irritants from the airways, relieving coughs and congestion.
This combination of properties makes Echinacea purpurea tinctures a useful natural remedy for dry coughs.
- Gather 250g of fresh or dried Echinacea purpurea roots and flowers. Clean them thoroughly.
- Combine the roots and flowers in a clean glass jar. Add 1 cup of 80% vodka or ethanol as a solvent.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a 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 a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Use 20-30 drops, 3-4 times a day, to help soothe a dry cough.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, and isoflavans as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the throat and airways. Glycyrrhizin, in particular, has a demulcent effect, forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes and reducing irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties of glycyrrhizin and isoflavans also help to thin and clear mucus, making it easier to cough up.
By reducing inflammation and soothing the throat and airways, Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures can help alleviate dry cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Glycyrrhiza glabra roots.
- Combine the roots with 2 cups of vodka (at least 80 proof) 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, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops in a glass of water 3 times a day for dry cough relief.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris tinctures contains compounds like thymol, carvacrol, and borneol, which help soothe a dry cough.
Thymol, a key active constituent, has expectorant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. Carvacrol has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling in the throat and make it easier to cough up mucus. Borneol helps thin mucus, making it easier to expel and relieving congestion.
By working together, these compounds in Thymus vulgaris tinctures can help ease dry cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Pack the Thymus vulgaris leaves tightly into the jar, making sure they are completely covered by the vodka.
- Seal 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 clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Store the Thymus vulgaris tincture in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops in water 2-3 times a day to help soothe a dry cough.
5. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita tinctures contains menthol, menthone, and limonene as its main bioactive constituents.
These compounds have expectorant properties, which means they help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up. Menthol, in particular, has a cooling effect that helps reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, making it a popular natural remedy for dry cough. The expectorant properties of menthol and limonene help thin out mucus, making it easier to cough up, while menthone has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the irritated tissues in the throat.
By combining these properties, Mentha x piperita tinctures can help alleviate dry cough symptoms by loosening and clearing mucus, reducing inflammation, and soothing the throat.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Mentha x piperita leaves and flowers. Clean them with water.
- Use a blender or food processor to make a fine paste of the leaves and flowers.
- Transfer the paste into a clean glass jar and pour 2 cups of 80% vodka or ethanol over it.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
6. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains active compounds like gingerols and shogaols.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, making it a good option for dry cough. Gingerols and shogaols also have expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. This makes it easier to cough up mucus and relieve congestion.
By reducing inflammation and loosening mucus, Zingiber officinale tinctures can help alleviate the symptoms of dry cough.
- Gather 250ml of 80% vodka and 250g of fresh or dried Zingiber officinale root.
- Chop the Zingiber officinale root into small pieces and place it in a clean glass jar.
- Pour the vodka over the Zingiber officinale root, making sure all the root is covered.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar, discarding the solids.
7. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra tinctures contains bioactive constituents like isoquercitrin, rutoside, and vitexin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These compounds help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving a dry cough. The antioxidant properties of vitexin and rutoside also protect the body from oxidative stress caused by the cough. The isoquercitrin in Sambucus nigra tinctures helps relax the airway muscles, making it easier to cough up mucus and relieve congestion.
By reducing inflammation and protecting the body from oxidative stress, Sambucus nigra tinctures can help alleviate dry cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of Sambucus nigra flowers and 1 cup of 80-proof vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with the Sambucus nigra flowers, making sure they're completely covered with the vodka or glycerin.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-6 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 Sambucus nigra tincture in the fridge and use 10-20 drops, 2-3 times a day, to help alleviate a dry cough.
8. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis tinctures contains the active constituents quinine and cinchonine.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways and calm a dry cough. Quinine also has a natural expectorant effect, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Cinchonine has a sedative effect, which can help to reduce the urge to cough and promote relaxation.
When taken as a tincture, the combination of these properties can provide relief from dry cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of Cinchona officinalis bark and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the Cinchona officinalis bark to the jar and pour the vodka over it. Make sure the bark is completely covered.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to small dropper bottles and store them in the fridge. Use 20-30 drops in water or tea as needed to soothe a dry cough.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains bioactive constituents like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
These properties help to relax the muscles in the throat, reducing coughing spasms and making it easier to breathe. The anti-inflammatory properties of linalool and linalyl acetate also help to reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to a dry cough. By reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles, Lavandula angustifolia tinctures can help to provide relief from dry cough symptoms.
This makes it a potentially useful remedy for people experiencing persistent or chronic dry cough.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Add the fresh Lavandula angustifolia flowers to the jar and pour the vodka or glycerin over them, making sure they are completely covered.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day to help the mixture.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture, and store it in a cool, dark place. Take 10-15 drops of the tincture in water 3 times a day to help soothe a dry cough.
10. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus tinctures contains mucilages, flavonoids, and saponins, which are key bioactive constituents that make it effective for treating dry cough.
Mucilages, such asVerbascose and Verbascoside, form a protective film in the throat and airways, reducing irritation and inflammation. Flavonoids, like Quercetin, have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the throat. Saponins, including Verbascoside, have a gentle expectorant effect, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
This combination of properties in Verbascum thapsus tinctures makes it a useful remedy for relieving dry cough symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Verbascum thapsus flowers and 1 cup of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with the Verbascum thapsus flowers, making sure they are completely covered by the vodka.
- Seal 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 clean glass jar.
- Label the jar and store the Verbascum thapsus tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops in water or tea to relieve dry cough symptoms.
11. Hydrastis canadensis
Hydrastis canadensis tinctures contains berberine, a key active constituent that helps soothe a dry cough.
Berberine has expectorant properties, which means it helps loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up. Hydrastis canadensis also contains hydrastine, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce irritation in the throat and airways, making a dry cough more manageable. The tincture's demulcent properties, provided by its mucilage content, help form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, further soothing the throat and reducing coughing.
By addressing the underlying causes of a dry cough, Hydrastis canadensis tinctures can help provide relief from this uncomfortable symptom.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Hydrastis canadensis roots, a clean glass jar with a lid, and a cup of 80% vodka or ethanol.
- Combine the dried roots and vodka in the glass jar. Make sure the roots are completely covered by the liquid.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place. Shake the jar every day for 2-3 weeks to help the roots infuse into the liquid.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container. Discard the solids.
- Label the tincture and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture in water or tea to relieve dry cough symptoms.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent dry cough from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help soothe a dry cough.
Some herbal teas, like thyme and ginger, have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the throat and reduce coughing. These teas can also help loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Regularly drinking herbal tea may help ease dry cough symptoms.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for dry cough every day?
Consuming herbal teas for dry cough every day can be safe if you choose teas made from gentle herbs like peppermint, chamomile, or licorice root.
However, some teas like slippery elm and marshmallow root can be too rich and may cause stomach issues if overused.
Be mindful of your body's response and adjust your consumption accordingly.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in dry cough?
Herbal teas like thyme and ginger can help soothe a dry cough.
They work quickly, often providing relief within 30 minutes to an hour after drinking.
As you continue to drink them, their effects may last longer, potentially up to several hours.
What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for dry cough?
For a dry cough, drinking herbal tea in the evening is a good idea.
This is because your body naturally produces mucus at night, which can help soothe your throat.
Drinking herbal tea before bed may help your body produce more mucus, giving your throat some relief and allowing you to sleep better.