10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Dry Cough

Herbal tinctures for dry cough are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, flowers, or herbs that can effectively alleviate symptoms of dry, hacking coughs.

These natural remedies work by soothing and calming the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with dry cough include thyme, marshmallow root, and slippery elm, which can be taken orally or added to teas and drinks.

By using these tinctures, individuals can find relief from persistent coughing fits, sleep more soundly at night, and enjoy improved overall quality of life.

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

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice tinctures helps with dry cough because they provide instant relief from irritating inflammation in the throat.

The bioactive compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin and isoliquiritigenin, have potent anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes. This reduces coughing fits and eases congestion, allowing for easier breathing and a more restful night's sleep.

Additionally, the expectorant properties of licorice tincture help loosen mucus, making it easier to expel, providing further relief from dry cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Licorice flavonoids: They help with dry cough by reducing inflammation in the throat and mucous membranes, soothing irritation, and promoting the healing of damaged tissue.
• Glycyrrhizin: It helps with dry cough by suppressing the cough reflex, reducing inflammation, and thinning mucus to make it easier to expel, thereby providing quick relief from coughing.
• Coumarin: It helps with dry cough by acting as a natural expectorant, loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion in the lungs and airways.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are the most commonly used part for making tinctures to treat dry cough due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are also used to make tinctures for dry cough relief, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that help to reduce inflammation and calm the respiratory tract.
• Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make tinctures for dry cough treatment, as they contain saponins that help to soothe the throat and reduce inflammation, thereby providing relief from coughing.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 50-70 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in the early morning for optimal potency and freshness.
2. Dry the roots further in a warm place with gentle air circulation for 7-10 days.
3. Grind 250 grams of the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Combine the ground roots with 500ml of 45% ethanol in a clean glass container and let it steep for 2 weeks.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then bottle the tincture in dark glass containers.

2. Taraxacum officinale

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

The tannins present in dandelion leaves also have astringent effects, providing instant relief from coughing spasms. Additionally, dandelion's expectorant properties help to loosen mucus and phlegm, making it easier for the body to expel, reducing congestion and discomfort associated with dry coughs.

By targeting multiple aspects of cough symptoms, dandelion tinctures can provide effective natural relief from dry coughs.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with dry cough.

• Apigenin: A flavonoid that exhibits anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, helping to relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation, making it easier to cough up mucus and relieve dry cough symptoms.
• Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid saponin that possesses anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving dry cough symptoms.
• Taraxasterol acetate: Another triterpenoid saponin found in Taraxacum officinale, it also has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, similar to taraxasterol, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways and relieve dry cough symptoms.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Taraxacum officinale contain flavonoids and saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help relieve dry cough.
• Roots: The roots of the plant have been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues, including dry cough, due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Taraxacum officinale contain mucilages, which help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, relieving dry cough symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 30-60 grams of fresh taraxacum officinale root in early spring or fall when the plant is at its most potent stage.
2. Chop the taraxacum officinale root into small pieces to increase its surface area for optimal tincture extraction.
3. Combine the chopped root with 30-40 percent ethanol or a glycerin-based solvent in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow the solvent to fully extract the plant's bioactive compounds.
5. Strain and filter the tincture using a coffee filter or cheesecloth to remove any solids and achieve a clear liquid solution.

3. Thymus vulgaris

Thyme tinctures helps with dry cough because of its natural expectorant properties that loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.

The antimicrobial compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, help reduce inflammation and combat infections that can cause dry coughs. Additionally, thyme's anti-inflammatory properties soothe the throat and airways, reducing discomfort and coughing spasms.

As a result, herbal thyme tinctures offer a natural and effective way to alleviate dry cough symptoms without harsh chemicals or artificial additives.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Thymol: Thymol is a monoterpenic phenol that acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby reducing the severity of dry cough symptoms.
• Carvacrol: Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol that exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat underlying infections and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can contribute to dry cough.
• Linalool: Linalool is a terpene that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote the removal of mucus from the airways, providing relief from dry cough symptoms.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are often used to make tinctures for dry cough due to their high content of thymol, a compound with decongestant and antibacterial properties.
• Flowers: The flowers of Thymus vulgaris are commonly used in tinctures to help alleviate dry cough symptoms, as they contain thymol and other bioactive compounds that aid in respiratory health.
• Stems: Thymus vulgaris stems are sometimes used in tinctures for dry cough due to their thymol content, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the respiratory tract.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated to ensure optimal potency.
2. Chop 1 part of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves with 1 part of roots and 2 parts of flowers to create a balanced blend.
3. Combine the chopped herbal mixture with 80 proof vodka in a 1:1 ratio in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks shaking it every day to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

4. Echinacea angustifolia

Kansas coneflower tinctures helps with dry cough because it contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the mucous membranes in the throat, reducing inflammation and irritation.

The herb's natural expectorant properties also help to loosen and clear out mucus, allowing for easier breathing and relief from a stubborn cough.

Additionally, Kansas coneflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to combat infections that can cause dry coughs, providing a holistic approach to alleviating discomfort and promoting overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can alleviate the dry, irritating sensation associated with a dry cough.
• Alkaloids: Specifically, echinatin and echinacoside, have been found to possess antimicrobial properties that help combat respiratory infections, which can cause and exacerbate dry coughs.
• Flavonoids and phenolic acids: These plant-derived compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the throat and lungs, reducing the severity of dry cough symptoms.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of echinacosides, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Leaves: They are used because they contain a significant amount of volatile oils, which help soothe and calm the respiratory system.
• Flowers: They are used for their gentle, anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate dry cough symptoms.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of echinacea angustifolia roots by digging up 1-2 year old plants in fall or early spring.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces using a sharp knife or herb cutter for better extraction.
3. Combine 1 part of the chopped roots with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar every day or two.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass bottle, discard the solids.

5. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint tinctures helps with dry cough because its menthol-rich extract soothes and calms irritated airways, reducing inflammation and congestion.

The cooling properties of peppermint help to relax the muscles in the throat and chest, making it easier to breathe and expel mucus.

Additionally, peppermint's natural expectorant properties loosen and clear out excess phlegm, providing fast relief from dry, hacking coughs and promoting a clearer, healthier respiratory system.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Menthol: Menthol helps with dry cough by acting as a natural expectorant, thinning mucus and reducing inflammation in the airways, making it easier to cough up.
• Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps with dry cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the inflammation and irritation in the airways, and by its antioxidant properties, which protect the respiratory system from oxidative stress.
• Caryophyllene oxide: Caryophyllene oxide helps with dry cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which relax the airway muscles and increase airflow, making it easier to breathe and reducing the severity of dry cough.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Mentha x piperita are rich in menthol, which helps to thin mucus and provide temporary relief from dry cough.
• Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita contain menthol and menthone, which contribute to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate dry cough.
• Buds: The buds of Mentha x piperita contain menthol and other volatile oils that help to ease congestion and provide relief from dry cough.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers in the morning when they are at their peak potency.
2. Dry the harvested mentha x piperita in a low-temperature dehydrator at 40°c for 24 hours to preserve its properties.
3. Combine the dried mentha x piperita with 500ml of 95% ethanol in a clean glass container for a 1:5 ratio.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks with occasional shaking to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids and store it in a dark glass bottle.

6. Verbascum thapsus

Mullein tinctures helps with dry cough because of its unique composition.

The plant contains mucilages, which are thick, protective compounds that soothe and lubricate the throat and airways. When taken as a tincture, these mucilages can help to calm and moisturize the dry, irritated tissues, providing fast relief from coughing fits and scratchy throats.

Additionally, mullein's anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling in the throat and chest, further alleviating discomfort and promoting easier breathing.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and coughing associated with dry cough.
• Sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, thereby relieving dry cough.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and alleviate symptoms of dry cough.

Parts Used

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

• Leaves: They are used to make tinctures for dry cough due to their expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus.
• Flowers: They are used to make tinctures for dry cough due to their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help calm the respiratory tract.
• Roots: They are used to make tinctures for dry cough due to their antitussive properties, which help suppress coughing and provide relief from dry cough.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Gather fresh or dried plant material of verbascum thapsus in sufficient quantities to make a large batch.
2. Clean and dry the plant material then chop it into small pieces to enhance extraction efficiency.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with a solvent such as ethanol or glycerin in a 1:2 or 1:5 ratio.
4. Steep the plant material in the solvent for a period of 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain and filter the mixture then bottle the resulting liquid tincture in dark glass containers for storage.

7. Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal tinctures helps with dry cough because of its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb contains berberine, a compound that has been shown to help reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes and kill off bacteria that can exacerbate dry coughs. When taken as a tincture, goldenseal's active compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can target the affected areas and provide relief from persistent dry coughing fits.

As a result, goldenseal tinctures offer a natural and effective way to soothe and calm dry, irritated throats.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis tinctures that help with dry cough.

• Berberine: Berberine helps with dry cough by exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the severity of respiratory infections and alleviate cough symptoms.
• Hydrastine: Hydrastine acts as an expectorant, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways, thus relieving congestion and cough associated with respiratory infections.
• Canadine: Canadine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and calm irritated airways, reducing the severity of dry cough and associated discomfort.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: The roots contain the highest concentration of berberine, a compound that has antitussive properties, helping to relieve dry cough.
• Leaves: The leaves of Hydrastis canadensis are another source of berberine and other compounds, which are used to create tinctures for treating dry cough.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of hydrastis canadensis roots in the spring or fall with a shovel or digging fork carefully.
2. Wash the roots in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water thoroughly for 10 minutes.
3. Dry the roots in a single layer at 35-40 degrees celsius for 2-3 weeks to maintain potency.
4. Combine 1:5 ratio of dried roots to 80-100 proof vodka in a clean glass jar tightly sealed for 2 weeks.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle labeled and stored in a cool dark place.

8. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow tinctures helps with dry cough because it contains mucilages, which are natural soothing agents that coat the throat and relieve irritation.

The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe.

Additionally, marshmallow root has expectorant properties, loosening mucus and promoting its clearance from the lungs, allowing for a more effective coughing process and ultimate relief from dry, scratchy coughs.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with dry cough.

• Mucilages: Mucilages help with dry cough by forming a protective, soothing layer on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat.
• Althea flavonoids: Althea flavonoids help with dry cough by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce the severity of cough and promote healing in the respiratory tract.
• Glutathione: Glutathione helps with dry cough by acting as an antioxidant and reducing oxidative stress in the respiratory system, thereby alleviating cough symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.

Parts Used

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

• Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are the primary part used to make tinctures due to their high mucilage content, which helps soothe and relieve dry coughs.
• Stems: The stems are also used to make tinctures, as they contain mucilages that help to calm and protect the mucous membranes, reducing coughing.
• Leaves: The leaves of Althaea officinalis are sometimes used to make tinctures, as they retain some of the plant's mucilaginous properties that help to alleviate dry coughs.

Quick Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of clean roots of althaea officinalis on a dry sunny day for optimal potency.
2. Dry the harvested roots at 30 degrees celsius for 24 hours in a well-ventilated area.
3. Chop 100 grams of dried roots into small pieces and combine with 500 milliliters of vodka at 40% abv.
4. Store the mixture in a glass container with a lid and steep for 4 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer to a clean dark glass bottle.

9. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with dry cough because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm irritated throat tissues.

The calming and relaxing effects of lavender also help to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort associated with a dry cough. Additionally, lavender's expectorant properties help to loosen mucus and promote its clearance from the respiratory tract, providing relief from congestion and coughing fits.

As a result, English lavender tinctures can be an effective natural remedy for alleviating dry cough symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with dry cough.

• Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help relieve dry cough by reducing inflammation in the airways and promoting the removal of mucus.
• Lavandulol: This terpene has a calming effect on the respiratory system, reducing irritation and inflammation in the throat and airways, which can contribute to dry cough.
• Lavandulyl acetate: This terpene has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that may exacerbate dry cough, while also promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension in the throat and chest.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for dry cough.

• Flowers: They are used because of their calming and antitussive properties, which help soothe dry coughs.
• Leaves: They are used because they contain essential oils with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in relieving dry cough symptoms.
• Stems: They are used because they contain some essential oils and other compounds that contribute to their antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for dry cough.

1. Harvest 50g of fresh dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in the early morning when the petals are fully open.
2. Dry the flowers in a low-temperature oven at 40c for 2 hours to preserve their potency.
3. Combine the dried flowers with 50% ethanol at a 1:5 ratio in a clean glass container.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the container daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a coffee filter and discard the solids to obtain a clear herbal tincture.

10. Eupatorium perfoliatum

Joe pye weed tinctures helps with dry cough because its unique blend of bioactive compounds, including nepetalactone and ursolic acid, has a profound impact on the respiratory system.

These compounds have natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways, providing instant relief from dry, hacking coughs.

Additionally, joe pye weed's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat, allowing for smoother breathing and a more comfortable cough-free experience.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eupatorium perfoliatum tinctures that help with dry cough.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been shown to possess expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, relieving dry cough symptoms.
• Phenolic acids: The phenolic acids present in Eupatorium perfoliatum, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help reduce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract, alleviating dry cough.
• Eupatorin: Eupatorin is a flavonoid glycoside found in Eupatorium perfoliatum, and it has been reported to exhibit expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities, contributing to its effectiveness in soothing dry cough.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of joe pye weed used to make tinctures for dry cough.

• Leaves: The leaves of Eupatorium perfoliatum are used to make tinctures for dry cough because they contain bioactive compounds that help soothe and calm the respiratory system.
• Roots: The roots of Eupatorium perfoliatum are used to make tinctures for dry cough because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract.
• Stems: The stems of Eupatorium perfoliatum are used to make tinctures for dry cough because they contain medicinal compounds that help to break down mucus and relieve congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic joe pye weed for dry cough.

1. Harvest 1 part of the aerial parts of the plant in the flowering stage at 8 am when dew is still present.
2. Chop 1 part of the harvested plant material into small pieces using a sharp tool and place it in a clean glass container.
3. Add 2 parts of 80 proof vodka to the chopped plant material in the glass container and stir well for 30 seconds.
4. Store the glass container in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking it gently every day to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

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

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

Thyme's antimicrobial properties help combat infection, while licorice root soothes and calms the throat. Slippery elm, with its demulcent properties, forms a protective barrier on the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

This combination can be taken in small doses, 2-3 times a day, mixed with water or added to tea for relief from dry cough symptoms.

What ailments similar to dry cough are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to dry cough that are treated with herbal tinctures are respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Herbal tinctures made from plants like thyme, eucalyptus, and slippery elm help soothe and calm irritated airways, reducing inflammation and congestion.

Other conditions that may benefit from herbal tinctures include sinusitis, laryngitis, and pharyngitis, which often present with symptoms similar to dry cough.