11 Best Herbal Teas For Cough
Herbal teas for cough are a type of medicinal tea made from various herbs, flowers, and plants that are used to alleviate and soothe coughs and respiratory issues.
These teas work by providing anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to reduce congestion and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up.
Examples of herbal teas that can effectively treat cough ailments include peppermint tea, which eases congestion and soothes the throat, ginger tea, which reduces inflammation and calms the digestive system, and thyme tea, which possesses antibacterial properties that combat infections.
Additionally, other herbal teas such as licorice root tea, slippery elm tea, and eucalyptus tea are also used to treat coughs, with licorice root tea providing a soothing and protective effect on the mucous membranes, slippery elm tea coating and soothing the throat, and eucalyptus tea opening up airways and relieving congestion.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra tea
Glycyrrhiza glabra tea contains bioactive constituents such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help to treat cough ailments by loosening mucus and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of this herbal tea also help to calm the throat and reduce coughing, making it an effective natural remedy for cough relief.
To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root with 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes before straining and consuming.
To treat a cough, drink 2-3 cups of this tea per day, ideally before bedtime, to help alleviate symptoms and promote a restful night's sleep.
2. Echinacea purpurea tea
Echinacea purpurea tea contains bioactive constituents such as alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that help to soothe and calm the cough.
The antimicrobial properties of this herbal tea, particularly the presence of alkylamides, can help to reduce the severity and frequency of coughs by combating underlying infections.
To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea purpurea flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and consume while still warm.
Consuming 2-3 cups of Echinacea purpurea tea per day, ideally before bedtime, can help to alleviate cough symptoms and promote a restful night's sleep.
3. Eucalyptus globulus tea
Eucalyptus globulus tea contains bioactive constituents such as eucalyptol, cineole, and alpha-pinene, which contribute to its decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to relieve cough and congestion.
The antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of this tea also aid in soothing a sore throat and reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.
To make this tea, simply steep 1 teaspoon of dried eucalyptus leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
Consuming this tea 2-3 times a day, ideally before meals, can help to effectively treat a persistent cough and alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory ailments.
4. Thymus vulgaris tea
Thymus vulgaris tea contains bioactive constituents such as thymol and carvacrol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to alleviate cough symptoms.
The expectorant properties of this herbal tea facilitate the expulsion of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, providing relief from coughs and congestion.
To make Thymus vulgaris tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and let it cool.
Drinking 1-2 cups of this tea, 2-3 times a day, can help to soothe a cough and promote overall respiratory health.
5. Zingiber officinale tea
Zingiber officinale tea contains bioactive constituents such as gingerol and shogaol, which have potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help to treat cough ailments by reducing inflammation and loosening mucus.
The properties of this herbal tea, including its warming and drying effects, also help to relieve congestion and soothe the throat, making it an effective remedy for coughs and colds.
To make this tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried ginger root in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
To consume this tea, drink it 2-3 times a day, ideally before meals, to help alleviate cough symptoms and promote overall well-being.
6. Sambucus nigra tea
Sambucus nigra tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, helping to alleviate cough and cold symptoms.
The expectorant properties of this herbal tea help to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion.
To make Sambucus nigra tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried elderberry flowers with 1 cup of boiling water, then let it steep for 5-7 minutes before straining and consuming.
To treat a cough, drink 1-2 cups of Sambucus nigra tea 2-3 times a day, ideally before bedtime to help soothe and calm the throat and respiratory system.
7. Lavandula angustifolia tea
Lavandula angustifolia tea contains bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm the throat and lungs to treat cough ailments.
The antispasmodic and expectorant properties of this herbal tea help to relax the airways and promote the removal of mucus, providing relief from coughing and congestion.
To make this tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
For optimal relief, consume this tea 2-3 times a day, either hot or cold, and sweetened with honey if desired, to help calm the cough and promote a restful night's sleep.
8. Verbascum thapsus tea
Verbascum thapsus tea contains bioactive constituents such as mucilage, flavonoids, and saponins that help to treat cough ailments by soothing and calming the respiratory tract.
This herbal tea has expectorant properties, which aid in loosening and removing mucus and phlegm from the lungs, thereby relieving cough symptoms.
To make Verbascum thapsus tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried Verbascum thapsus flowers in a cup of boiling water, let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
To consume this tea, drink it 2-3 times a day to help alleviate cough symptoms, and you can add honey or lemon to taste for added comfort.
9. Rosmarinus officinalis tea
Rosmarinus officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid, which have been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to treat cough ailments.
The herbal properties of this tea, including its antitussive and expectorant properties, aid in relieving cough symptoms by reducing inflammation and expelling mucus from the respiratory tract.
To make this tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried Rosmarinus officinalis leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.
Consume this tea 2-3 times a day, sweetened with honey if desired, to effectively relieve cough symptoms and promote overall respiratory health.
10. Cinchona officinalis tea
Cinchona officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as quinine, alkaloids, and glycosides that help to treat cough ailments by reducing inflammation, relieving congestion, and soothing the respiratory tract.
This herbal tea also possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that help to combat underlying infections and alleviate cough symptoms.
To make cinchona officinalis tea for cough treatment, steep 1 teaspoon of dried cinchona bark in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.
To consume this tea, drink 1-2 cups per day, ideally after meals, to help alleviate cough symptoms and promote overall respiratory health.
11. Ginkgo biloba tea
Ginkgo biloba tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, bilobalide, and ginkgolides, which have been found to be effective in treating cough ailments by reducing inflammation and soothing the respiratory tract.
The properties of this herbal tea, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, help to calm the cough and provide relief from congestion.
To make this tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried ginkgo biloba leaves in a cup of hot water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
Consume 1-2 cups of ginkgo biloba tea per day, ideally before bedtime, to help alleviate cough symptoms and promote a restful night's sleep.