Herbal Teas for Coughs: Five Best Teas For Coughs

Coughs are a common ailment that can disrupt daily life and lead to discomfort. While over-the-counter medications are widely available, there is a growing interest in natural remedies, particularly herbal teas, for managing coughs. A couple of months ago, my sister had a nasty cough she wanted to get rid of because she did not want to be that person at work coughing on everyone. I gave her my suggestions, of course. This got me thinking; a blog post called Herbal Teas for Coughs is one that most people would be interested in since we are in flu season. In this article, we will explore five great herbal teas in alleviating coughs, supported by findings from human clinical trials.

Marshmallow Tea

A study published in Complementary Medicine Research (2018) found that Marshmallow Tea was effective for symptomatic treatment of dry cough. The participants in the study consisted of 822 consumers who either used marshmallow root extract in the form of tablets or syrup to treat their dry cough. Both preparations showed a good effect on the symptomatic treatment of dry coughs.

How to Make Marshmallow Tea

• One tablespoon of dried marshmallow root (available in health food stores or online)
• 1 cup hot water
• Optional: honey or lemon for added flavor

Gather Your Ingredients:

• • Ensure you have dried marshmallow root on hand. You can find this at health food stores, herbal shops, or online.

Boil Water:

• • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or heat water on the stove.

Add Marshmallow Root:

• • Place one tablespoon of dried marshmallow root in a teapot or a heatproof container.

Pour Hot Water:

• • Once the water boils, pour it over the marshmallow root in the teapot or container.

Steep:

• • Allow the marshmallow root to steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Steeping time can vary depending on your taste preferences and desired strength.

Strain:

• • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the marshmallow root. You can use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or a tea infuser.

Optional Additions:

• • Add honey or lemon to your marshmallow tea for additional flavor if you like. Honey can add sweetness, while lemon can provide a citrusy zing.

Enjoy:

• • Sip your marshmallow tea slowly while it’s still warm. The mucilage in the marshmallow root is thought to have soothing properties that can benefit the throat.

Tips:

• Dosage and Frequency: You can drink marshmallow tea a few times a day, but it’s essential to stay within the recommended dosages. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
• Storage: Store any leftover tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat before consuming.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices for flavor. Some people like to combine marshmallow root with herbs like licorice or chamomile.
• Caution: If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are pregnant, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal teas into your routine.

While marshmallow tea is generally considered safe for many people, individual reactions can vary. If you experience adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Honey Tea

A study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Neonatal Individualized Medicine (2019) found that honey was as productive as over-the-counter cough medications. Also, the World Health Organization has endorsed using honey for symptomatic relief of coughs for children over twelve months.

How to make Honey Tea

Ingredients:

• One tea bag (black, green, herbal, or your preferred type)
• 1 cup hot water
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
• Optional: lemon slices, ginger, or herbs for added flavor

Instructions:

Boil Water:

• • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or heat water on the stove.

Select Your Tea:

• • Choose your favorite tea variety. Black tea, green tea, chamomile, and herbal teas are popular choices. Use loose leaves or a tea bag, depending on your preference.

Steep the Tea:

• • Place the tea bag in a teapot or a mug. Pour the hot water over the tea bag. Allow the tea to steep for the recommended time based on the tea you use.

Remove the Tea Bag:

• • Once the tea has steeped, remove the tea bag to prevent over-brewing. If you’re using loose tea leaves, strain the leaves.

Add Honey:

• • Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey into the hot tea. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.

Optional Additions:

• • Enhance the flavor of your honey tea by adding optional ingredients. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick, or add a slice of ginger for a hint of warmth.

Stir Well:

• • Stir the tea thoroughly to ensure the honey is well-dissolved. This provides an even distribution of sweetness.

Enjoy:

• • Allow the tea to cool slightly before sipping. Enjoy your honey tea as is or with your preferred accompaniments.

Tips:

• Variations: Experiment with different types of honey for unique flavor profiles. Some people enjoy using lavender or orange blossom honey for added complexity.
• Herbal Infusions: You can also create herbal infusions by using a variety of herbs, like mint, chamomile, or lavender, along with honey.
• Temperature Control: Adjust the water temperature based on the tea you use. Green tea, for example, is often best brewed at slightly lower temperatures to avoid bitterness.
• Cold Honey Tea: For a refreshing option, brew the tea as usual, let it cool, and then refrigerate. Serve over ice for a cold honey tea.

Making honey tea is flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and experiment with different tea varieties and additions. Enjoy the soothing combination of warm tea and the natural sweetness of honey.

Ginger Tea

A study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology found that honey and ginger were more effective and had fewer side effects for a productive cough than cough syrup. The participants in the study consisted of 90 pediatric patients. Improvements were seen after six days.

How to Make Ginger Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 inches of fresh ginger root (peeled and sliced or grated)
• 1 cup water
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey (optional for sweetness)
• Optional: lemon slices or mint leaves for added flavor

Instructions:

Prepare the Ginger:

• • Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin rounds or grate it. The amount of ginger can be adjusted based on your preference for a milder or more intense flavor.

Boil Water:

• • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan or using a kettle.

Add Ginger:

• • Place the sliced or grated ginger into the boiling water. If you prefer a milder taste, start with a smaller amount and adjust in subsequent batches.

Simmer:

• • Reduce the heat to low and let the ginger simmer in the water for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger the ginger flavor will be.

Strain:

• • After simmering, strain the ginger pieces using a fine mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth, depending on how finely the ginger was sliced or grated.

Add Sweetener (Optional):

• • If you like sweetened tea, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey to the hot ginger-infused water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.

Optional Additions:

• • Enhance the flavor of your ginger tea by adding optional ingredients. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist, or add a few mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

Serve:

• • Pour the ginger tea into a cup and serve it hot. Enjoy the soothing warmth and the refreshing aroma.

Tips:

• Experiment with Spices: Add spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves for additional flavor complexity.
• Cold Ginger Tea: After brewing and straining, let the ginger tea cool, then refrigerate it for a refreshing iced ginger tea. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
• Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the amount of honey or omitting it altogether.
• Fresh vs. Ground Ginger: While fresh ginger is often preferred for its robust flavor, you can use it in a pinch. Start with a smaller amount, as ground ginger can be more concentrated.

Making ginger tea at home provides a comforting and customizable beverage with potential health benefits, including its well-known anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Enjoy your homemade ginger tea as a delightful addition to your daily routine.

Thyme Tea

A study published in Semantic Scholar (2021), found that after one week of using Thyme extract there was a reduction in cough frequency. The study consisted of eighty-three participants who had Covid 19. The participants received 5ml of thyme syrup or essential oil, three times a day.

How to Make Thyme Tea

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves (or 2 to 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 cup hot water
• Optional: honey or lemon for added flavor

Instructions:

Prepare Thyme:

• • If using fresh thyme, wash and gently bruise the leaves to release their flavor. If using dried thyme, measure out 1 to 2 teaspoons.

Boil Water:

• • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or heat water on the stove.

Add Thyme:

• • Place the thyme leaves in a teapot or a heatproof container.

Pour Hot Water:

• • Once boiling, pour the water over the thyme leaves in the teapot or container.

Steep:

• • Allow the thyme to steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Steeping time can be adjusted based on your taste preferences and desired strength.

Strain:

• • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the thyme leaves. You can use a fine mesh strainer, tea infuser, or cheesecloth.

Optional Additions:

• • If you like, add honey or lemon to your thyme tea for additional flavor. Honey can add sweetness, while lemon can provide a citrusy zing.

Stir Well:

• • Stir the tea to ensure any added honey is well-dissolved and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Enjoy:

• • Sip your thyme tea while it’s still warm. Thyme tea is known for its herbal and slightly earthy flavor.

Tips:

• Fresh vs. Dried Thyme: Both fresh and dried thyme can be used to make tea, but keep in mind that fresh thyme may have a more robust flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
• Variations: Experiment with adding other herbs like mint or chamomile for unique flavor combinations.
• Cold Thyme Tea: After brewing and straining, let the thyme tea cool, then refrigerate for a refreshing iced thyme tea. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon if desired.
• Health Considerations: Thyme is believed to have antimicrobial properties and may be helpful for respiratory health, but it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant.

Making thyme tea at home is a delightful way to enjoy the herb’s unique flavor and potential health benefits. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.

Licorice Tea

A Science Direct (2020) study found that licorice could be a promising choice in treating chronic cough. The study consisted of seventy participants who had a chronic cough. At the end of weeks two and four, the study showed that licorice decreased cough severity.

How to make Licorice Tea

Instructions:

Select Licorice Root:

• • Choose either cut or powdered licorice root. You can find licorice root in health food stores, herbal shops, or online.

Boil Water:

• • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or heat water on the stove.

Add Licorice Root:

• • Place 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried licorice root in a teapot or a heatproof container.

Pour Hot Water:

• • Once boiling, pour the water over the licorice root in the teapot or container.

Steep:

• • Allow the licorice root to steep in the hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes. Steeping time can be adjusted based on your taste preferences and desired strength.

Strain:

• • After steeping, strain the tea to remove the licorice root. You can use a fine mesh strainer, tea infuser, or cheesecloth.

Optional Additions:

• • Add honey or lemon to your licorice tea for additional flavor if you like. Licorice tea is naturally sweet, but honey or lemon can enhance the taste if desired.

Stir Well:

• • Stir the tea to ensure any added honey is well-dissolved and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Enjoy:

• • Sip your licorice tea while it’s still warm. The natural sweetness of licorice makes it a comforting and flavorful herbal tea.

Tips:

• Licorice Powder vs. Cut Root: Licorice root is available in powdered and cut forms. While powdered licorice may infuse more quickly, cut licorice root allows for a slower release of flavors during steeping.
• Variations: Licorice tea blends well with other herbs like peppermint or chamomile. Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.
• Health Considerations: Licorice has potential health benefits, but moderation is essential. If you have hypertension or are pregnant, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals before regularly drinking licorice tea.

Licorice tea offers a unique taste and potential health benefits, making it a pleasant addition to your repertoire. As with any herbal remedy, moderation and awareness of individual health conditions are vital considerations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we navigate through flu season, the demand for natural remedies to alleviate cough symptoms has fueled interest in herbal teas. Explored in this article were five such teas—Marshmallow, Honey, Ginger, Thyme, and Licorice—each backed by human clinical trials. These teas offer a promising and accessible alternative to over-the-counter medications, providing relief and a comforting experience. However, caution is advised, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions, and consultation with healthcare professionals is recommended when incorporating herbal remedies into daily routines. With their diverse flavors and potential health benefits, these herbal teas give individuals personalized options to address cough discomfort.