13 Herbal Teas You Need to Try for Instant Cough & Cold Relief
Best Herbal Teas for Cough and Cold: Natural Remedies to Soothe Your Symptoms
Coughs and colds are all too common, especially during the colder months. While rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicines are often the go-to remedies, many people turn to herbal teas for natural relief.
These teas not only help soothe a sore throat but also offer anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and calming properties that can provide much-needed comfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best herbal teas to help alleviate coughs and colds, backed by their unique healing qualities.
The Healing Benefits of Herbal Teas for Coughs and Colds
Herbal teas have long been used as natural remedies for various ailments, and coughs and colds are no exception. Drinking warm herbal tea can help:
- Hydrate and soothe: The warmth of tea and steam help open airways, loosen mucus, and ease throat irritation.
- Boost the immune system: Many herbs have antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight off infections.
- Relieve inflammation: Some teas, such as turmeric or ginger tea, help reduce swelling and irritation in the throat and respiratory system.
- Promote relaxation: Herbal teas can calm the body, making it easier to rest and recover.
Top Herbal Teas for Cough Relief
Let’s dive into some of the best herbal teas that can help ease your cough and cold symptoms.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic properties. It’s particularly effective for soothing a dry, scratchy throat and calming an irritated cough.
The mucilage in licorice root coats the throat, providing a protective barrier against further irritation. It’s also a great choice for easing sore throats caused by viral infections.
How to Use: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root in hot water for 10 minutes. Be cautious, though, as long-term use can affect blood pressure.
Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an excellent choice for fighting cold symptoms.
Drinking green tea can help soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing, and calm the respiratory system.
Plus, it contains compounds that support immune function, helping your body fight off the infection more effectively.
How to Use: Steep a green tea bag in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Add honey for added throat-soothing benefits.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects, both for the mind and body. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it an effective remedy for sore throats and coughs.
Chamomile helps reduce irritation and inflammation in the throat and can help you get better sleep, which is crucial for recovery.
How to Use: Steep a chamomile tea bag or 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers for 5-10 minutes. Add a bit of honey to enhance its soothing effects.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is a go-to choice for easing throat irritation and helping with congestion.
The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural decongestant, helping to clear the airways and reduce coughing. It also has a cooling effect that can relieve a scratchy throat.
How to Use: Steep peppermint leaves or a tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. For extra relief, inhale the steam while drinking to help clear congestion.
Marshmallow Root Tea
If you’re dealing with a dry, irritated cough, marshmallow root tea is a must-try. Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that coats and soothes the throat.
This makes it perfect for easing the discomfort caused by a tickling cough or scratchy throat.
How to Use: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried marshmallow root in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink this tea several times a day for maximum relief.
Thyme Tea
Thyme is an excellent herb for those dealing with a productive cough or chest congestion. It has antispasmodic properties that help reduce the frequency of coughing and soothe the respiratory tract.
Thyme also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can help clear up any infections contributing to your symptoms.
How to Use: Steep 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes. For added benefits, you can combine thyme with honey or lemon.
Ginger Tea
Ginger is a powerful herb with natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
It can help clear mucus from the airways and soothe the throat. Ginger is also effective in reducing the symptoms of nausea that often accompany colds.
How to Use: Slice fresh ginger root and steep in hot water for 10 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste. Ginger tea is also great with a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra warmth and relief.
Wild Cherry Bark Tea
Wild cherry bark has a long history of use as a natural remedy for coughs. It works as a natural antispasmodic, which helps to relax the muscles involved in coughing. Wild cherry bark is especially helpful for dry, hacking coughs.
How to Use: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried wild cherry bark in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 1-2 cups per day.
Mullein Tea
Mullein is known for its ability to soothe the respiratory system and promote healthy lung function. It is rich in mucilage, which helps to coat the throat and ease irritation.
Mullein is particularly helpful for treating deep chest coughs and clearing mucus.
How to Use: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried mullein flowers or leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times a day.
Elderberry Tea
Elderberry is well-regarded for its immune-boosting properties and its ability to help fight off viral infections, including colds and flu. It can help reduce the severity of symptoms and speed up recovery time.
How to Use: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of elderberry flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey or lemon for extra soothing effects.
Eucalyptus Tea
Eucalyptus is widely used for its ability to relieve nasal congestion and coughs. It has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help open up the airways and promote easier breathing.
How to Use: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of eucalyptus leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Inhale the steam to help clear nasal passages.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Turmeric tea can help reduce the inflammation in your throat and respiratory system while also supporting your body’s immune response to fight the cold.
How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in hot water or milk. Add black pepper for better absorption of curcumin and a bit of honey for sweetness.
Honey Tea
Honey is a natural antimicrobial and soothing agent that can help calm a sore throat and reduce coughing.
It works particularly well in combination with other herbal teas, providing a protective coating for the throat while also boosting your immune system.
How to Use: Stir 1-2 teaspoons of honey into any of the teas above, or simply mix honey with warm water for a simple remedy.
Tips for Making Herbal Teas at Home
- Blending Herbs: For a more effective remedy, consider blending different herbs like chamomile, ginger, and lemon to combine their healing properties.
- Steeping Time: Herbs with thicker, tougher roots (like licorice or ginger) may need longer steeping times (10-15 minutes), while delicate flowers like chamomile need less time (5-7 minutes).
- Additional Ingredients: Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra healing benefits. A spoonful of honey can also enhance the soothing effects of the tea.
When to Seek Professional Help
While herbal teas can be incredibly soothing and helpful for mild coughs and colds, they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
If your symptoms last more than a week, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, it’s essential to see a doctor.
Conclusion
Herbal teas can provide effective relief from coughs and cold symptoms. Whether you choose the soothing qualities of chamomile, the immune-boosting power of elderberry, or the decongestant properties of peppermint, there’s a tea for every need.
Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional when necessary, but in the meantime, these herbal teas can offer comfort, hydration, and natural healing to help you feel better faster.
