A cough can be bothersome and uncomfortable, but sipping on a warm cup of tea can provide the relief you need. Various types of tea boast healing properties that are particularly effective against coughing, sore throats, and other cold-related symptoms. These teas offer not only soothing effects for your throat but also help ease coughs by calming inflammation, enhancing the immune response, and loosening mucus. Here, we present 12 healing teas to drink when you’re experiencing a cough, each with distinct benefits to comfort and heal you naturally.
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is well-known for its ability to soothe and alleviate coughing. Packed with compounds that reduce throat irritation and inflammation, this tea provides significant relief. Additionally, it acts as an expectorant, helping to break down mucus and clear blockage from the respiratory system.
Benefits of Licorice Root Tea:
- Reduces inflammation
- Soothes throat discomfort
- Facilitates mucus expulsion
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, known to bolster the immune system and help combat infections. Its anti-inflammatory qualities work to relieve sore throats and minimize coughing. With mild antiviral and antibacterial properties, green tea becomes a perfect beverage choice when you’re feeling unwell.
Benefits of Green Tea:
- Enhances immune function
- Decreases inflammation
- Helps fight infections
Chamomile Herbal Tea
Chamomile tea is popular for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a comforting option for those dealing with a cough. This tea soothes throat irritation, relaxes muscles, and alleviates tension in the chest caused by persistent coughing. Additionally, drinking chamomile tea before bedtime can enhance sleep quality, an essential factor in recovery.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea:
- Relieves throat irritation
- Calms both body and mind
- Aids in promoting restful sleep
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which serves as a natural decongestant. It aids in breaking up mucus and soothing the throat, making breathing easier during coughing episodes. In addition, peppermint tea has the ability to reduce the urge to cough by numbing the throat and calming irritated airways.
Benefits of Peppermint Tea:
- Functions as a natural decongestant
- Improves breathing efficiency
- Calms inflamed airways
Marshmallow Root Tea
Marshmallow root tea provides excellent support for soothing a cough. Its mucilage content coats the throat effectively, minimizing irritation. This tea is particularly beneficial for treating dry coughs since it hydrates and protects the throat from further damage.
Benefits of Marshmallow Root Tea:
- Eases dry coughs
- Hydrates and shields the throat
- Alleviates irritation
Thyme Tea
Thyme tea has been utilized for centuries as a go-to remedy for various respiratory issues, including coughs. It contains components that relax throat muscles, diminishing coughing fits. Thyme’s antimicrobial properties also aid in combating infections that may lead to coughing.
Benefits of Thyme Tea:
- Relaxing effect on throat muscles
- Mitigates coughing episodes
- Attacks respiratory infections
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea stands out as a robust remedy for coughs due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. It helps soothe a sore throat, curtail coughing, and even tackle nausea that often accompanies colds or respiratory ailments. The warming nature of ginger promotes better circulation, thus aiding in speedy recovery.
Benefits of Ginger Tea:
- Alleviates throat inflammation
- Reduces coughing
- Soothes nausea
Wild Cherry Bark Tea
Wild cherry bark tea has long been cherished for its effectiveness in addressing coughs, especially dry and irritating ones. It comprises compounds that suppress cough reflexes, making it extremely valuable for handling stubborn sweeps that disrupt sleep. Along with its cough-suppressing ability, it features anti-inflammatory properties that comfort the throat.
Benefits of Wild Cherry Bark Tea:
- Suppresses ongoing coughs
- Relieves throat irritation
- Mildly anti-inflammatory
Mullein Tea
Mullein tea is frequently used as a remedy for respiratory ailments such as coughs and congestion. This tea reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract, facilitating the process of expelling mucus, which proves advantageous for those exhibiting productive cough traits. Mullein is gentle enough on the throat while providing calming effects.
Benefits of Mullein Tea:
- Lessens respiratory inflammation
- Aids mucus release
- Comforts the throat
Elderberry Tea
Elderberry tea is abundant in antioxidants and possesses potent antiviral characteristics, making it a fabulous option to tackle cold and flu symptoms, including coughs. Elderberries significantly diminish the severity and duration of coughing by supporting immune health and lowering inflammation within the respiratory system.
Benefits of Elderberry Tea:
- Strengthens immune response
- Shortens cough duration
- Counteracts viral infections
Eucalyptus Tea
Eucalyptus tea serves as another favored remedy for coughs and respiratory problems. Eucalyptol, contained within the leaves, functions as a natural decongestant and expectorant, allowing mucus breakdown, thus clearing airways. Drinking eucalyptus tea can also diminish throat inflammation and alleviate coughing spells.
Benefits of Eucalyptus Tea:
- Natural decongestant properties
- Facilitates improved breathing
- Relieves coughing bouts
Tea Sweetened with Honey
Incorporating honey into any form of tea can amplify its healing effects. Honey serves as a natural cough suppressant and throat soother, making it incredibly advantageous for tackling both sore throats and coughs. Its antibacterial and antiviral attributes assist in combating infections and hastening recovery.
Benefits of Honey in Tea:
- Soothes sore throat
- Acts as a natural cough suppressant
- Supports overall immune function
Conclusion
When experiencing a cough, consuming the right type of tea can deliver vital relief and support your body’s healing journey. From easing throat discomfort to reducing inflammation and strengthening immune defenses, these 12 healing teas offer a natural and powerful way to mitigate coughs and other cold-related symptoms. Whether you choose licorice root tea, chamomile tea, or simply a tea sweetened with honey, you’ll find solace in every sip while your body gradually recuperates.