Coughing is the body's reflex to clear the respiratory tract. Coughing can also occur due to viral and bacterial infections, allergies, asthma, or acid reflux. While coughing is generally a mild problem and can resolve on its own, it can sometimes interfere with your daily activities. To relieve it, you can drink warm beverages such as herbal tea.
Herbal Tea Options for Cough Relief
Coughing is one of the most common health problems experienced by anyone, both children and adults. You can treat a cough caused by a cold, allergy, or sinus infection by taking medications. Apart from medication, drinking herbal teas can also help soothe an itchy throat and relieve coughing.
Here are some herbal teas that you can consume, among others:
Ginger tea
Ginger is one of the natural ingredients that can relieve coughing. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger can soothe an irritated throat caused by coughing. To relieve cough, you can consume packaged ginger tea that is widely available in the market.
If you want to use natural ingredients, you can make a ginger drink by boiling 3 pieces of peeled and knuckle-sized ginger in boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes, and then strain. You can drink the ginger stew directly, or you can mix the ginger pieces into warm tea.
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Peppermint tea
Apart from giving a fresh flavor, peppermint also has antimicrobial, antioxidant and pain relieving properties that can help relieve coughs. To relieve cough, you can boil 15 peppermint leaves in boiling water, let stand for 5 minutes and then strain.
Honey tea
Honey is one of the natural ingredients to relieve cough symptoms. You can consume honey directly without any other ingredients or mix it into a cup of tea. Alternatively, you can also mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of warm water.
Green tea
Green tea is known as a drink to relieve various health problems such as weight loss, headaches and coughs.
You can make green tea from instant packaged green tea or mix 1 teaspoon of dried green tea leaves into a cup of boiling water and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before drinking.
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Thyme tea
Apart from being used as a spice, thyme also has antimicrobial functions and is beneficial for treating coughs. A study revealed consuming thyme extract can help relieve a severe cough.
To make thyme tea, you can mix 3 sprigs of fresh thyme into 1.5 cups of boiling water then let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain before drinking.
Natural Ways to Relieve Cough
Coughing can be relieved by taking medications or natural remedies. Apart from drinking herbal teas, you can relieve your cough in several natural ways such as:
- Increase intake of warm liquids such as drinking tea, eating soup or broth
- Take a hot bath to help thin the mucus
- Using a humidifier to moisturize the inhaled air, soothe irritated airways and thin mucus
- Gargle with salt water
Coughing generally subsides after 7-10 days, if your cough does not improve immediately then you should consult a doctor.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Seladi-Schulman, J. (2022). The 7 Best Teas to Help Ease a Cough. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-for-cough
Fletcher, J. (2023). What can I do to make my cough go away naturally?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322394
Ashpari, Z., Nall, R., Nunez, K. (2023). The Best Natural Cough Remedies. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/best-natural-cough-remedies