Echinacea comes from a purple flower found in North America and is used by Great Plains tribes as a traditional cure. Brewing it as a tea is potentially a tasty way to get all that protective goodness. Ginger tea is a favorite with singers to soothe their throats — the bioactive ingredients in it act as an anti-inflammatory and may also inhibit microorganisms that can lead to infection.
And if your cold comes with an upset tummy, ginger is also known to relieve nausea. Like other small, dark berries, elderberries are filled with health-boosting antioxidants, ranking even higher than cranberry and blueberry for polyphenol content. Studies with elderberry syrups and extracts have shown they can reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms; we love the flavor sipped in a fruity tea.
This might sound a little gross, but slippery elm bark is known for having a lot of mucilage: a sticky, gel-like substance that can soothe an itchy, sore throat.
In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, you may find slippery elm among the active ingredients in throat lozenges. So if you want to take a break from those cough drops, you may want to try sipping on this calming brew. If you like something on the sweeter side, you might enjoy licorice root tea.
Licorice root, or Glycyrrhiza glabra , is a popular herbal remedy in Chinese medicine. Marshmallow root appears to act as an enzyme to help loosen mucus and inhibit bacteria. According to a study in guinea pigs, marshmallow root has the ability to suppress coughs. Additionally, a study showed a reduction in cough symptoms in people using a cough syrup containing a blend of marshmallow, ivy, thyme , and aniseed.
Marshmallow root may affect the absorption of medications that you take orally. Green tea has long been consumed as a beverage. One study investigated gargling with green tea following a surgical procedure that required intubation. Green tea also may also be effective at inhibiting microbes. While studies are ongoing, antimicrobial activity, like that of green tea, may help stop the growth of some types of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Green tea is generally safe when consumed in moderate amounts. It also has antimicrobial activity and may be beneficial for treating coughs. A study investigated an extract of thyme and ivy in people with bronchitis. The extract was found to reduce coughing fits when compared to a placebo. Peppermint is a member of the mint family. Some studies have indicated that peppermint has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pain-relieving properties.
If you have a cold, the properties in peppermint tea may also help ease your clogged sinuses and make it easier for you to breathe. In addition to drinking tea, there are several other ways you can help ease a cough at home.
For instance, you can:. Although research is ongoing, several specific types of tea may help ease your cough and the symptoms that go along with it. Some popular choices include tea with honey, licorice root tea, and ginger tea. Many coughs go away on their own. Sipping a hot cup of tea makes us feel better when we're sick, but certain teas may actually ease the symptoms of your cold. We look at the research…. An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up.
McDonald also suggests combining licorice root and marshmallow root into one herbal tea, like an Ayurvedic Vata blend. Both ginger and galangal a similar root are well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. While treating the inflammation and possible infection associated with a sore throat is great, adding a dash of cinnamon to this tea can make its effect even greater, notes McDonald, thanks to its antibacterial properties.
Plus, it adds a nice flavor. We like: Yogi Ginger Tea. Turmeric , which is from the same family as ginger, has long been used as an infection-fighting antiseptic in South Asian countries. While you traditionally find the vibrant ingredient in curries, stir fries, or soups, sipping the spice as a tea may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, research shows.
We like: Vahdam Turmeric Spiced Tea. Peppermint is rich in menthol, which is responsible for the cooling sensation you associate with mint. Marshmallow root is an herb that has a long history of use as a treatment for coughs and sore throats. The herb can ease irritation resulting from coughing because of its high mucilage content. Mucilage is a thick, gluey substance that coats the throat. One small study revealed that an herbal cough syrup containing marshmallow root, along with thyme and ivy, effectively relieved coughs resulting from common colds and respiratory tract infections.
After 12 days of taking the syrup, 90 percent of the participants rated its effectiveness as good or very good. Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb or a bagged tea.
Add hot water to either and then drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root steeps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink.
Side effects can include stomach upset, but it may be possible to counter this by drinking extra fluids. Marshmallow root is available to purchase in health stores or online. This simple remedy is one of the most effective for treating a sore throat and wet cough. Salt water reduces phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat which can lessen the need to cough.
Stir half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves. Allow the solution to cool slightly before using it to gargle. Let the mixture sit at the back of the throat for a few moments before spitting it out. Gargle with salt water several times each day until the cough improves. Avoid giving salt water to younger children as they may not be able to gargle properly, and swallowing salt water can be dangerous. Bromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples.
It is most plentiful in the core of the fruit. Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and may also have mucolytic properties, which means that it can break down mucus and remove it from the body. Some people drink pineapple juice daily to reduce mucus in the throat and suppress coughing. However, there may not be enough bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms. Bromelain supplements are available and may be more effective at relieving a cough.
However, it is best to speak with a doctor before trying any new supplements. It is possible to be allergic to bromelain , and this herb can also cause side effects and interact with medications. People who take blood thinners or specific antibiotics should not take bromelain. Thyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a common remedy for a cough, a sore throat, bronchitis , and digestive issues.
One study found that a cough syrup consisting of thyme and ivy leaves relieved coughing more effectively and more rapidly than a placebo syrup in people with acute bronchitis.
Antioxidants in the plant may be responsible for its benefits. To treat coughs using thyme, look for a cough syrup that contains this herb. Alternatively, make thyme tea by adding 2 tsp of dried thyme to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes before straining and drinking. Acid reflux is a common cause of a cough.
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