bright red herbs steeping in tea for cough relief

Best Herbal Teas for Soothing a Cough

Herbal teas have been cherished for centuries as natural remedies for a variety of ailments, including stubborn coughs. They provide soothing relief while hydrating the body and offering healing properties from plants. Whether you’re dealing with a dry cough or one that’s more productive, certain teas can help ease discomfort and support your recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best herbal teas to soothe a cough, their benefits, and how to use them for relief.

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What Causes a Cough?

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants from your airways. It can be caused by various factors, including respiratory infections like colds or the flu, allergies, asthma, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sometimes, coughing may be dry and ticklish, while other times, it may be productive with mucus. Understanding the underlying cause of your cough can help you choose the right herbal tea to provide relief.

Common Symptoms of a Cough

A cough can present itself in different ways depending on its cause. Common symptoms include a persistent tickle in the throat, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or even pain from constant coughing. If the cough is productive, you may also experience mucus buildup in your chest. Coughing can worsen at night, making it difficult to sleep and causing further irritation to your throat.

Natural Herbal Teas to Relieve Cough Symptoms

Peppermint Tea: Clears Airways

Peppermint tea is one of the most popular herbal remedies for respiratory issues. The menthol in peppermint helps relax the muscles in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and reducing the urge to cough.


To make peppermint tea, simply steep fresh or dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. The steam from the tea also provides a mild inhalation effect, further clearing your airways and helping you feel more comfortable.

Licorice Root Tea: Eases Inflammation

Licorice root tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory herbal remedy that helps soothe sore throats and reduce irritation in the respiratory system. It’s particularly beneficial for dry, tickling coughs that won’t seem to go away.


You can brew licorice root tea by steeping a few pieces of dried root in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drinking it warm will help coat your throat and reduce coughing. Just be mindful not to consume too much licorice if you have high blood pressure, as it can affect blood pressure levels.

Ginger Tea: Reduces Throat Irritation

Ginger tea is well known for its ability to reduce inflammation and soothe throat discomfort. It helps relax the airway muscles, making it easier to breathe and relieving coughs caused by irritation.


To make ginger tea, peel and slice fresh ginger, then simmer it in water for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea warm. The warmth will calm your throat, while ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce any swelling or discomfort.

Marshmallow Root Tea: Soothes Throat Tissues

Marshmallow root contains a high concentration of mucilage, which is a thick substance that coats and soothes the throat. This makes it an ideal remedy for dry coughs that irritate your throat.


To use marshmallow root tea, steep dried marshmallow root in hot water for 10-15 minutes. The tea has a mild taste and provides gentle relief. Sipping it throughout the day will keep your throat moisturized and reduce coughing.

Thyme Tea: Supports Respiratory Health

Thyme is another great herb for cough relief due to its antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. It helps relax the muscles in the throat and respiratory system, which reduces the intensity and frequency of coughs.


Steep fresh or dried thyme in hot water for 5-10 minutes to make thyme tea. This tea can be especially helpful for nighttime coughing, as it allows you to rest more easily. Adding honey can enhance the tea’s soothing properties.

Chamomile Tea: Calms and Reduces Irritation

Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects, making it great for soothing a cough, especially if the cough is keeping you awake at night. Chamomile also has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce irritation in the throat and airways.


To make chamomile tea, steep dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5 minutes. Drinking this tea before bed can help you relax, calm your throat, and reduce the frequency of nighttime coughs.

Lemon Balm Tea: Antiviral Properties

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is known for its antiviral properties, making it useful for coughs caused by colds or the flu. It also helps to calm the nervous system, which can reduce the stress that often accompanies persistent coughing.


To brew lemon balm tea, steep fresh or dried lemon balm leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. This tea is gentle enough to drink throughout the day and provides a light, refreshing taste.

Eucalyptus Tea: Clears Congestion

Eucalyptus is often used in steam inhalations for cough relief, but it can also be consumed as a tea to help clear up congestion. It has strong antimicrobial and decongestant properties that make it effective at soothing coughs and opening the airways.


You can brew eucalyptus tea by steeping a few eucalyptus leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes. The tea will help you breathe more easily and reduce coughing by loosening mucus in the respiratory tract.

Sage Tea: Reduces Mucus Production

Sage tea is excellent for drying up excess mucus and reducing coughing. Its astringent properties help tighten the tissues in the throat and respiratory system, which can minimize the irritation that leads to coughing fits.


To make sage tea, steep fresh or dried sage leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. Drinking sage tea throughout the day can help reduce excessive mucus and calm your cough.

Slippery Elm Tea: Protects Mucous Membranes

Slippery elm is similar to marshmallow root in that it produces mucilage, a substance that coats the throat and soothes irritation. It’s especially useful for dry coughs and sore throats.


To make slippery elm tea, mix slippery elm powder with hot water and stir until it thickens slightly. Drinking this tea will create a protective barrier over your throat, reducing the urge to cough and allowing your throat to heal.

Mullein Tea: Supports Lung Health

Mullein tea is an age-old remedy for respiratory issues. It helps loosen mucus and reduce coughing, making it particularly useful for productive coughs that come with mucus.


Steep dried mullein leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes to make this herbal tea. Drinking mullein tea a few times a day can support lung health and ease coughing by helping to clear out mucus from the chest.

Precautions for Using Herbal Teas

While herbal teas are generally safe, it’s important to ensure that the herbs you’re using are appropriate for your situation. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications, as some herbs may interact with medications or cause adverse effects in certain individuals.


Additionally, stick to the recommended dosages when using herbal teas. Overconsumption of certain herbs, like licorice root or eucalyptus, can lead to side effects such as elevated blood pressure or digestive discomfort. If you’re unsure about an herb, it’s best to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.

General Carrier Oil Precautions

When using carrier oils, it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure you're getting the best experience. Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin before using a new oil, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Some oils can go rancid over time, so make sure to store them in a cool, dark place. And while they’re gentle, it's still a good idea to dilute essential oils properly when blending them with carrier oils to avoid any irritation. Just a few small steps can make a big difference in how your skin responds!


For more Safety and Guidelines, click here.

Final Thoughts

Herbal teas offer a natural and soothing way to manage coughing, whether it’s dry or productive. From peppermint’s cooling relief to chamomile’s calming properties, these teas can help reduce irritation and support your body’s recovery process. Experimenting with different herbal teas allows you to find the blend that works best for your specific needs. There are so many natural remedies in this world and finding the ones that meet your specific needs are just a few natural ingredients away. Welcome to your new journey of being a Naturel. Hope to see you a lot more in the near future!


XO Zaya


What’s your favorite herbal tea for soothing a cough? Let me know in the comments, and feel free to share your personal remedies!

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About the Author


Leaza is a licensed cosmetologist and a natural enthusiast. The love of writing combined with the love of nature and wanting to help others has influenced her to write blogs and create natural home, bath and body products.

Head shot of author Leaza Norman

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. Neither Zaya Naturel nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. Be sure to contact your physician before trying any of the items stated in the above article.

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