Herbal Tea for Cough

Cough, often accompanied by cold or vice versa, affects people of any age group and tends to remain for a longer period of time, in the absence of remedies or proper treatment. Triggered by a number of factors like dust, pollution, pollen, animal dander and changes in the climate, this respiratory disorder can be quite a distressing condition.

Even though there are many clinical treatments, to relieve the signs and symptoms of cough and cold, several home remedies are also known to effectively treat this common health issue.Herbal tea for cough as well as cold has been a trusted remedy from a long time and has also proved to be effective in combating the irritation in throat and respiratory tract.

There are different herbal teas to combat a number of health issues, however not all are recommended for cough. There are only a few herbal teas that are helpful in treating symptoms of cold, cough and flu. The herbal tea recipe is concocted using a special blend of herbs, spices, honey and lemon seeped in hot water. Here are some of the popular versions of herbal tea that have known to cure cough and cold.

This tea, with its unique flavor helps clear the nasal passage and also drains the sinuses. It also treats cough and cold. Even severe cases of bronchitis and fever can be cured by drinking chamomile tea. Being antimicrobial in nature, this tea destroys microbial growth in the respiratory tract. Dried flowers and leaves of the chamomile plant are used for making this herbal tea. At times, even fresh flowers are brewed, for a refreshing drink.

Made from fennel seeds, this drink is also an excellent home remedy to cure sore throat and cough, both dry as well as productive. Drinking or gargling with a cup of fennel tea helps get rid of the irritation in the throat. It also helps bring down the cough and soothes chest pain which arises due to continuous coughing and clearing of the throat. The fennel seeds are seeped in hot water, along with cardamom and coriander seeds for extra flavor. It is sweetened with maple syrup, and can be had at regular intervals.

Considered to be one of the best herbal teas for cough, ginger tea is very popular as an expectorant to relieve cough and chest congestion. Ginger tea mixed with a few drops of lemon juice and honey is an excellent combination to relieve inflammation of the inner lining of the throat. The lemon juice helps soothe the irritation, and honey brings down the cough. For concocting this tea, bring a cup or two of water to boil and seep a teaspoon of ginger paste in it for about 15 minutes. Add the honey and lemon juice.

Another powerful herbal tea for cough is lemongrass tea. A concoction made of lemongrass, peppercorns, cinnamon and mint leaves, with a dash of honey and lemon juice is an age-old and excellent remedy to relieve chest congestion, which is a common after-effect of cold and cough.

It also helps in draining the nasal passage for effortless breathing. While making lemongrass tea, ensure that you choose tender leaves and peel the outer layer, as it has a bitter taste and which may make the tea unpalatable.

Chop the leaves and boil them in hot water, along with the peppercorns and cinnamon. Remove it from the heat and add honey and lemon juice as per your preference.

The ancient health beverage of the Chinese herbalists, Greeks and Romans, licorice is also another reliable home remedy to get rid of cough and cold. Having demulcent and expectorant properties, licorice tea aids in the expulsion of the phlegm from the respiratory tract, while soothing the sinus cavities and throat. Licorice tea is especially good for productive cough. Seep the roots in boiling water for about 10 minutes and strain it. You can add a sweetener to the beverage if you don't like the strong flavor.

A number of benefits of herbal tea can be availed by the consumption of this beverage. Herbal tea can be used as a remedy for dry as well as wet (or productive) cough. Here are some of the positive effects of taking a cup of herbal tea.

• Herbal tea is a healthy blend of natural ingredients, which have nutrients to treat and relieve the symptoms of cough and cold. It strengthens the immune systems, which is a protective shield of the body against various disorders.

• It also replenishes the antioxidants in the body, which are necessary to fight against the disease causing free radicals. These components are responsible for causing diseases.

• Herbal teas also help flush out toxins and pathogens from the body, thereby curing infections and disorders. Make it a point to drink the tea after warming it on a burner or microwave, for immediate relief from cough and cold.
• Drinking a cup of warm herbal tea, just before going to bed, helps calm the nerves and also facilitates a good night's sleep.

These herbal teas can also be given to children. Sipping hot herbal tea and inhaling the steam emanating from it, helps control the symptoms and also speeds up the recovery time of this respiratory illness.