Coughing can be both irritating and exhausting, often lingering long after other cold symptoms have disappeared.
For many Canadians, turning to natural remedies such as herbal teas can provide relief from persistent coughs.
Teas like licorice root tea, green tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea, and peppermint tea offer a range of soothing properties that can help ease coughs, calm the throat, and support the body’s natural healing process.
Best tea for easing coughs:
Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root tea is one of the most effective teas for easing coughs due to its demulcent properties, which help coat and soothe the throat. The active compound in licorice root, glycyrrhizin, has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, making it particularly useful for loosening mucus and reducing irritation in the respiratory system.
By coating the throat, licorice root tea helps reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing, allowing the airways to relax and heal. For Canadians suffering from dry or persistent coughs, licorice root tea provides immediate relief by moistening the throat and making it easier to breathe.
In addition to soothing the throat, licorice root tea has antiviral and antibacterial properties, which can help the body fight off the infections that often cause coughs in the first place. Its sweet flavour makes it a pleasant option for those looking to calm a cough naturally.
Green Tea
Green tea is well known for its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which provide a range of health benefits, including support for the respiratory system. The antioxidants in green tea help reduce inflammation in the throat and airways, providing relief from coughing and irritation.
Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the throat and reduce the swelling that can lead to coughing fits. For Canadians dealing with coughs related to colds or respiratory infections, green tea offers a gentle yet effective way to ease symptoms while supporting the immune system.
In addition to its soothing effects, green tea contains mild amounts of caffeine, which can help open up the airways and improve breathing, making it easier to manage congestion and respiratory discomfort. The warm steam from a cup of green tea can also help clear nasal passages, further alleviating cough-related symptoms.
Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is a powerful natural remedy for a variety of respiratory issues, including coughs. The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce inflammation in the throat and lungs, providing relief from coughs caused by colds, allergies, or respiratory infections.
One of ginger tea’s greatest benefits for cough relief is its ability to loosen mucus and improve circulation in the respiratory system. By helping the body expel mucus more easily, ginger tea reduces the need to cough, making it easier to breathe and reducing throat irritation.
For Canadians experiencing a stubborn, phlegmy cough, ginger tea offers a warming, soothing option that can be further enhanced with honey or lemon—both of which add additional benefits for relieving cough and soothing the throat.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is widely known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing the stress and discomfort that often come with persistent coughing. Chamomile contains compounds that act as mild anti-inflammatories and antispasmodics, helping to relax the throat muscles and reduce coughing fits.
Chamomile tea is particularly helpful for easing coughs that are worse at night. For Canadians struggling to get restful sleep due to coughing, drinking chamomile tea before bed can help relax the body and calm the throat, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition to its calming effects, the warm steam from chamomile tea can help open up the nasal passages and ease congestion, further reducing the urge to cough. Its mild, pleasant flavour makes it a soothing and effective choice for anyone looking to calm a persistent cough.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is another excellent choice for easing coughs, particularly those related to congestion or respiratory issues. The menthol in peppermint has natural decongestant and antispasmodic properties, which help open up the airways and relax the throat muscles, reducing the intensity of coughing.
The cooling sensation of peppermint tea can also help numb and soothe an irritated throat, making it particularly effective for Canadians dealing with dry or scratchy coughs. By reducing the urge to cough, peppermint tea allows the airways to heal more quickly.
Peppermint tea’s antibacterial and antiviral properties further enhance its benefits, helping the body fight off infections that may be causing the cough. Its refreshing flavour and caffeine-free nature make it a great choice for drinking throughout the day or before bed.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the soothing effects of licorice root tea or the cooling relief of peppermint tea, these herbal teas offer a range of benefits for Canadians looking to ease coughs naturally.
Green tea’s antioxidant properties, ginger tea’s anti-inflammatory effects, and chamomile tea’s calming nature all contribute to relieving cough-related discomfort and supporting respiratory health.
By incorporating these teas into a regular wellness routine, individuals can find comfort and relief from persistent coughs while promoting overall health.
Learn the best types of tea for common conditions: