Herbal Teas For Coughs

by Kai Hendry

Did you know over-the-counter products suppress the symptoms of colds and flu, sending the problems further into your body? Herbs are medicinal plants that work with your body, assisting it by boosting the immune system to fight the viruses that cause the flu. Coughing is one of the ways your body tries to get rid of the virus. So coughing is good up to a certain point as it is loosening up the gunk from your lungs.

Try to suppress a cough only when it’s necessary, like when you or others need to sleep. Of course this is for normal coughs associated with the cold or flu. If it is severe you need to seek other treatment.

There are several herbs that can be used for coughs. Here are a few teas you can make with those herbs:

• Coltsfoot tea has long been held by herbalists throughout time for its healing properties. It soothes the throat while assisting the body to get rid of the gunk. It also relieves irritation in the throat by coating it. Add raw honey to taste.
• Make a tea of honey, lemon juice and hot water. Take 1 cup hot water and mix 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice and raw honey to taste. This is full of vitamin C from the lemon and the natural enzymes from the honey. The honey coats the throat.
• Chamomile tea helps you relax and sleep. It also relieves the spasms associated with coughing too.
• Ginger tea warms you up! Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon grated ginger root. Stir in lemon juice and raw honey to taste. This tea is very soothing on the throat.
• St. John’s Wort tea is not just for depression. It is also good for coughing spasms. You can mix this with thyme and linden flowers also. Make a mixture of 1 ounce of each herb and store in a container. To use, take 1 teaspoon of the tea mixture and pour 1 cup boiling water over it and let steep for 5-10 minutes. This tea is helpful for bronchitis and even whooping cough.

These herbs are inexpensive and you can buy them already made up in a tea bag or as a loose tea in bulk. There are many reputable online companies that sell good quality herbs. Look for those that certify where their herbs are grown.

Keep these herbs on hand in your pantry. They help many other ailments too and it’s nice to already have it ready to use!

©2009 Shanna Ohmes