9 Infusions to Naturally Relieve Coughs
Flu season arrives with a vengeance every year. A runny nose, cough, and sore throat are enough to make you feel sick. Between work and family obligations, many of us can't afford to get sick. Fortunately, there are dozens of natural remedies you can turn to when you need to feel better quickly.
Herbal infusions are one of the best home remedies when you're feeling ill. A piping hot cup can help soothe a sore throat while providing the fluids your body needs to fight the infection. Would you like to know which are the best infusions to relieve coughs and other flu symptoms? Just keep reading.
What causes cough?
Coughing is the body's way of responding when something irritates the throat or airways. An external agent stimulates the nerves that send a message to the brain. The brain signals the chest and abdominal muscles to expel air from the lungs to force out the external agent.
An occasional cough is normal and healthy, and can even be relieved with some of the natural remedies we're about to share with you. On the other hand, a cough that persists for several weeks or produces discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that requires medical attention.
The best infusions to relieve cough
- Thyme infusion
- Liquorice infusion
- Ginger infusion
- Chamomile infusion
- Echinacea infusion
- Mint infusion
- Hibiscus infusion
- Turmeric infusion
- Infusions with honey
1. Thyme infusion
Thyme is one of the best herbs for preventing chest congestion and coughs. A freshly prepared thyme infusion can help open your airways.
A German study found that thyme infusion is effective in treating acute bronchitis with a productive cough. The clinical trial examined 361 patients with bronchitis. The results showed a 68.7% reduction in coughing attacks in the group receiving thyme infusion, compared to only 47% in the placebo group. The reduction in coughing was also achieved two days earlier in patients who consumed thyme than in those receiving the placebo. Drinking thyme infusion may help reduce coughs more quickly and lead to a faster recovery.
The Respira Fluido Infusion contains organic thyme as well as mint, lemongrass and rockrose flower.
2. Liquorice infusion
Licorice root infusion is made from the root of the licorice plant. The flavor is slightly bitter and salty with sweet undertones. Licorice root is a staple of Chinese herbal medicine and one of the best natural remedies you can take to combat coughs.
Studies show that licorice has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. It acts at the cellular level to prevent the replication of harmful pathogens and, under certain conditions, can even eliminate viral cells.
3. Ginger infusion
Like licorice root, ginger has long been used in Chinese and Indian medicine as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Ginger is an excellent remedy for nausea, but it can also help relieve coughs thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. The gentle heat of ginger tea helps open the airways by reducing chest and throat inflammation.
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4. Chamomile infusion
Chamomile is the queen of herbal teas when it comes to soothing pain. When suffering from the common cold, a cough is often accompanied by a sore throat. The strain of coughing can increase inflammation and irritation in the throat, causing constant pain. Drinking chamomile tea can help reduce inflammation and lubricate the throat, thus reducing the painful symptoms caused by a persistent cough.
5. Echinacea infusion
Echinacea is one of the most common natural remedies for respiratory tract infections. It's also a common ingredient in cough drops or cough syrup found at the pharmacy. Research shows that echinacea works for both dry and wet coughs, opening the airways by reducing inflammation.
6. Mint infusion
Peppermint is another common ingredient in throat lozenges and cough medicines. Peppermint's invigorating aroma helps open airways and treat throat infections. It can also help reduce inflammation and coughing.
7. Hibiscus infusion
Hibiscus infusion is a delicious herbal tea with a tangy, sweet flavor similar to cranberries. It is made from the flower petals of the hibiscus plant. This infusion is effective in treating cough and cold symptoms thanks to its high concentration of vitamin C.
8. Turmeric infusion
Turmeric has been traditionally used for many ailments over the years, including coughs. Its active compound, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
It's recommended to consume turmeric with black pepper. This is because piperine, the main compound in black pepper, increases turmeric's bioavailability. This helps the body absorb it.
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9. Infusions with honey
Honey is one of the best traditional remedies for sore throats. According to several studies, it can also relieve coughs even more effectively than some medications containing dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant.
You can add a couple of tablespoons of honey to any of the infusions on this list to enhance their soothing effects and help relieve your cough more effectively.
Other natural remedies to relieve cough
In addition to infusions, there are other natural remedies you can use to relieve your cough:
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can provide a host of health benefits. Although they don't directly relieve coughs, they help balance gastrointestinal flora. GI flora refers to the bacteria that live in the intestines. This balance can support immune system function throughout the body. A 2015 study showed a decrease in the number of people contracting respiratory tract infections after receiving various strains of probiotics, although the evidence is still inconclusive.
The most natural way to obtain probiotics is through fermented foods, which include:
- Miso
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Kimchi
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Bromelain
You probably don't think of pineapple as a natural cough remedy, but that's probably because you've never heard of bromelain.
There is evidence to suggest that bromelain, an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapple, may help suppress coughs and loosen mucus in the throat.
To get the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink fresh pineapple juice three times a day.
It's also claimed to help relieve sinusitis and sinus problems caused by allergies, which can contribute to coughing and mucus. However, there isn't enough evidence to support this claim.
Drink plenty of fluids
One of the best ways to relieve a cough is to drink plenty of fluids.
Drinking fluids can help relieve a dry throat, a common cause of coughing. It also helps thin mucus, which can ease cough and congestion.
Warm liquids, such as broth, are ideal for coughs. If you prefer a cold drink, it's best to simply drink water.
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