What’s the best tea to soothe a cough?

Herbal tea is a home remedy for many common health conditions, like colds and the flu. Extracts from plants and herbs might contain medicinal properties that can help reduce cough severity.

Although little research exists, some herbs stand out as promising cough treatments.

What are the best teas to help soothe a cough?

A number of herbs have an anecdotal history of treating coughs going back generations. But experts in the medical and scientific community have investigated them in only the past few decades and have found mixed results. 

Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.) extract in lozenge or syrup formulations may relieve a dry cough quickly. Thyme is also another promising herb that may reduce the severity of a cough from an upper respiratory tract infection. Ginger and licorice root might also have positive effects.

Marshmallow root tea

A 2020 review looking at previous research found marshmallow root alone helped to treat dry cough and was effective against all cough types when combined with other herbal extracts.

A 2018 study based on consumer experiences with marshmallow root extract lozenges or syrup found the preparations reduced cough symptoms, in most cases, within 10 minutes.

Thyme tea

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a medicinal herb that may have antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with a broad range of health benefits.

A 2021 randomized controlled trial found that a drop with a combination of thyme and ivy extract reduced cough severity in people with upper respiratory tract infections. But because this drop had multiple ingredients, it is not currently possible to tell whether the effect was due to the thyme alone.

Licorice root tea

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has a long history as a therapeutic plant. It is a traditional medication, and anecdotal evidence suggests it may boost the immune system and act as an anti-inflammatory, although currently medical research cannot confirm this.

Yet, research from 2021 looked at its potential use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among other conditions, and found promising results.

Additionally, a 2018 animal study found that certain licorice extracts could reduce cough frequency. It isn’t clear whether this effect would be the same in humans, so more research is needed.

Ginger tea

According to a 2020 research review, experts have extensively studied ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) for its potential medicinal benefits for a wide range of health conditions.

Also, a 2016 animal study found that an extract from ginger root reduced the amount of effort needed to cough. Yet, more research is needed to confirm the effects of ginger on coughing in humans.

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How long should coughs last?

Doctors and healthcare professionals classify coughs into three types, depending on how long they last:

• Acute: lasting fewer than 3 weeks
• Subacute: lasting 3–8 weeks
• Chronic: lasting more than 8 weeks

The length of a cough can help a doctor determine its cause.

What might be the underlying cause of a cough?

Many conditions and factors can lead to a cough. 

Acute cough causes

A short-term cough might be from the common cold or acute bronchitis. Allergies, pneumonia, and nose and sinus inflammation are other causes.

Chronic conditions, like COPD and asthma, can lead to acute cough, along with more serious events like congestive heart failure and blood clots in the lungs.

Subacute cough causes

Your cough might linger beyond 3 weeks and become subacute if you are recovering from an upper respiratory infection.

As the infection clears from your body, you might experience ongoing inflammation of your sinuses and windpipe, leading to a continuing cough.

Chronic cough causes

If your cough continues for more than 2 months, it can take more investigation to find the cause.

Chronic bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lung diseases, and obstructive sleep apnea are all possibilities.

Upper airway cough syndrome is another common cause of chronic cough.

What might be some treatments for a cough?

Treatment options for cough include prescription medications and OTC options. 

Prescription treatments for cough

• Benzonatate (Tessalon, Zonatuss): The drug benzonatate (Tessalon, Zonatuss) is a cough suppressant. It is available as an oral capsule. 
• Bromphen pseudoephedrine dextromethorphan (Bromfed DM): The drug bromphen pseudoephedrine dextromethorphan (Bromfed DM) is a combination medication available as a syrup. It contains a cough suppressant, antihistamine, and nasal decongestant.
• Promethazine dextromethorphan (Promethazine DM): The drug promethazine dextromethorphan (Promethazine DM) is also a combination medication that’s available as a syrup. It contains a cough suppressant and an antihistamine. 
• Promethazine/codeine: Promethazine/codeine is a combination medication that contains an antihistamine and a pain reliever of the opioid class. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2018 indicating that it should not be taken by pregnant people or children under the age of 12.

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Over-the-counter cough treatments

There are two types of OTC cough treatments: expectorants and cough suppressants. Expectorants make mucus thinner, while cough suppressants stop the cough muscle reflex.

Expectorants include guaifenesin (Mucinex). Cough suppressants include dextromethorphan (Robitussin Cough, Delsym).

When to contact a doctor

You may consider speaking with a doctor if a cough lasts more than 3 weeks or if it keeps coming back.

Before you take any medications, including OTC drugs, consider contacting a doctor or healthcare professional, especially if you have a chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or fever.

Summary

Marshmallow root, thyme, ginger, and licorice root teas may all help with cough.

OTC and prescription treatments are available for coughs. These are typically either suppressants that stop the cough reflex or expectorants that thin mucus. Depending on the cause of the cough, you may also try antihistamines.

If you have a chronic cough, you may consider speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional for a diagnosis.

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