Teas to combat annoying coughs

Coughing is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom which usually appears when there is an infection or irritation of the airways. However, when the cough is persistent it is considered chronic and is commonly associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and esophageal reflux.

It is very important to consult your doctor for a proper assessment of the problem that may be giving rise to chronic cough.

Chronic cough is a common problem and is a common complaint in doctor's surguries.

Infusions for coughs

Some plants and fruits can be used to combat cough and here a few recipes:

Mullein and bougainvillea tea

Mullein is a plant that has been used as a sedative for coughs and bronchitis.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of mullein
• 1 bunch of bougainvillea flowers
• 1 litre of water

Preparation

1. Put water in a pan, heat, and once it breaks the first boil, add bougainvillea flowers and mullein. 
2. Boil for 5 more minutes and then turn off the heat.
3. Let stand.
4. Strain and serve, if necessary use honey to sweeten.
5. Drink immediately. Try to drink 1 to 2 cups during the days that your cough presents.

Anise Tea

Ingredients

• 1 litre of water
• 1 handful of anise leaves
• Honey

Preparation

1. Put water to boil.
2. Once boiling, add the anise leaves and boil for 5 minutes.
3. Strain and sweeten with honey to taste.
4. Try drinking warm tea every day for as long as your cough lasts.

Ginger tea with peppermint and eucalyptus

The mixture of these plants can help fight cough and other diseases related to respiratory ailments.

Ingredients

• 1 litre of water
• A slice of ginger root
• 1 handful of eucalyptus leaves
• 1 handful of mint leaves

Preparation

1. Put the water on to boil and once boiling, add the ginger, mint leaves and eucalyptus.
2. Let boil for 5 minutes, immediately afterwards, strain and serve.
3. Try to drink it daily during the days where your cough presents.

Fig and apple tea

Ingredients

• 1 chopped apple
• 15 dried figs (halved)
• 250g of thyme honey
• 1 litre of water

Preparation

1. Put the water on to boil, then add all ingredients.
2. Wait for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool.
4. Strain and reserve the resulting liquid in a dark bottle or container.
5. Take two teaspoons four times daily. You can also heat a cup of hot water, and place two teaspoons of preparation to make a tea.

Guava Tea with Eucalyptus

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water
• ½ a chopped guava
• 1 eucalyptus leaf
• Fresh lemon juice

Preparation

1. Boil water and add the guava and eucalyptus, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
2. After this, strain and add the lemon juice.
3. Drink one cup three times a day when your cough is causing you to experience discomfort.

Oat tea for dry coughs

This infusion has an expectorant effect for dry cough and it is mucolytic, i.e. it helps dissolve and expel mucus. It is useful in cases of bronchitis. It is diuretic, fights lip sores and reduces irritation and sore throat.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of oat seeds
• 2 litres of water
• Honey to taste

Preparation

1. Put water on to boiling.
2. Add oats and stir gently, leave on low heat and add a little honey to sweeten. Strain and drink two glasses a day in divided doses.

If your cough persists despite your efforts to combat it, do not forget to consult your doctor.

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