13 Effective Peppermint Tea For Cough Remedies

13 Effective Peppermint Tea For Cough Remedies

Hello tea enthusiasts and health warriors! Ever been in the middle of a conversation, ready to deliver a world-changing point, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a naughtily persistent cough hijacks your vocal chords? Yes, we’ve all been there. And we scowl and fume, but what if there’s a magical, sensational solution sitting in our kitchen cupboards? Allow me to present – the unassuming, but superhero-like, Peppermint Tea! And before you ask, no, it’s not a new Marvel character, but it sure does pack an impressive punch – a punch that could send your stubborn cough packing.

Now I understand your scepticism. How can a warm cup of tea, fight off a mighty cough? How can tiny leaves have such gargantuan powers? Dare I say, even more effective than the lozenges you’ve been popping like candy? Would you believe me if I told you that peppermint tea is not just a fragrant beverage enjoyed by connoisseurs, but is a fabulous, scientifically-backed remedy targeting that irksome cough? You’re nodding aren’t you?

So stick with me on this journey as we dive into the minty, mentholic depths of this herbal hero. Whether you’re a tea aficionado, or you’re purely here for its health benefits, let’s together uncloak the mysticism around peppermint tea for cough.

Understanding the Benefits of Peppermint Tea for Cough

Who doesn’t want to have their scientific curiosity tickled? But you might be thinking, “Can this humble brew really do the trick and ease my cough?” O-ho, don’t underestimate the power of this phenomenal herbal concoction, let me tell you.

What is Peppermint Tea?

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come not to bewitch you with a tale of sorcery, but to enlighten thee about peppermint tea. Born from the leaves of the peppermint plant, a hybrid mint variety between watermint and spearmint, peppermint tea takes the centre stage in its riveting drama of taste and health benefits.

Widely loved for its refreshing flavor that’s like a cool breeze on a hot day, it’s also a heavy hitter in the health department. To the untrained eye, it may seem like just another member in the vast tea family. But its unique characteristic is in the presence of menthol – a magical compound with the superpower of treating a variety of health issues, including your villainous cough.

From the deserts of ancient Egypt to your modern tea cup, peppermint has had quite a ride! Now it’s ready to take on its next challenge, helping you get through that Netflix binge without sounding like a vintage car engine.

How Does Peppermint Tea Help with Cough?

Time for a spot of science! For centuries, peppermint tea has been a beloved natural remedy, a gentle healer, and it has its unique composition of chemicals to thank for that. One of these, as we mentioned, is menthol. This compound helps relax and soothe the throat muscles, making a vicious cough wave its white flag in surrender.

Additionally, menthol also encourages your stressed lungs to take a breather (quite literally) by stimulating the production of mucus. A choir of mucus may not sound like music to your ears, but trust me, in our cough-ridden state, it’s a symphony! This slimy layer lubricates and protects your throat, giving the tickle in your airways a run for its money.

13 Effective Peppermint Tea Remedies for Cough

We’ve taken the scenic route and now, we’ve reached the meaty part – revealing the glorious 13 ways that peppermint tea can be used for cough. Each with its own charm and personality, they’re all primed to take down that cough in their unique style.

1. Pure Peppermint Tea

Ah, the classic! Simple, elegant, and straight to the point. Like the perfect little black dress, pure peppermint tea is the indispensable addition to your anti-cough arsenal.

Brew a cup of this aromatic delight and let it work its wonders. Few sips in, you’ll feel the soothing menthol glide down your throat, easing the scratchiness and reducing coughing fits. It’s a bit like hosting a personal concert just for your throat.

2. Peppermint and Honey Tea

But sometimes, our throat wants more. It needs loving care, and that’s where our sweet companion, honey, enters the picture. Let’s be real – it’s not just about chasing away the cough demons but also about enjoying the process, right?

This combo gives us the best of both worlds – health and a tickling sensation of sweetness. Honey has long been respected in the world of natural remedies for its ability to quiet nagging coughs and soothe an irritable throat. A spoonful of honey not only makes the medicine go down but also turns it into a gourmet experience.

So, let’s lend an ear to the wise old bees – next time your throat is ablaze and your cough relentless, why not combine the formidable powers of peppermint and honey in a steamy mug of goodness?

3. Peppermint and Ginger Tea

Ginger in a cough remedy is like the ultimate plot twist in a thrilling movie. We see it coming, but we’re still impressed when it shows up. Here, in the combination of peppermint and ginger tea, it’s a formidable ally.

A smash of warming ginger paired with cool, refreshing peppermint is like a spa treatment for your throat. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory prowess, and peppermint, loosening things up with its menthol magic – it’s a match made in herbal heaven!

4. Peppermint and Lemon Tea

Imagine a detective duo that’s always got your back. One’s cool and refreshing, the other’s zesty and energetic. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with. That’s peppermint and lemon for you.

Lemon, nature’s vitamin C dynamite, helps boost the immune system, while its acidity can break down mucus, making your cough more productive. Tied together with the cooling relief of peppermint, you’ve got a delectable concoction that kicks cough where it hurts.

So next time, instead of enduring a gruelling battle with your cough, why not sit back with a mug of peppermint and lemon tea, and watch these two tango their way to your relief?

5. Peppermint and Chamomile Tea

Ah, peppermint and chamomile tea, a concoction fit for kings and queens… and those beleaguered by a persistent cough. Picture this: a symphony of crisp peppermint notes dancing cheek to cheek with the tender, comforting undercurrents of chamomile. It’s like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold winter day. But warmth isn’t the only thing that this dynamic duo gives you.

Peppermint brings a soothing touch to your sore throat, making the cough less exhausting. Chamomile, on the other hand, is like the peacekeeping envoy in this opera. Research from Molecular Medicine Reports reveals that chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties capable of reducing throat irritation and combating that stubborn cough[^1^].

Combine them, and they form a formidable peppermint tea for cough remedy that engages your senses while attacking that cough. Honey, sweet and thick, can also be added as a natural sweetener and cough suppressant. It’s nature’s liquid gold, working hard to heal you.

6. Peppermint and Licorice Root Tea

Peppermint and licorice root tea isn’t just exotic-sounding; it’s the Robin Hood of throat-soothing tea mixes. Why, you ask? Well, the minty coolness of peppermint, much like Robin Hood himself, takes the harshness of a cough and promptly shows it the exit. Right on its heels, the licorice root swoops in, playing the part of the benevolent hero, delivering much-needed relief to your parched throat.

The British Journal of Pharmacology reinforces the power of licorice root in this duo-performance by showing its ability to reduce inflammation and soothe irritation[^2^]. Pair it with peppermint’s throat-cooling prowess, and you’ve got a winning combo.

Don’t like the licorice’s sweet yet slightly tangy flavor? No worries! You can substitute the licorice root with honey, another throat-soothing power player. You’ll still have a potent peppermint tea for cough mix, slightly sweet and wholly comforting.

7. Peppermint and Thyme Tea

Let’s talk about the off-beat performer among our roster of charmers – the peppermint and thyme tea mix. This blend could very well be the secret weaponthat coughs dread. So startlingly efficient, it’s like the secret trick up a magician’s sleeve.

Peppermint, as we’ve established, packs a mighty cooling punch, reducing irritating coughs to mere whispers. Now, add in thyme, the super-powered herb often relegated to the spice rack. Studies from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found thyme to possess surprising anti-inflammatory properties[^3^].

Combine peppermint’s coolness with thyme’s inflammation-reducing abilities, perhaps with a dollop of honey, and you’ve got a peppermint tea for cough remedy that combines taste and health in one delightful package!

8. Peppermint and Echinacea Tea

Next up in our peppermint tea for cough repertoire is peppermint and Echinacea tea. Peppermint, our favorite cough reliever, teaming up with Echinacea, a well-respected powerhouse in the herbal world, creates a blend both pleasing to the palate and effective for the throat.

Research from the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics suggests that Echinacea may assist in reducing the duration and severity of a cough[^4^]. Its addition to the peppermint tea promotes an even quicker recovery.

9. Peppermint and Green Tea

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have peppermint and green tea – a classic tea blend with a cough-relieving twist. The minty freshness of peppermint combined with the grassy notes of green tea makes for a delightful cup of comfort.

Both teas are bursting with antioxidants ready to wage war on your cold or flu symptoms. Together, they form an effective peppermint tea for cough mix that prioritizes your relief and enjoyment in equal measures!

10. Peppermint and Elderberry Tea

When coughs just won’t let you be, it’s time to call in the big guns… and there’s no bigger gun in the herbal arsenal than the peppermint and elderberry tea mix! This blend is not merely an underdog, but verily, a superhero lying low in the dizzying world of herbal remedies till its moment of glory arrives.

Imagine the cool breath of peppermint teaming with elderberry’s sweetly tart flavors. It’s like a birthday party for your taste buds while maintaining the gravity of a superhero showdown on your cough.

Elderberry flaunts an impressive resume too, with research from the Journal of Functional Foods highlighting its antiviral properties[^5^]. Combine it with peppermint, maybe drop in some honey, and voila! You’ve got a powerful peppermint tea for cough remedy at hand.

11. Peppermint and Hibiscus Tea

Peppermint and hibiscus tea may sound unusual, but oh, does it work wonders! With peppermint acting as your dependable bodyguard and hibiscus, the exotic stranger from tropical regions, you get a peppermint tea for cough blend that’s quite unforgettable.

The bright, tart flavor of hibiscus flowers might initially take you by surprise, but it grows on you. Mix it with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint, and the mixture is akin to an herbal party in your mouth, with each sip offering solace to your throat.

12. Peppermint and Marshmallow Root Tea

Quick, name an unlikely superhero duo! Batman and Superman? Thor and Loki? Nah, I’m talking about peppermint and marshmallow root tea, the dynamic duo ready not to save the world but to envelop your throat in a soothing embrace.

Marshmallow root? Sounds surreal, doesn’t it? But friends, looks can be deceiving. This humble root is more than its fairytale-like name suggests. The Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences reaffirms its mucilaginous properties, which help in soothing irritated throats[^6^]. Combine it with the ever-reliable peppermint, and you’re left with a sublime, one-of-a-kind peppermint tea for cough remedy.

13. Peppermint and Slippery Elm Tea

Last, but certainly not least, we have the peppermint and slippery elm tea mix closing our top-tier list of peppermint tea for cough remedies. The unassuming name of ‘slippery elm’ is a deception. Slippery elm, as harmless as it might sound, is an unsung hero of the herbal tea world.

The bark of the slippery elm tree is known for its “slippery” consistency once combined with water. It’s kind of like nature’s own lozenge, coating your throat and helping to relieve coughs.

Combine it with peppermint, perhaps with some honey to sweeten it, and you have both an effective cough remedy and the kind of tea that reminds you of a comforting hug. Now, that’s a heartening cup worth raising a toast to!

[^1^]: Srivastava, J.K., Shankar, E., and Gupta, S. (2010). Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. [^2^]: Asl, M.N., and Hosseinzadeh, H. (2008). Review of Pharmacological Effects of Glycyrrhiza sp. and its Bioactive Compounds Phytotherapy Research, 22(6), 709–724. [^3^]: Vigo, E., Cepeda, A., Gualillo, O., and Perez‐Fernandez, R. (2004). In‐vitro anti‐inflammatory effect of Eucalyptus globulus and Thymus vulgaris: nitric oxide inhibition in J774A.1 murine macrophages. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 56(2), 257-263. [^4^]: Schapowal, A., Klein, P., and Johnston, S.L. (2015). Echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 28 (2). [^5^]: Tiralongo, E., Wee, S.S., and Lea, R.A. (2016). Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 8 (4). [^6^]: Bhargava, P., Singh, R., Shukla, G., and Kapoor, A. (2015). In-vitro evaluation of Althaea officinalis mucilage as a potential excipient for oro-dispersible tablets. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 7(1), 51–53.

How to Prepare Peppermint Tea for Cough

Hey tea enthusiasts, let’s chat about how to prepare peppermint tea for cough. This is not rocket science, no need to summon Sherlock Holmes or Mr. Bean. Simply whip out your favorite mug, ride your magic carpet to your kitchen – all while humming tea-for-two – and we will plunge right in!

Basic Preparation Method

Preparing peppermint tea is easier than baking a pie. You don’t need to be a seasoned cook, Julia Child or Ratatouille! All you need is two teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves or, if you’re a green thumb, four to six fresh leaves. Rinse them under running water, just like you’d give a raccoon a bath. Put these leaves into that aforementioned favorite mug of yours.

Next, boil a cup of water. Imagine yourself as a tea-loving dragon, breathe a sigh of relief, and let it steam the water. Once it has reached a rolling boil, pour it into your mug, dunking the peppermint leaves. Cover your mug – we’re not baking instant noodles, you know! Let it steep for about ten minutes.

Adding Additional Ingredients

Now, here’s where your inner tea maestro can shine. To jazz up your peppermint tea for cough, and boost its cough-busting properties, feel free to add other wonder ingredients. Honey, for example, works like a charm. Not only does it sweeten your tea, but also coats your throat. It’s like a warm, fuzzy blanket for irritated throat walls.

Adding a slice of ginger wouldn’t hurt either. Its anti-inflammatory properties can deal with the symptoms of your cough faster than you can say “hippopotamus”! Don’t overdo this though, you don’t want your tea to taste like a ginger spice cake. And if you seek a citrusy punch, squeeze in some lemon juice. This vitamin C rich fruit won’t just add zing, it might just pistol-whip that stubborn cold of yours!

Finally, for those cozy evenings, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to your peppermint tea. This earthy, aromatic spice doesn’t just transform your brew into a magical potion, but it also brings a host of anti-inflammatory benefits. Now, the only thing left to do is sit back, sip your tea, and let these ingredients work their magic.

FAQs

1. Can I drink peppermint tea every day for cough?

Absolutely, drinking peppermint tea every day for cough relief is not a problem. In fact, several folks find it beneficial over time. As with everything in life, moderation is key. Just don’t substitute it for water and turn into a peppermint tea-aholic!

2. How long does it take for peppermint tea to work on a cough?

On average, regular drinkers report feeling relief from cough symptoms after a few days of incorporating peppermint tea into their routine. However, every teapot whistles to a different tune, and thus results may vary from person to person. In any case, it won’t hurt to give it a whistle!

3. Are there any side effects of drinking peppermint tea?

Drinking peppermint tea does come with possible side effects, though they are relatively mild. Just like a superhero with a vulnerability, even our favorite peppermint tea has some. Some folks might experience heartburn or allergies, especially those sensitive to menthol.

4. Can children and pregnant women drink peppermint tea for cough?

When it comes to children and pregnant women, peppermint tea can be a friendly but sometimes fussy beverage. While it’s generally safe, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before introducing this into their routines.

Conclusion

As we come to a close, let’s raise our mugs in honor of the humble, helpful, and oh so cozy peppermint tea for cough. Time-tested, mother-approved, and delicious to boot, it’s quite the tea-rrific elixir for those pesky coughs. Even if you’re feeling better already, why not keep it in your health arsenal?

They say prevention is better than cure – well, in this case, a spoonful of prevention can help keep the cough doctor away. And let’s not forget the sheer joy and comfort that accompanies a hot mug of well-brewed peppermint tea.

So, that’s it folks! Here’s to wrapping up under our cozy blankets, sipping on our peppermint tea, and ushering away any rebellious coughs! Remember, every storm in your teacup will pass and until then, keep brewing! Until next time, may the tea force be with you. Zoe.