Remedies for a Cough With Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is known to have healing properties and for many centuries it has been used as an elixir to cure a number of ailments, such as insomnia, back pain and anxiety. It's most common use, however, is as a muscle relaxer. A chamomile tea remedy relieves body pain, such as from menstrual cramps, and alleviates inflammation. A 2003 study published in the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy" discovered that chamomile tea was effective for reducing cough frequency and cough intensity in asthmatic patients. Consult your medical advisor before using herbal remedies to treat a condition in order to prevent an allergic reaction. If pregnant, avoid taking chamomile tea.

Chamomile tea is used to alleviate a number of ailments. (Image: Valentyn Volkov/iStock/Getty Images)

Honey

A 2007 study published in the "Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine" reports a correlation between buckwheat honey and upper respiratory tract infections. Researchers found that after the participants were given a nightly dose of buckwheat honey, there was an improvement in cough frequency and cough severity. Adding two teaspoons of buckwheat honey per one cup of hot chamomile tea may also prove to have a soothing effect to the larynx and neutralize throat bacteria.

Citrus

Vitamin C effectively supports the immune system and may help fend off infection if the cough was caused by either a virus or bacteria. Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, are not only high in vitamin C, but are also reputed to remove the accumulation of phlegm in the throat. Incorporate a healthy dose of vitamin C into your diet by mixing 1 tsp. of lemon or orange juice per one cup of hot chamomile tea.

Ginger

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the ginger root herb may aid the reduction of inflammation, such as bronchial or throat inflammation, and may also provide relief to sore throats resulting from common colds or the flu. To soothe a cough, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly grated ginger root per cup of hot chamomile tea and consume twice daily. Consult your physician before taking this herbal remedy as ginger has been found to have blood-thinning properties, which may interact with aspirin and certain other medications.

Additional Health Benefits

In addition to alleviating cough symptoms, chamomile tea has been proven to also have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, relaxing and antispasmodic properties. According to American Chemical Society, chamomile tea contains hippurate, which provides the body with an immunity boost. Although chamomile is often taken as a beverage, certain topical treatments, which contain elements of the chamomile flower may also be effective in treating skin inflammation. Relief of painful muscle contractions, especially in the uterus and intestines, is another benefit to consuming chamomile tea. This makes chamomile tea effective at treating menstrual cramps, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea.