Evidence supporting the use of: Tea (not specified)
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea, in its various forms, has been used traditionally across many cultures to help relieve symptoms of cough, including dry cough. This use is primarily rooted in the soothing properties of a warm beverage rather than in specific pharmacological actions. Herbal teas, such as those made from ginger, licorice root, or thyme, are especially common in folk remedies for cough. Warm tea can help soothe an irritated throat and may temporarily ease coughing by providing hydration and warmth, which can thin mucus and calm throat irritation.
From a scientific standpoint, the evidence supporting the use of generic "tea" (without specification of the type or added medicinal herbs) for dry cough is limited. Most clinical studies focus on specific herbal ingredients rather than black or green tea alone. Nevertheless, the general practice of drinking warm fluids, including tea, is recommended by healthcare professionals to maintain hydration and provide comfort during respiratory illnesses. The actual efficacy of plain tea in treating dry cough specifically has not been rigorously studied, and any benefit is likely due to its soothing properties rather than a direct therapeutic effect.
In summary, while there is longstanding traditional use and some physiological rationale for using tea to relieve dry cough symptoms, robust scientific validation is lacking. The supportive role of tea is best understood as part of general supportive care rather than a targeted therapy for cough.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Tea (not specified)
Acid IndigestionAddictions (coffee, caffeine)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Dandruff
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)