If you are suffering from a persistent cough and chest congestion, you may wonder if there is anything you can do besides take over-the-counter medication to find relief from your symptoms. If so, suppress your cough and soothe your chest with this tea made with licorice root and honey.

What You Will Need

Before you begin, gather the following supplies and ingredients that can be found in pharmacies, supermarkets or natural health stores.

• Small saucepan with lid
• Four-inch square of cheesecloth
• Two-inch piece of string or bread tie
• Two tablespoons of dried licorice root
• One tablespoon of honey
• Spoon

Licorice root has been traditionally used in teas to help soothe a cough. It also breaks up chest congestion and can also help open your airways to help you breathe a little easier. Although the ingredient list calls for making the tea bag, you may be able to find licorice root tea bags already made in natural health food stores if you do not want to make your own.

The honey added to this tea serves as a powerful cough suppressant. It also helps relieve the soreness and inflammation in your throat caused by constant coughing.

Directions

Once you have everything you need, follow the directions below to make and use your herbal tea.

1. Place the licorice root in the center of the cheesecloth.
2. Pull the corners up towards one another, twisting them together to form a bag. Secure with a piece of string or bread tie.
3. Bring a cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
4. Drop your tea bag in the water, and let it boil for a minute.
5. Remove the pan from heat, cover the pan, and let the tea steep for five minutes.
6. Pour the tea into a cup, and discard the bag.
7. Add the tablespoon of honey, mixing until it is completely dissolved.
8. Position your face about four to five inches away from the cup. Inhale the steam for about a minute. The inhalation of the moist heat helps begin the breaking up of the mucus in your throat and upper chest area. You may have a slight increase in coughing at first as the congestion is broken up, but should quickly subside.
9. Sip the tea, swallowing it in small amounts to give the liquid and honey a chance to fully coat your throat. As you drink, continue inhaling the steam.

Drinking the above tea three times a day can help break up your chest congestion and soothe your cough. However, if you notice that your cough is starting to get worse or you start running a fever, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor of internal medicine so they can check you out and offer other options for treatment. For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Broadway Medical Clinic, LLP.