Cough and phlegm are two of the most common discomforts people face, especially during seasonal changes, cold weather, or when the immune system is under stress. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbal teas have been used for centuries to relieve cough, clear phlegm, and support overall respiratory health.
Why Do We Cough and Produce Phlegm?
Coughing is actually a defense mechanism. It helps clear the throat and lungs of mucus, dust, or irritants. Phlegm, on the other hand, is the thick mucus produced by the respiratory tract when it's irritated or infected.
Some common reasons you may develop a cough and phlegm include:
Colds and flu: Viral infections often trigger mucus buildup.
Allergies: Seasonal allergies can lead to chronic throat irritation and sticky mucus.
Respiratory infections: Bronchitis or pneumonia can cause persistent coughing with phlegm.
Environmental factors: Exposure to smoke, dust, or pollution can make the airways produce extra mucus.
Instead of just suppressing a cough, TCM looks at balancing the body and helping it clear the root cause. This is why herbal teas are widely used—they're gentle, soothing, and can be tailored to different needs.
The Role of Herbal Teas in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs are not just medicine but also part of daily wellness. Drinking herbal tea is considered a way to bring balance, strengthen the lungs, and improve energy flow.
For cough relief and clearing phlegm, certain herbs have warming properties that drive out cold and dampness, while others cool the body and clear heat. A skilled herbalist often combines different ingredients to create a balanced formula that addresses both symptoms and the root imbalance.
Best Chinese Herbal Teas for Cough Relief and Clearing Phlegm
Let's look at some popular and effective herbal teas that are often recommended. These teas are not only soothing but also support the lungs and throat naturally.
1. Ginger Tea with Honey
Why it works: Ginger is warming and helps expel cold from the lungs. Honey coats the throat, reducing irritation.
When to drink: Great for cold-induced coughs with clear or thin phlegm.
2. Licorice Root Tea (Gan Cao Cha)
Why it works: Licorice root is a classic herb in TCM for moistening the lungs and easing sore throats.
When to drink: Best for dry coughs and throat irritation.
Practical tip: It blends well with other herbs like ginger or chrysanthemum.
3. Chrysanthemum Tea (Ju Hua Cha)
Why it works: Chrysanthemum is cooling, helping reduce heat in the body that leads to yellow or sticky phlegm.
When to drink: Useful if your cough comes with sore throat, dry mouth, or fever.
4. Loquat Leaf Tea (Pi Pa Ye)
Why it works: Loquat leaves are used in many Chinese cough syrups. They reduce phlegm, ease coughing, and moisten the lungs.
When to drink: For coughs with thick, sticky phlegm and a dry throat.
5. Fritillaria Bulb Tea (Chuan Bei Mu)
Why it works: Fritillaria bulbs are famous in TCM for treating stubborn coughs with phlegm.
When to drink: Chronic cough with phlegm that doesn't go away easily.
6. Mulberry Leaf Tea (Sang Ye Cha)
Why it works: Mulberry leaves clear lung heat and moisten dryness.
When to drink: When your cough is triggered by dryness, smoke, or heat.
7. Ophiopogon Root Tea (Mai Dong Cha)
Why it works: This herb is very moistening and helps nourish lung yin.
When to drink: Ideal for long-term dry coughs with little phlegm.
While herbal teas can be very helpful, it's important to remember that not every cough is the same. Some people may cough because of cold weather, while others may suffer from allergies, infections, or long-term respiratory issues. The type of phlegm, whether it's clear, yellow, sticky, or dry, also makes a big difference in choosing the right herbal tea. That's why it's always better to seek professional advice before starting any herbal remedy. A trained practitioner can help identify the root cause and recommend the most suitable formula, ensuring that the tea you drink truly matches your body's needs.
Why Choose YIFANG for Herbal Tea Solutions?
YIFANG provides comprehensive herbal tea solutions with the following advantages:
● OEM available for individual requests with a customized formula. If you want a personalized tea blend for cough relief or phlegm clearing, YIFANG can create it.
● Creating customer value with comprehensive solutions and a broad portfolio. Whether you're a wellness brand or a healthcare provider, YIFANG offers a wide selection of herbal tea options.
● Global Service Network and fast response: YIFANG supports clients worldwide with customer care and technical support, backed by a well-trained team.
● High high-quality academic team provides strong clinical and academic support. Every formula is carefully reviewed by professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
By choosing YIFANG, you can be confident in getting herbal tea products that are rooted in tradition, supported by science, and designed for modern needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Herbal Teas for Cough and Phlegm
How long does it take for herbal tea to work on a cough and phlegm?
Unlike strong medications, herbal teas are gentle and may take a few days to show clear effects. Consistency matters—drink regularly to support your lungs and throat.
Can children drink Chinese herbal teas for a cough?
Some mild teas like loquat leaf tea or chrysanthemum tea can be suitable for children, but the dosage should be lower. Always consult a healthcare professional before giving herbal teas to kids.
What is the difference between cooling and warming herbal teas?
Warming teas like ginger tea are good for coughs caused by cold and dampness, while cooling teas like chrysanthemum tea or mulberry leaf tea are better for coughs with heat, dryness, or yellow phlegm.
Can herbal teas replace Western medicine for cough treatment?
Herbal teas are best seen as a natural support rather than a complete replacement. They can ease symptoms and strengthen your lungs, but for bacterial infections or severe illnesses, medical treatment is still necessary.
Are there ready-made herbal tea products available?
Yes, many companies provide pre-packed herbal tea bags or granules. If you want personalized and high-quality solutions, YIFANG offers OEM herbal tea products with customized formulas designed to target cough and phlegm.
Where can I find high-quality herbal tea products?
If you want safe, reliable, and customizable herbal tea solutions, you can consider YIFANG. We offer OEM services, global support, and customized formulas designed for cough relief and phlegm clearing.
Conclusion
Chinese herbal teas offer gentle yet powerful support for people suffering from cough and phlegm. From warming ginger tea to soothing loquat leaf tea, these natural remedies can make breathing easier and life more comfortable.
If you're looking for reliable, customizable herbal tea solutions, YIFANG is a name you can trust. With OEM services, clinical expertise, and global support, YIFANG brings both tradition and innovation into every product.
Explore more products from YIFANG or contact us today to learn how YIFANG can provide the right herbal tea solutions for your needs.