Two Perfect Herbs for Calming Coughs

As we enter cold and flu season, my thoughts turn to respiratory herbs that can relieve coughs and congestion. Two tasty herbs that are uniquely suited to treating coughs are bee balm and peppermint.

Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is also known as wild bergamot for its citrus-like flavor. Its reputation as the most powerful antimicrobial in the garden means that it can fight external as well as internal infections.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is rich in menthol compounds that help clear airways to help you breathe freely. Both herbs are cough expectorants and antispasmodics that can clear mucus from airways while relaxing air passages.

Combining the two herbs into a looseleaf tea helps relieve your cough in a tasty way. The longer the tea steeps, the more healing properties are infused into the tea. A super decoction is infused for four hours or longer. Enjoy hot or iced!