Can Green Tea Help a Cough?
Green tea made from camellia sinensis leaves is used in many parts of the world, primarily for its purported health benefits. While its ability to fight some forms of cancer and lower cholesterol are well-documented, its ability to treat symptoms of acute illnesses are less certain. One such common symptom – a cough – is largely anecdotal, with no clear research pointing to green tea’s efficacy.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
There are many health benefits associated with drinking green tea. It has long been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help boost the immune system and promote general wellbeing.
Green tea is also known to be a good source of polyphenols. These particular compounds are thought to offer protection from some forms of cancer and heart disease.
Does Green Tea Help Coughs?
Some anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that green tea can help reduce coughing. It is thought that the polyphenols found in the tea may inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that are involved in the production of mucus.
However, the evidence is far from conclusive. While some studies have found that green tea can reduce coughing, others have been inconclusive. Furthermore, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
The lack of research on this topic makes it difficult to determine whether or not green tea can be an effective treatment for coughing.
Benefits of Green Tea Over Other Treatments
One potential benefit of using green tea to treat a cough is that it is generally a healthier option than other treatments. Cough syrups and other medications may contain drugs or artificial ingredients that could have serious side effects. Green tea, in comparison, is all natural and free from any of these potential hazards.
Conclusion
At this stage, it is difficult to say definitively whether or not green tea can be an effective treatment for a cough. While there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest it can, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these claims. However, as a naturally-sourced, healthy alternative to other treatments, it may still be worth considering as a supplement to other treatments.
Key Points:
- Green tea is packed with health benefits including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Some anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that green tea can help to reduce coughing
- More robust research is needed to confirm the efficacy of green tea as a treatment for a cough
- Green tea may be a healthier option than cough syrups and other medications
