Coughing can be uncomfortable, annoying, and disruptive—especially when it lingers. While over-the-counter medications can offer relief, many people are turning to natural remedies like cinnamon tea for soothing sore throats and reducing cough symptoms. Cinnamon isn’t just a delicious spice—it’s packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that make it a potent ally in fighting respiratory issues.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make cinnamon tea for cough relief, why it works, and how it compares to other cinnamon tea recipes for specific health concerns like flat tummy, irregular periods, and diabetes.
🌿 Key Takeaways: Cinnamon Tea for Cough
- Cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help relieve cough.
- Use Ceylon cinnamon for best results and safety.
- Boil water with cinnamon for 10 minutes, then add honey or lemon for extra soothing effects.
- Drink 1–2 cups daily during cough episodes for relief.
- It’s also beneficial for immunity, digestion, and respiratory wellness.
Why Cinnamon Tea Helps Relieve Cough
Cinnamon is more than a kitchen staple—it has a long history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating respiratory conditions. Its warming nature and antimicrobial effects can help loosen mucus, soothe sore throats, and combat the underlying infection causing the cough.
Here’s why cinnamon tea is effective:
- Anti-inflammatory: It reduces inflammation in the throat and airways.
- Antibacterial & Antiviral: Helps fight off pathogens responsible for colds and coughs.
- Warming Effect: Promotes blood flow, helping the body clear mucus more efficiently.
According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cinnamon has demonstrated strong medicinal properties with promising applications for infections and immune support (NIH article).
Ingredients to Make Cinnamon Tea for Cough
The ingredients are simple, yet highly effective when combined correctly:
- 1 Ceylon cinnamon stick (or ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder)
- 1 cup filtered water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey, a few slices of ginger, or a squeeze of lemon
Tip: Use Ceylon cinnamon instead of Cassia cinnamon. It’s safer for long-term use and has milder, more medicinal properties.
How to Make Cinnamon Tea for Cough
Follow these easy steps:
- Boil 1 cup of water in a small pot or kettle.
- Add the cinnamon stick (or powder) and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. This helps release the active compounds.
- Strain the tea into a cup. If you used powder, use a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter.
- Add honey and lemon to taste, if desired. Honey soothes the throat and has its own antimicrobial benefits.
- Sip warm, ideally 2 times a day—morning and before bed.
This tea is not just good for cough; it also contributes to general respiratory wellness and immune support. For a step-by-step guide to making cinnamon tea in general, visit our How to Make Cinnamon Tea page.
When and How Often to Drink It
Cinnamon tea is most effective when taken regularly during the early stages of a cough or cold. You can safely drink it twice a day for up to 7 days. If symptoms persist longer, consult a healthcare provider.
Who Should Avoid Cinnamon Tea
Although cinnamon tea is generally safe, it’s not for everyone. Avoid it if:
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (unless approved by your doctor)
- You have liver issues (especially when using large amounts)
- You’re allergic to cinnamon
- You’re on blood-thinning medications
Comparing Cinnamon Tea Remedies
Cinnamon tea can be used in many different ways depending on your health goals. For example:
- Want to reduce bloating and support digestion? Try our Cinnamon Tea for Flat Tummy.
- Dealing with menstrual irregularities? See our guide on Cinnamon Tea for Irregular Periods.
- Managing blood sugar? You’ll love this recipe for Cinnamon Tea for Diabetics.
Each variation of cinnamon tea works differently based on how it’s prepared and what it’s combined with.
Scientific Backing: Does It Really Work?
Research supports many of cinnamon’s health benefits. Here are some key findings:
- A study on adolescents showed cinnamon tea could reduce body weight and inflammation—both of which play a role in improving respiratory health (ResearchGate study).
- Cinnamon was shown to improve insulin resistance and menstrual regularity in women with PCOS (PubMed study).
- Extensive research highlights cinnamon’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (NIH article).
While more research is needed specifically for cough relief, the existing evidence is promising.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon tea is a powerful, affordable, and natural home remedy for cough. Whether you’re dealing with a seasonal cold or an annoying dry cough, this warm and spicy tea can bring comfort and healing. Best of all, it’s simple to make, tastes great, and has multiple health benefits.
For more ideas and health-focused cinnamon tea recipes, be sure to check out our Cinnamon Tea Benefits page.
