When a cough or cold sneaks up on you, there’s nothing like a warm, soothing cup of tea to bring relief. This bay leaf tea is a natural remedy that can help ease your symptoms quickly, often stopping a cough in just 10 minutes.

Bay leaves, commonly used in cooking, are also packed with health benefits. They contain compounds that help clear congestion, soothe irritated throats, and reduce inflammation. Combined with a few simple ingredients, bay leaves can create a powerful tea that’s perfect for calming a cough and supporting your body during a cold.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 dried bay leaves

• 2 cups of water

• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

• A slice of lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by bringing the 2 cups of water to a gentle boil in a small pot.

2. Once the water is boiling, add the bay leaves. Reduce the heat and let the leaves simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the beneficial compounds in the bay leaves to infuse into the water.

3. After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the tea steep for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will deepen the flavor and enhance its healing properties.

4. If you’d like, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the tea for a touch of sweetness and extra soothing power. A slice of lemon can also be added for a boost of vitamin C and a refreshing taste.

5. Strain the tea into a cup, removing the bay leaves.

Sip the tea slowly while it’s still warm. You should start to feel relief within minutes as the tea works to calm your cough and ease congestion. The combination of bay leaves and warmth will help to relax your throat muscles, making it easier to breathe and reducing the urge to cough.

This bay leaf tea is not only effective but also comforting, making it a wonderful addition to your home remedy toolkit. Next time a cough or cold tries to bring you down, brew a cup and let the healing begin.