A method and composition to extract of several processed herbal medicinal plants and an herbal tea composition for ingestion which contains the extract. The functional herbal extraction method and composition is used to relieve the symptoms of cough and throat discomfort. This composition creates a synergy between different ingredients that works to suppress cough, yellow or green phlegm, sore throat and specifically to treat hot cough. The composition can include Shi Gao, Hai Fu Shi, Chuan Bei Mu, Tian Zhu Huang, Ban Xia, Yu Xing Cao, Tian Kui Zi, Gan Cao, Tian Nan Xing, Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Zhi Shi, Bai Shao, Chen Pi, Kuan Dong Hua, Zi Wan, Sheng Jiang. The effectiveness of the herbal tea is at least partially dependent on the desired means of preparation and administering the composition.