10 Best Herbal Teas For Lungs & Respiratory Health

Holy Basil is an excellent tea choice for chest congestion. In studies, it has been shown to kill infected cells in cases of bacterial pneumonia. 

Holy Basil is a medicinal herb often used for rebalancing the body and managing stress levels. However, it also has expectorant properties, meaning it thins mucous membranes and can ease congestion.

This herb also contains bronchodilator properties, helping to alleviate shortness of breath and wheezing. It is clear why this is one of the best herbal supplements for respiratory infections. 

Another herb highly beneficial for the lungs is mullein. Mullein's phytochemicals exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that fight the ailments of many respiratory conditions. 

Mullein is easily found along roadways and in fields. This common herb has been used for years to treat congestion, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis, and many other chronic respiratory issues. An easy way to incorporate the herb is in a mullein tea.

Fennel seed may be a lesser-known herb, but it is well-known in traditional Chinese medicine for its compounds valuable to lung health. 

The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties of the herb effectively reduce inflammation and open airways for better breathing. Studies such as this have proven to show its effectiveness

Ginger is a popular herb/spice used for a variety of aspects, from cooking to supplements to aromas. However, it is equally known in natural medicine for its valuable health benefits and anti-inflammatory effects.

Ginger's efficacy has been studied and verified in aiding the healing process of chronic lung diseases such as broncholpulmonary dysplasia (an infant lung disease). 

Many attributes contribute to ginger's effectiveness against respiratory disease. Some of these specific attributes include 6-gingerol (the bioactive ingredient in fresh ginger), terpenoids, flavonoids as well as volatile oils.

Another herb shown to be very effective in the treatment of lung illness is Astragalus. This herb has main bioactive compounds that help treat lung conditions. Some of these compounds include polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids.

Inflammation levels in conditions of chronic lung disease, such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, have been effectively lowered when treated with Astragalus.

Additionally, the herb has also shown successful outcomes in the treatment of asthma Astragalus's full potential is still being studied and shows promising options.

Although this remedy is not as commonly talked about as some herbs, pine needles have a great effect on lung and respiratory health conditions.

Steaming pine needles in a tea, with only certified organic herbal ingredients, is a great way to soothe lungs and open up passageways.  

Also, pine needles are high in vitamin C content. Many pine needle species have a higher content than that of oranges. Vitamin C is known for its therapeutic effect on disease and illnesses of all kinds in the body.

Field mint and peppermint are both favorable herbs to use for lung health. It is not to be confused with peppermint, however, which comes from a combination of spearmint and water mint.

The phenols from the field mint prevented the continued growth of pneumonia. The exact compounds identified were linarin and rosmarinic acid, strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.

Additionally, field mint can soothe the passageways of the lungs and can help with bronchial infections and asthma symptoms.

Echinacea is another herb found to be helpful in lung health, according to research. It is found to be beneficial for reducing the duration of respiratory symptoms in both adults and children, reducing the need for antibiotics.

Additionally, this herb has preventative properties as well against respiratory disease. It is effective and often used for common colds as well.

A strong antioxidant fighter is nettle leaf (Urtica dioica). It protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. This makes it helpful in reducing asthma symptoms and other chronic lung diseases. 

Also, nettle leaf shows preventive properties against oxidative stress. Antioxidant enzymes increase with the use of nettle leaf, strengthening the body's immune system against respiratory sickness.

Nettle leaf can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This is one tea, although beneficial, I do not use it with my daughter or husband. They have both experienced extreme itching sensations with the use of this herb. This is not a reaction that all people experience.

Lastly, on the list of the best herbal teas for lung and respiratory health is green tea. Unlike the herbs listed above, green tea contains caffeine.

This tea is a popular choice in many coffee shops and beverage counters. It is also an herb known highly for its antioxidant qualities and other positive effects on health. 

Green tea has beneficial therapeutic effects against lung ailments, one of them being lung cancer. Further studies are being pursued to solidify all of its benefits. 

It is also shown to decrease inflammation, making it easier to take deep breaths. Preventive benefits have also been seen with the use of green tea.