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These Are The Best Herbal Teas For Congestion Relief

Trying to function while congested is an exhausting task. You need something simple but useful to ease your body back to health and out of a state of hindered confusion. Using these best teas for congestion are a must.

best herbal tea for congestion

When bogged down with nasty congestion, a hot cup of tea can be quite soothing. But using the right herbs in the tea can add even more comfort. 

This is because herbs possess certain qualities that contribute to healing and add health benefits.

The herbs can be used by themselves or together to make an herbal blend tea. We enjoy using them both ways depending on our wants and needs.

Many brands create their own blends. However, read through the herbs to make sure they all work for you. Also, be mindful of the herbs you blend together. They can work synergistically together making the end result more powerful.

Disclaimer:  No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, a qualified clinician or other qualified health care professional.

Useful Herbs to use in a tea for congestion

Mullein

This herb has been used for years to treat congestion and respiratory issues. It decreases inflammation in the throat and contains antiviral attributes.

Also, mullein soothes muscous membranes of the respiratory tract calming congestion and breaking up mucous. 

This is a nice tasting tea that works very well on respiratory issues but does not seem to get as much attention as other teas. It lowers inflammation and creates opened pathways in the lungs and in the nose. Also, it keeps mucous down. Definitely worth trying out when a cold hits you.

Yarrow

Another great herb to use for congestion is yarrow. This herb treats and calms mucous as well. It suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine activity. This means calmer mucous membranes.

Also, there are specific compounds in yarrow that benefit your digestive and respiratory health. Yarrow is a fantastic herb for treating respiratory problems although also not commonly mentioned compared to other herbs on the market.

Ginger

Ginger is well-known for aiding digestion and is commonly used in adding flavor to many cooking dishes. However, ginger is also helpful in clearing blocked airway passages in the body. 

Both the drinking of and inhalation of ginger tea helps with colds and congestion. Studies show how ginger aids sinus and respiratory issues making it a powerful herbal remedy for an inflamed throat. 

Peppermint

The inhaling of peppermint oil is well-known to open up nasal pathways for easier breathing. The same effect happens with a peppermint tea.

This is because menthol is the main active ingredient. Menthol decreases congestion and helps to clear up cold-like symptoms.

Licorice

For years, licorice has been a popular herb used in the traditional medicinal treatment of cough and cold symptoms, bronchitis, as well as stomach disorders.

It is a strong herb that has a distinct flavor. Although a very beneficial herb against sinus and nasal congestion, it strengthens the properties of other herbs.

Therefore, it may be helpful to pair licorice with herbs such as thyme or eucalyptus which are not as water soluble as the herbs I am mentioning.

However, thyme and eucalyptus both contain helpful compounds against congestion too. Using licorice to increase their potency may be beneficial to you.

Echinacea

Another her studied for its potency against repiratory illnesses is Echinacea.. It is not only effective in combatting respiratory symptoms but also it has preventative benefits.

It needs to be noted that echinacea may not be used with all medications, especially those for the liver. Additionally, this herb is quite powerful for the immune system.

Using it sparingly and in moderation may be recommended. We use this occassionally when our immune system can handle a boost and when it is most needed.

There are many herbal teas that provide the body with compounds that fight against a cold. However, the above teas are shown to specifically target congestive symptoms in some way.

I enjoy combining several of the above herbs into a tea bag. This allows you to play around and create a tea according to your taste and needs.

Tea Blends To Help Cough and Congestion

Traditional Medicinals - Breathe Easy Tea

I love traditional medicinals teas. I use this brand often and find them to be high-quality. 

There Breathy Easy blend contains licorice, peppermint, eucalyptus, and ginger. All powerhouse ingredients against congestion and respiratory problems. Most of their ingredients are organically certified as well.

Buddha- Cold Weather Defense Blend

Buddha's Cold Weather Defense Blend tea includes organic herbal ingredients like eucalyptus and elderberry that strengthen the immune system and fight cold symptoms.

Additionally, ingredients such as ginger, licorice, and spearmint can help those with a stuffy nose. Lemongrass will also clear nasal passages while pairing with hibiscus to provide the body with much needed vitamin C. 

This tea is a good blend to have on hand to fight cold symptoms. The high-quality ingredients will give you better potency as well.

Buddha - Divine Immunity Blend

Lastly, Budda teas also make a blend that strengthens your immune system. This is a good preventative tea blend. Using this when you are around cold-like symptoms to the max is helpful.

The blend includes ingredients that add in vitamin c, calms the body allowing you not to be overreactive with stress, and also gives you antioxidants and cold-fighting compoounds.


This post Gives you the best herbal teas that fight against congestion, breaks up mucus, and clears up a stuffy nose quickly.


References

  1. Arzu Ucar Turker, N.D Camper,Biological activity of common mullein, a medicinal plant,
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 82, Issues 2–3, 2002, Pages 117-125,
    ISSN 0378-8741, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(02)00186-1
  2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/mullein-benefits
  3. Villalva M, Silvan JM, Alarcón-Cavero T, Villanueva-Bermejo D, Jaime L, Santoyo S, Martinez-Rodriguez AJ. Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Properties of an Achillea millefolium L. Extract and Its Fractions Obtained by Supercritical Anti-Solvent Fractionation against Helicobacter pylori. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Sep 20;11(10):1849. doi: 10.3390/antiox11101849. Erratum in: Antioxidants (Basel). 2024 Feb 29;13(3):306. doi: 10.3390/antiox13030306. PMID: 36290572; PMCID: PMC9598488.
  4. Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y, Xu C, Hoonjan B, Emala CW. Effects of ginger and its constituents on airway smooth muscle relaxation and calcium regulation. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2013 Feb;48(2):157-63. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2012-0231OC. Epub 2012 Oct 11. PMID: 23065130; PMCID: PMC3604064.
  5. Pastorino G, Cornara L, Soares S, Rodrigues F, Oliveira MBPP. Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Phytother Res. 2018 Dec;32(12):2323-2339. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6178. Epub 2018 Aug 17. PMID: 30117204; PMCID: PMC7167772.
  6. Ogal, M., Johnston, S.L., Klein, P. et al. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res 26, 33 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-021-00499-6
 

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