Best Tea for Congestion

It’s the middle of the night, and you wake up struggling to breathe through your nose. Your mouth is dry and you are losing sleep due to the discomfort.    Luckily, …

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Written by: Siobhan Mendicino
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Medical Review by: Daniel Powers, MS
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It’s the middle of the night, and you wake up struggling to breathe through your nose. Your mouth is dry and you are losing sleep due to the discomfort.   

Luckily, some natural herbs for congestion possess health benefits that may help clear out mucus, reduce nasal inflammation, and help you breathe easier. 

Herbal teas can be a great way to reduce congestion and may support a quicker recovery. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of congestion and offer some of the best tea for congestion symptoms. 

best tea for congestion

Best Herbal Teas for Congestion 

Below is a list of recommended suppliers and the best herbs with health benefits that make them useful in herbal teas for congestion. These herbal remedies have been known to ease congestion complications in numerous ways.  

eucalyptus tea

1. Eucalyptus 

Native to Australia, eucalyptus leaf is a popular herb used to reduce congestion. The intense minty oils work to ease inflammation in the nasal cavity and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. 

Eucalyptus is an excellent option if you struggle with sinusitis (nasal cavity inflammation), allergies or common cold symptoms.  

In a review of eucalyptus essential oil, researchers discovered that the essential oil is highly effective in minimizing the effects of virus infections. The active constituents in the essential oil showed anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and anti-catarrhal (mucus-expelling) activity.

A clinical trial found that a salve containing eucalyptus oil was significantly effective for nasal decongestion. Subjects experienced congestion relief within 62 seconds of application. 

A lab-based study discovered that the main active constituent in eucalyptus, eucalyptol, significantly reduces inflammation. 

Registered herbalist, David Hoffman, recommends eucalyptus as a topical anti-microbial and internal decongestant and expectorant. 

Eucalyptus has an intense mint and pine aroma with a similar flavor. Brew eucalyptus tea in boiling water and cover while it infuses. Inhale the steam as you sip to reap the full health benefits. The tea is best enjoyed with peppermint and rosemary.  

Where To Buy:

Starwest Botanicals has a full lineup of organic herbal teas with many different options. Whether you are looking for the whole herb or a tea blend, Starwest is a great choice.

➡️ Buy Organic Eucalyptus – Cut & Sift
➡️ Buy Organic Respiratory Tea Blend
peppermint tea

2. Peppermint 

Popular peppermint tea is revered for its simultaneous cooling and warming effects. This herb contains menthol and menthone, two phytochemicals that have powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Peppermint tea is best used for people experiencing allergies or cold symptoms accompanied by intense congestion.

In a review of various essential oils, researchers found that inhaling peppermint essential oil can help with cold symptoms. The oil also reduced the frequency of allergy complications.   

In a clinical trial, researchers found that peppermint essential oil increases oxygen intake, suggesting that the essential oil impacts the respiratory tract. Researchers believe these results are due to peppermint’s ability to relax the respiratory tract, which could potentially ease congestion during a cold.    

An animal study discovered that peppermint essential oil significantly reduced the likelihood of allergy reactions. Researchers noted this was due to the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. 

The European Medicines Agency recommends peppermint for cough and cold symptoms. 

Peppermint tea has an invigorating, minty fragrance and flavor. Peppermint tea blends well with lemon balm, rose, and lavender and should be brewed with a cover to trap all the beneficial volatile oils. Like eucalyptus, it’s best to inhale the steam while you enjoy peppermint tea to experience all of this herb’s health benefits.  

Where To Buy:

➡️ Buy Starwest Botanicals’ Organic Peppermint Leaf- Cut & Sift
➡️ Buy Starwest Botanicals’ Organic Peppermint Leaf – Powder
➡️ Buy Starwest Botanicals’ Organic Peppermint Tea Bags
thyme tea

3. Thyme    

Thyme is another plant that belongs to the mint, or Lamiaceae, family. It is most often used for its antiviral properties. 

This herb is best for those experiencing cold symptoms from a viral infection.  

In a clinical trial</