10 best herbal teas for throat congestion

Slippery elm, licorice root, and marshmallow root are herbal teas that soothe throat congestion.

Slippery elm contains a substance that coats and lubricates the throat, providing instant relief. Licorice root has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and alleviate congestion. Marshmallow root soothes irritation and inflammation, making it an effective remedy for throat congestion.

Drinking these teas provides quick and dependable relief, making them the best herbal teas for throat congestion.

1. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea addresses throat congestion by forming a protective barrier with its demulcent properties, derived from the inner bark of the slippery elm tree.

This soothing barrier provides relief by reducing irritation and inflammation in the throat. The tea's mucilage content, which turns into a slick, gel-like substance when combined with water, facilitates expectoration and helps clear mucus and phlegm. Consequently, slippery elm tea's ability to alleviate irritation, minimize inflammation, and encourage mucus expulsion makes it an effective natural remedy for throat congestion.

This traditional herbal treatment has been trusted for generations and continues to provide soothing comfort for congested throats.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with throat congestion.

• Bark: Contains high levels of antioxidants and mucilage, providing a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues.
• Leaves: Rich in tannins and volatile oils, leaves help reduce inflammation and ease congestion in the respiratory system.
• Buds: Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, buds have strong anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating throat discomfort and congestion.
• Seeds: Loaded with essential fatty acids and minerals, seeds provide soothing and demulcent qualities, making them ideal for treating throat ailments.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Mucilage: Slippery elm tea contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. This gel coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes, providing relief from throat congestion.
• Tannins: Tannins in slippery elm tea have astringent properties, which means they can help shrink and tighten inflamed tissues. This action helps reduce swelling in the throat, easing congestion.
• Antioxidants: Slippery elm tea contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation in the throat, alleviating congestion.
• Starch: Starch in slippery elm tea acts as a demulcent, which means it can form a soothing film over mucous membranes. This film helps protect the throat from irritants, reducing congestion.
• Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides in slippery elm tea stimulate the immune system, helping the body fight off infections that can cause throat congestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for throat congestion.

1. Measure - To start, accurately measure out 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark.
2. Boil - Pour 8 ounces of water into a pot and bring it to a boil.
3. Steep - Add the slippery elm bark to the boiling water, then let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain - Strain the tea to remove the bark, then pour it into a cup.
5. Drink - Enjoy the soothing tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day as needed.

2. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea, derived from the Althaea officinalis plant, contains mucilage, a substance known for its soothing and demulcent properties.

This mucilage creates a thick, slippery film when combined with water, providing a protective barrier that coats the throat. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of marshmallow tea further alleviate irritation and inflammation in the throat. As a result, throat congestion diminishes due to the tea's ability to reduce swelling, expel phlegm, and ease discomfort.

Ultimately, marshmallow tea's active components bring about immediate and long-term relief from throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with throat congestion.

• Flowers: Contain properties that help soothe irritated throat membranes.
• Leaves: Have anti-inflammatory compounds that alleviate swelling and congestion.
• Bark: Rich in mucilage that coats the throat, providing a protective barrier.
• Roots: Contain medicinal constituents that help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Mucilage: This constituent forms a soothing film over the mucous membranes, providing relief from throat irritation and reducing congestion.
• Flavonoids: These antioxidants help protect the throat tissue from damage and reduce inflammation, alleviating congestion.
• Polysaccharides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulant properties, helping to reduce throat inflammation and congestion.
• Ascorbic acid: This vitamin supports the immune system, helping the body fight off infections that can cause throat congestion.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe irritated throat tissue and reduce congestion.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for throat congestion.

1. Measure 2 cups of water and bring to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.
2. Stir in 4 crushed marshmallows and 1 tablespoon of honey, reducing heat to low and simmering for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers, steeping for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a mug, discarding solids.
5. Sip the warm marshmallow tea slowly, allowing it to soothe throat congestion.

3. Licorice

Licorice tea provides relief for throat congestion due to its active compounds, including glycyrrhizin, which possesses anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

These properties work together to reduce swelling in the throat, making it easier to breathe and speak. Furthermore, glycyrrhizin helps loosen and expel mucus, resulting in a clearer airway. Consequently, licorice tea alleviates discomfort caused by throat congestion and supports the body's natural healing process.

This soothing effect on the throat makes licorice tea a popular remedy for those suffering from respiratory ailments or throat irritations.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with throat congestion.

• Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, soothe inflammation and help clear throat congestion.
• Stems: Contain flavonoids that reduce swelling and alleviate throat irritation.
• Leaves: High in antioxidants, help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated throats.
• Flowers: Packed with essential oils, have antispasmodic properties to relieve coughing.
• Seeds: Contain coumarins, offering expectorant properties to clear mucus from the throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Glycyrrhizin: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce throat swelling and irritation.
• Licochalcone: Exhibits antibacterial effects, aiding in eliminating throat-infecting microorganisms.
• Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties, helping protect throat tissues from damage.
• Chalcones: Soothe throat irritation by supporting the reduction of inflammation.
• Isoliquiritigenin: Demonstrates expectorant properties, helping loosen and remove mucus from the throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for throat congestion.

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of chopped licorice root.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the solids.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey for added soothing properties.
5. Sip the tea while still warm, up to three times daily.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint tea provides relief for throat congestion due to its active components, primarily menthol.

This compound possesses strong antioxidant and expectorant properties, helping to loosen phlegm and reduce inflammation in the throat. Furthermore, peppermint tea's soothing warmth promotes blood circulation, enabling the body to drain congested mucus from the throat more efficiently. Additionally, its mild anesthetic qualities numb the throat, providing temporary pain relief.

Ultimately, the synergistic effects of these properties make peppermint tea an effective natural remedy for throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with throat congestion.

• Leaves: Contain menthol, a compound with Expectorant properties that helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation in the throat.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, providing anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, alleviating throat congestion.
• Buds: High in essential oils, offering analgesic and decongestant properties, providing relief from throat inflammation and discomfort.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Menthol: It provides a cooling sensation that helps soothe a sore throat and thin mucus, making it easier to expel.
• Rosmarinic acid: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce throat inflammation and irritation.
• Limonene: Its expectorant properties help clear respiratory mucus, alleviating throat congestion.
• Menthol acetate: Similar to menthol, it provides a cooling sensation that helps relieve pain and discomfort associated with throat congestion.
• Geraniol: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing throat inflammation and promoting healing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for throat congestion.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a full boil that measures 212°Fahrenheit.
2. Add 1 heaping teaspoon of crushed dried peppermint leaves to a tea infuser.
3. Steep the peppermint leaves in the boiling water for 5-10 minutes, allowing the water to extract the tea's beneficial properties.
4. Remove the tea infuser with the spent peppermint leaves, preventing over-steeping and bitterness.
5. Sip the warm peppermint tea slowly, soothing throat congestion and enjoying the calming effects.

5. Thyme

Thyme tea brings immediate relief to throat congestion due to its potent antibacterial and expectorant properties, derived from the volatile oils present in thyme leaves.

These oils, specifically thymol and carvacrol, possess the ability to combat respiratory infections, break down mucus, and calm inflamed throat tissues. Furthermore, thyme tea stimulates the production of saliva and mucus, facilitating the expulsion of unwanted mucus and phlegm, hence alleviating throat congestion. The warmth of thyme tea also soothes irritation and pain in the throat, ensuring a speedy recovery.

Thus, thyme tea's multifaceted approach effectively tackles throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in thyme tea that help with throat congestion.

• Leaves: Contain oils with antiseptic properties that help reduce inflammation and congestion in the throat.
• Flowers: Rich in antioxidants and volatile oils, which have a soothing effect on irritated throat tissues.
• Stems: Contain similar beneficial compounds as leaves, contributing to the tea's healing properties for throat congestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Thymol: A potent antiseptic that helps eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria in the throat.
• Carvacrol: Exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce throat irritation and swelling.
• Linalool: Possesses soothing effects on the respiratory tract, helping alleviate congestion.
• Terpinen-4-ol: A powerful antimicrobial agent that assists in eradicating infection-causing microorganisms in the throat.
• α-Pinene: Helps reduce inflammation and acts as a natural expectorant, aiding in the expulsion of mucus.
• Camphene: Its bronchodilatory properties help open up airways and ease breathing.
• Myrcene: Displays potent analgesic properties, providing relief from throat pain.
• Geraniol: Its antioxidant properties help protect throat tissues from damage and support overall immune function.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for throat congestion.

1. Gather 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves.
2. Boil the water in a kettle or pot on the stove.
3. Place the dried thyme leaves in a tea infuser or teapot.
4. Pour the boiling water over the thyme leaves and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup, discard the used thyme leaves, and enjoy.

6. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus tea provides relief for throat congestion due to its active compounds, primarily cineole.

This compound has expectorant properties that loosen mucus, making it easier to expel. Additionally, eucalyptus tea's anti-inflammatory effects soothe inflamed throat tissues, reducing discomfort. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties combat infection-causing bacteria, contributing to overall throat health.

Finally, the warm temperature of the tea helps to alleviate congestion by increasing blood flow to the throat and promoting mucus drainage.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in eucalyptus tea that help with throat congestion.

• Leaves: Contain oil that helps decrease inflammation and relieves congestion.
• Bark: Has compounds that loosen mucus and soothe a sore throat.
• Buds: Rich in antioxidants, they help fight inflammation and promote healing.
• Flowers: Contain flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate throat congestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in eucalyptus tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Cineole: A compound with strong expectorant properties, helping to loosen phlegm and ease throat congestion.
• Terpinen-4-ol: Possessing anti-inflammatory effects, this constituent can help soothe irritated throat tissues.
• Alpha-pinene: With natural decongestant abilities, it aids in clearing blocked airways and reducing congestion.
• Globalenol: Its antimicrobial properties help defend against throat infections causing congestion.
• Limonene: As a bronchodilator, it facilitates easier breathing by widening the airways in the throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic eucalyptus tea for throat congestion.

1. Measure - Boil 1 cup of water and add 1 tablespoon of dried eucalyptus leaves.
2. Steep - Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, covered.
3. Strain - Strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the leaves.
4. Sweeten - Add honey to taste, if desired.
5. Sip - Enjoy the warm tea up to 3 times a day as needed.

7. Ginger

Ginger tea provides immediate relief from throat congestion due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the throat.

This warm beverage soothes the irritated mucous membranes, alleviating discomfort. Furthermore, ginger tea's active compounds, such as gingerols, break down mucus buildup, promoting easier breathing. Additionally, ginger's natural expectorant qualities encourage the expulsion of phlegm, thereby decreasing congestion.

Ultimately, ginger tea's soothing warmth and medicinal properties effectively combat throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with throat congestion.

• Rhizomes: Ginger rhizomes contain natural oils and compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief from throat congestion.
• Buds: Ginger buds are rich in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe a sore throat.
• Leaves: Ginger leaves have antimicrobial properties that can help combat throat infections and alleviate congestion.
• Flowers: Ginger flowers have a soothing effect on the throat and contain antioxidants that support the immune system, helping to clear congestion.
• Seeds: Ginger seeds contain essential oils and compounds with expectorant properties, aiding in the elimination of mucus and phlegm from the throat.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Gingerols: Gingerols have strong anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the throat, providing relief from congestion.
• Shogaols: Shogaols act as natural analgesics, numbing the throat and alleviating pain caused by throat congestion.
• Paradols: Paradols exhibit potent antioxidant activities, helping to protect throat tissues from damage and promoting faster healing.
• Zingerone: Zingerone soothes irritated throats, reducing coughing and easing congestion.
• Ginger Essential Oil: The essential oil in ginger contains sesquiterpenes, which have mucolytic effects, helping to break down and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for throat congestion.

1. Peel and slice 1 inch of fresh ginger, then bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add sliced ginger to boiling water, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Remove saucepan from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the ginger pieces.
5. Sip the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to alleviate throat congestion.

8. Chamomile

Chamomile tea relieves throat congestion due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling in the throat.

This herbal tea contains antioxidants that help boost the immune system, aiding in the fight against infections causing congestion. Furthermore, chamomile tea's soothing warmth helps to alleviate pain and discomfort by relaxing the throat's muscles.

Additionally, it has mild sedative effects, promoting better sleep, an essential factor in recuperation from illness.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with throat congestion.

• Flowers: Contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce throat swelling and congestion.
• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants that soothe irritated throat membranes and help alleviate congestion.
• Seeds: Contain anti-spasmodic properties that help relax throat muscles, reducing congestion and coughing.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Alpha-bisabolol: A sesquiterpene alcohol with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce throat swelling and congestion.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated throat tissues and alleviate congestion.
• Chamazulene: A chemical compound with strong anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce throat inflammation and ease breathing.
• Matricin: A precursor to chamazulene that exhibits anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping alleviate throat pain and congestion.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties that help soothe throat irritation, reduce swelling, and relieve coughing.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for throat congestion.

1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, which typically takes 3-5 minutes on a stovetop.
2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser or teapot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the tea infuser or strain the liquid to discard the chamomile flowers.
5. Drink the chamomile tea while it's still warm, up to three times a day for throat congestion relief.

9. Clove

Clove tea combats throat congestion due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, derived from eugenol, a compound in cloves.

This substance reduces inflammation, allowing it to soothe irritated throat tissues. Furthermore, clove tea's expectorant qualities help loosen phlegm and mucus, facilitating their expulsion from the respiratory system. The warming effect of clove tea also promotes blood flow, enhancing the immune response in the throat region.

Additionally, clove tea boasts antibacterial properties that target infection-causing pathogens, contributing to the alleviation of throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in clove tea that help with throat congestion.

• Buds: Contain high levels of eugenol, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping alleviate throat inflammation and discomfort.
• Flowers: Rich in volatile oils and antioxidants, promoting respiratory health and soothing irritated throat tissues.
• Leaves: Packed with flavonoids and camphor, leaves help reduce inflammation, clear mucus, and provide relief from throat congestion.
• Seeds: High in antioxidants and essential oils, seeds offer soothing and antispasmodic effects, easing throat congestion and coughing.
• Stems: Contain tannins, essential oils, and polyphenols, providing astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate throat irritation and congestion.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in clove tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Eugenol: This compound has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce throat inflammation and fight infection.
• Cr Eugenol: This eugenol derivative has been found to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, reducing throat congestion.
• Isoeugenol: This compound has been shown to have antiviral and expectorant properties, helping to soothe a congested throat and expel mucus.
• Methyl salicylate: This compound has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in the throat.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce throat swelling and protect against damage from free radicals.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic clove tea for throat congestion.

1. Boil 1 cup of water and add 3 whole cloves, letting it simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 lemon's juice for added soothing properties.
3. Remove from heat and strain out the cloves before drinking.
4. Allow the tea to cool slightly if you have a very sensitive throat.
5. Sip the tea slowly to ensure maximum contact with the throat.

10. Sage

Sage tea brings immediate relief to throat congestion due to its potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, which directly combat the underlying infection.

Its anti-inflammatory qualities reduce swelling in the throat, providing instant comfort. Furthermore, sage tea's expectorant properties help break down mucus, making it easier to expel and clear airways. Additionally, sage tea increases saliva production, which aids in soothing and lubricating the throat, thereby reducing irritation.

Ultimately, the combined effects of sage tea on infection, inflammation, mucus, and lubrication make it an ideal natural remedy for throat congestion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with throat congestion.

• Leaves: Contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them helpful in soothing a congested throat.
• Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and volatile oils, flowers can help relieve throat congestion by reducing inflammation.
• Bark: Has tannins and essential oils, which can help alleviate throat congestion by providing astringent and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Stems: May contain beneficial compounds with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the throat.
• Roots: Often used for their demulcent and expectorant properties, roots can help soothe irritation and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with throat congestion.

• Rosmarinic acid: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the throat.
• Carnosic acid: Carnosic acid possesses antimicrobial properties that help fight off infections causing throat congestion.
• Camphor: Camphor has expectorant properties that help clear mucus and phlegm from the throat.
• 1,8-Cineole: This compound has mucolytic and spasmolytic properties that help break down mucus and relieve coughing.
• Ursolic acid: Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help soothe and clear the throat.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for throat congestion.

1. Rinse 8 fresh sage leaves under cool water, then let them dry for 2 minutes.
2. Boil 3 cups of water in a saucepan over high heat, then add the dried sage leaves.
3. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the tea steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a teapot or mug, discarding the sage leaves.
5. Add honey or lemon to taste, then serve and sip the tea while warm.