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Last updated: Apr 16, 2024

10 best herbal teas for acute bronchitis

For acute bronchitis, certain herbal teas offer soothing relief.

Thyme tea, with its antimicrobial properties, helps combat infection and reduces coughing fits. Peppermint tea's cooling effect calms irritated bronchial tubes, easing congestion and promoting expectoration. Ginger tea's natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling in the airways, making breathing easier.

Meanwhile, slippery elm tea's mucilaginous properties coat and protect the bronchial mucosa, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

Table of Contents

1. Licorice

Licorice tea aids acute bronchitis by reducing inflammation, as it contains substances like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that soothe irritated tissue in the respiratory tract.

Its demulcent properties alleviate coughing fits by forming a protective film over the mucous membrane. Furthermore, licorice tea liquefies phlegm, making it easier to expel mucus and clear airways. Additionally, it has antiviral and expectorant properties that combat bronchitis-causing viruses and support the immune system.

Lastly, licorice tea provides relief from throat discomfort and pain, providing quick symptomatic respite.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of dried licorice root.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and strain the tea, discarding the solids.
  4. Stir in honey to taste, if desired, for added sweetness and soothing properties.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to 3 times a day, to help soothe irritated bronchial tubes and promote relief from acute bronchitis.

2. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea provides immediate relief for acute bronchitis due to its demulcent properties, which come from the mucilage found in marshmallow root.

This mucilage coats and soothes the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation. As a result, inflammation decreases, allowing for easier breathing. Marshmallow tea's expectorant effect further helps by loosening and expelling excess mucus, while its anti-tussive properties alleviate coughing.

Thus, marshmallow tea offers direct, tangible benefits for those suffering from acute bronchitis.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root, and bring it to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove marshmallow root pieces.
  4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
  5. Drink warm, up to 3 times a day.

3. Coltsfoot

Coltsfoot tea aids acute bronchitis due to its expectorant properties, which derive from its active components, including mucilage and flavonoids.

These substances work together to soothe irritations in the bronchial tubes, loosening and expelling mucus. Additionally, coltsfoot tea's anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its high antioxidant content, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, alleviating bronchitis symptoms. Furthermore, coltsfoot tea's natural bronchodilator effects widen the airways, enhancing airflow and facilitating easier breathing.

Finally, coltsfoot tea's antimicrobial properties, resulting from several compound groups, including tannins and volatile oils, help combat infection-causing bacteria and viruses, offering a holistic solution for acute bronchitis.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in coltsfoot tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in coltsfoot tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic coltsfoot tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. Harvest 2-3 coltsfoot leaves, ensuring they are fully grown and free of pollution, then rinse them thoroughly.
  2. Crush or chop the leaves to increase their surface area, allowing for efficient extraction of medicinal compounds, and place them in a pot.
  3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the leaves, cover the pot, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes to draw out the beneficial properties.
  4. Strain the tea to remove leaf particles, separating them from the liquid for easy consumption.
  5. Drink the tea, prepared from fresh coltsfoot leaves, up to three times a day, between meals, for acute bronchitis relief.

4. Mullein

Mullein tea possesses expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for acute bronchitis.

Its expectorant qualities aid in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe inflamed bronchial tubes. The demulcent nature of mullein tea also soothes irritation in the throat and lungs. Furthermore, it contains saponins, which help reduce surface tension in the lungs, facilitating easier breathing.

Ultimately, mullein tea alleviates acute bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation, soothing irritation, and promoting mucus expulsion.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in mullein tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in mullein tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. Harvest one tablespoon of dried mullein leaves and flowers, or use one mullein tea bag.
  2. Place the mullein leaves or tea bag in a cup or teapot.
  3. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the mullein.
  4. Steep the mullein in the water for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Strain out the mullein leaves or remove the tea bag before drinking.

5. Thyme

Thyme tea provides relief for acute bronchitis due to its expectorant and antibacterial properties.

This herbal tea promotes coughing, helping to loosen and expel mucus from the airways. Its antibacterial properties further combat bronchitis-causing bacteria. Additionally, thyme tea soothes irritation, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Furthermore, it strengthens the immune system, bolstering the body's defenses against infection.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in thyme tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a small pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves to the boiling water, then lower heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the tea steep for 10 more minutes.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the thyme leaves, then let it cool to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Consume the thyme tea, up to 3 times a day, to soothe acute bronchitis symptoms.

6. Elecampane

Elecampane tea aids in alleviating acute bronchitis due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This tea, derived from the root of the elecampane plant, encourages the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract, thus helping to clear obstructed airways. Its active compounds, such as alantolactone and isoalantolactone, possess antibacterial qualities that can help eliminate infection-causing agents in the bronchi. Moreover, elecampane tea soothes inflammation in the respiratory tract, providing relief from irritation and coughing.

Lastly, this herbal remedy has been used traditionally to bolster the immune system, empowering the body to combat bronchitis more effectively.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in elecampane tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in elecampane tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elecampane tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. Chop 2-3 tablespoons of dried elecampane root into small pieces.
  2. Place the chopped elecampane root in a pot and add 4 cups of water.
  3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Strain the liquid to remove the elecampane pieces, leaving behind the tea.
  5. Pour the tea into a cup and enjoy immediately, up to three times a day.

7. Grindelia

Grindelia tea provides relief for acute bronchitis due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This herbal tea stimulates the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract, facilitating a more productive cough. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory agents soothe irritated bronchial tubes, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The active compounds in Grindelia tea, such as tannins and volatile oils, have demonstrated bronchodilatory effects, further alleviating bronchitis symptoms.

Additionally, its antispasmodic properties help relax the muscles in the airways, minimizing coughing spasms and facilitating easier breathing.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in grindelia tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in grindelia tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic grindelia tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a stove-top kettle, boil 2 cups of water for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Grindelia (Grindelia robusta) leaf to a tea infuser.
  3. Pour the hot water over the Grindelia in a teapot and steep for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser and discard the spent Grindelia.
  5. Drink the Grindelia tea, up to three times a day, to help alleviate acute bronchitis symptoms.

8. Yerba Santa

Yerba santa tea aids in alleviating acute bronchitis due to its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This tea, derived from the leaves of the Eriodictyon californicum plant, contains compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids and diterpenes that encourage expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. Moreover, yerba santa tea soothes inflamed bronchial tubes, providing relief from irritation and coughing. Its traditional use among Native American communities for respiratory ailments further supports its efficacy.

Additionally, yerba santa tea enhances overall respiratory health by promoting the elimination of excess phlegm and reducing inflammation, thus helping to manage acute bronchitis symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yerba santa tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yerba santa tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yerba santa tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a stove pot, combine 1 quart of water and 4 tablespoons of dried Yerba Santa leaves.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove leaves, then let it cool to a drinkable temperature.
  4. Stir in honey or lemon juice for added flavor, if desired.
  5. Drink 3-4 cups of the tea daily, spread out over the course of the day, for acute bronchitis relief.

9. Plantain

Plantain tea aids acute bronchitis by providing immediate anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, thanks to its active components, such as mucilage and flavonoids.

The mucilage creates a soothing film that calms irritated mucous membranes, reducing coughing fits. Furthermore, it encourages the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract, making breathing easier. Additionally, plantain tea's antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress in the lungs, accelerating recovery.

Its antibacterial action also works to inhibit the growth of bacteria causing the infection, further alleviating bronchitis symptoms.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in plantain tea that help with acute bronchitis.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in plantain tea that aid with acute bronchitis.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. Peel and chop 2 ripe plantains into small pieces, then rinse them under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, combine the chopped plantains with 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the plantains are soft.
  4. Strain the liquid into a teapot or heat-resistant container, discarding the solid plantain pieces.
  5. Serve the plantain tea hot, optionally adding honey or lemon to taste, and drink up to three times a day for acute bronchitis relief.

10. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea provides relief for acute bronchitis due to its mucilage content, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water.

This gel creates a protective barrier over the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing irritation. Furthermore, slippery elm tea's soothing properties help to alleviate coughing and ease sore throats. Additionally, it promotes the expulsion of mucus, facilitating a clearer airway.

The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to minimizing inflammation in the bronchial tubes, thereby alleviating bronchitis symptoms.

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

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

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for acute bronchitis.

  1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of cold water and 1 teaspoon of slippery elm bark.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove the bark pieces.
  4. Allow the tea to cool down to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, aiming to consume 2-3 cups throughout the day.

What is acute bronchitis and how can it affect your life?

Acute bronchitis is a medical condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that carry air to the lungs.

This condition is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections and results in symptoms such as cough, chest congestion, and difficulty breathing.

Acute bronchitis impacts people's lives by causing discomfort, limiting their ability to perform daily activities, and sometimes requiring medical treatment and time off work or school.

What other natural remedies help with acute bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, resulting in cough, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.

Common and effective natural remedies for acute bronchitis include hydration, steam inhalation, and rest. Firstly, increasing fluid intake, especially warm water and clear broths, helps to soothe the throat, loosen mucus, and prevent dehydration.

Secondly, inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water with essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil can alleviate congestion, reduce inflammation, and ease breathing. Lastly, allowing the body to rest and recover is crucial for healing, as it enables the immune system to fight off the infection more effectively.

These natural remedies, when used consistently, can provide relief from acute bronchitis symptoms and support the body's natural healing process.