By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Acute Bronchitis
Herbal teas for acute bronchitis are natural remedies that help alleviate symptoms of bronchitis by reducing inflammation, congestion, and coughing.
They work by loosening mucus, soothing the throat, and promoting relaxation. The best herbal teas for acute bronchitis include Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Mentha x piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Salvia officinalis.
If left untreated, acute bronchitis can lead to prolonged illness, missed work or school, and decreased quality of life.
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with acute bronchitis because it provides relief from respiratory congestion and inflammation.
The tea's active compound, eucalyptol, has natural decongestant properties that help loosen and clear mucus from the airways. This allows for easier breathing and can help to reduce the severity of bronchitis symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
Additionally, eucalyptus globulus tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help to soothe the bronchial tubes and promote healing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Cineole: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Eucalyptol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and swelling in the airways, which can contribute to acute bronchitis.
- Α-terpineol: Has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections caused by bacteria and viruses that can lead to acute bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are commonly used due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, a compound that helps to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
- Barks: The barks of Eucalyptus globulus contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
- Stems: The stems of Eucalyptus globulus contain a high amount of cineole, a compound that has decongestant properties and can help relieve congestion and coughs associated with acute bronchitis.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with acute bronchitis because it contains bioactive compounds that enhance the immune system's response to respiratory infections.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated airways, reducing coughing and congestion. Echinacea purpurea also exhibits antimicrobial activity, helping to combat the underlying infection. Additionally, its antioxidant properties protect the body from oxidative stress, promoting a faster recovery.
As a result, Echinacea purpurea teas have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural healing process during acute bronchitis.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: As potent antioxidants, flavonoids like Quercetin help protect the respiratory system from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and combat viral infections.
- Alkylamides: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to reduce the severity of acute bronchitis symptoms and support the body's natural defense mechanisms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: Echinacea purpurea leaves are used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they contain antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Echinacea purpurea flowers are used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe respiratory issues.
- Roots: Echinacea purpurea roots are used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they contain compounds that boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with acute bronchitis because its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated airways, reducing inflammation and congestion.
The expectorant properties of licorice root tea help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help protect the lungs from oxidative stress, promoting healing and reducing the severity of symptoms.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate bronchitis symptoms, providing relief and promoting recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Saponins: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds exhibit expectorant and anti-inflammatory activities, which aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Glycyrrhizin: As an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent, glycyrrhizin helps reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response in the airways, which can alleviate symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as coughing and difficulty breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Roots: They are used due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which provides anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Leaves: They are used for their soothing and mucolytic properties, which help relieve bronchitis symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which help calm bronchial spasms.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with acute bronchitis because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to combat bacterial and viral infections that cause bronchitis, reducing inflammation and congestion in the airways. Additionally, thyme's expectorant properties help loosen and clear mucus, making it easier to breathe and promoting a faster recovery from acute bronchitis.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Thymol: Helps reduce inflammation and fights off bacterial infections in the respiratory tract, alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Carvacrol: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, which help combat bacterial overgrowth in the bronchial tubes, reducing the severity of acute bronchitis symptoms.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways, thereby alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they contain thymol, a natural expectorant that helps relieve congestion.
- Flowers: Thymus vulgaris flowers are used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the respiratory tract.
- Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are also used to make teas for acute bronchitis because they have antimicrobial properties that help combat underlying infections.
5. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus teas helps with acute bronchitis because it contains mucilages, which are soothing agents that calm and protect the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.
This helps to alleviate congestion and coughing associated with acute bronchitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of Verbascum thapsus tea also reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, promoting a faster recovery from the illness.
This natural remedy offers a holistic approach to managing acute bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: Help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response, alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Phenolic acids: Exhibit antimicrobial properties, reducing the severity of infections and preventing secondary bacterial growth in acute bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress associated with acute bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Verbascum thapsus used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: Rich in mucilage, which helps soothe and calm irritated bronchial tissues.
- Flowers: Contain flavonoids and saponins that help reduce inflammation and congestion in the bronchial passages.
- Roots: Have been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues due to their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with acute bronchitis because it is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
These properties help to reduce inflammation in the airways, alleviate coughing, and combat the underlying viral infection that causes acute bronchitis.
The tea also contains mucilages, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes, promoting faster recovery and alleviating symptoms such as congestion and coughing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate symptoms of acute bronchitis.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucolytic properties, which help combat infections, reduce inflammation, and break down mucus in the airways.
- Saponins: These compounds have expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion associated with acute bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Flowers: They are used for their antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the respiratory tract and reduce congestion.
- Fruits: They are used to create a sweet tea that helps to thin mucus and provide relief from coughs and sore throats.
- Leaves: They are used to make a tea that helps to reduce inflammation and ease congestion in the lungs, providing relief from bronchitis symptoms.
7. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with acute bronchitis because it contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Additionally, ginger's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, promoting a faster recovery from bronchitis.
Its warm and soothing properties also provide relief from congestion and chest tightness.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and congestion in the airways, making breathing easier in acute bronchitis.
- Shogaols: They have antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses that cause acute bronchitis, thus reducing the severity of symptoms.
- Zingiberene: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and cough up irritants.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Roots: Ginger roots are also widely used to make teas, as they contain similar active compounds to the rhyzome, which help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves can be used to make teas, although less commonly than the rhyzome or roots, they still contain some active compounds that may help to alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
8. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with acute bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The menthol content in peppermint tea helps to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and relieve congestion. Additionally, menthol's soothing effects calm the irritated bronchial tubes, reducing inflammation and discomfort. The tea's decongestant properties help to clear airways, promoting easier breathing and relieving symptoms of acute bronchitis, such as coughing and wheezing.
This natural remedy provides quick relief from bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Menthol: Helps to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up, providing relief from bronchitis symptoms.
- Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
- Cineole: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: High in menthol and menthone, which help to ease congestion and reduce coughing.
- Stems: Contain menthol and menthone, providing similar benefits to the leaves in relieving bronchial spasms and congestion.
- Flowers: Rich in menthol and menthone, and also contain flavonoids that help to soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation.
9. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with acute bronchitis because of its expectorant properties, which facilitate the removal of excess mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
The tea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds also help to reduce congestion and alleviate coughing. Additionally, the herb's antioxidant properties help to combat oxidative stress and promote overall lung health. This natural remedy can provide relief from bronchitis symptoms, promoting a faster recovery and improved respiratory function.
Regular consumption may also help to prevent future respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
- Carnacic acid: A phenolic diterpene that possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to combat the underlying infection and reduce congestion in the lungs.
- Cineole: A monoterpene that acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax the airway muscles and increase airflow to the lungs, making it easier to breathe and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are commonly used for teas due to their antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which help relieve respiratory issues.
- Flowers: They are often used in herbal teas for bronchitis because of their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing inflammation and fighting infections.
- Stems: They are occasionally used for teas due to their similar properties to leaves, including antispasmodic and expectorant effects that help ease respiratory issues.
10. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis teas helps with acute bronchitis because of its expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe.
The tea's anti-inflammatory compounds also reduce swelling and irritation in the bronchial tubes, alleviating cough and congestion. Additionally, Salvia officinalis contains antimicrobial properties that help combat underlying infections, promoting a faster recovery from acute bronchitis.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe respiratory issues, providing relief and comfort to those affected.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis teas that help with acute bronchitis.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and protect the respiratory tract from damage caused by acute bronchitis.
- Salvianolic acid: This water-soluble phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe in individuals with acute bronchitis.
- Ursolic acid: This triterpenoid compound has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and combat infections in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of acute bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Salvia officinalis used to make teas for acute bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high content of volatile oils and flavonoids, which provide anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Roots: The roots are used for their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Stems: The stems of Salvia officinalis are also used to make teas for acute bronchitis, as they contain compounds that help to reduce inflammation and calm coughs.