By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Shortness Of Breath
Herbal teas for shortness of breath are natural remedies that help alleviate respiratory issues by soothing the airways and improving lung function.
These teas are made from various herbs that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to reduce congestion and promote easier breathing. The best herbal teas for shortness of breath include Echinacea purpurea, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Lavandula angustifolia, Ruscus aculeatus, Adhatoda vasica, Thymus serpyllum, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Eucalyptus globulus.
If left untreated, shortness of breath can severely impact daily life, making even simple tasks like walking or cooking exhausting, and can lead to anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life.
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with shortness of breath because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
The tea is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help to relax and open up the airways, improving lung function and increasing oxygen flow. By reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, Echinacea purpurea teas can provide relief from shortness of breath and help alleviate respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.
This natural remedy can be a valuable addition to a respiratory health regimen.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, which can contribute to shortness of breath.
- Triterpenoids: They have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe and calm the airways, reducing congestion and discomfort associated with shortness of breath.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds possess antioxidant properties, which can help protect the lungs from damage caused by free radicals and reduce inflammation, leading to improved breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Roots: Roots: The root of Echinacea purpurea is used to make teas for shortness of breath as it contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Leaves: Leaves: Echinacea purpurea leaves are used in teas for shortness of breath due to their ability to promote expectoration and ease congestion.
- Flowers: Flowers: Echinacea purpurea flowers are used in teas for shortness of breath as they possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce respiratory inflammation and promote healing.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with shortness of breath because its active compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
This can help to improve breathing and alleviate symptoms of shortness of breath. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties can help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, further alleviating respiratory issues.
The overall effect is a reduction in shortness of breath and improved respiratory function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Saponins: These compounds help alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation and improving lung function, which is essential for proper breathing.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpene saponin has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which help expand the airways and increase oxygen intake, thus relieving shortness of breath.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, thereby alleviating shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Roots: Glycyrrhiza glabra roots are commonly used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, which helps to relax bronchial muscles and reduce inflammation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used in teas to help alleviate shortness of breath by providing expectorant properties, making it easier to cough up mucus and other obstructions.
- Flowers: Glycyrrhiza glabra flowers are used in teas for shortness of breath because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, making it easier to breathe.
3. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with shortness of breath because it improves circulation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba enhance blood flow, particularly to the lungs, allowing for more efficient gas exchange. This leads to increased oxygenation of the body's cells and tissues, alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath. Additionally, Ginkgo biloba may help reduce inflammation in the airways, further contributing to improved breathing.
Regular consumption of Ginkgo biloba teas may provide relief from shortness of breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Bilobalide: This terpene helps alleviate shortness of breath by improving blood flow to the lungs, which in turn enhances oxygen delivery to the body's tissues.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs, making breathing easier.
- Ginkgolides: This terpene has a protective effect on the blood vessels in the lungs, preventing them from constricting and reducing the risk of shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Most commonly used due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that help improve respiratory function.
- Seeds: Used in teas due to their ability to relax bronchial muscles and reduce inflammation associated with shortness of breath.
- Barks: Sometimes used in teas for Ginkgo biloba due to their potential to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can help alleviate shortness of breath.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with shortness of breath because they contain compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate respiratory issues.
The warming and expectorant properties of these compounds can also help loosen mucus and promote its clearance, reducing congestion and making breathing easier. Additionally, ginger's ability to dilate blood vessels may improve oxygen delivery to the lungs, further contributing to its potential benefits in managing shortness of breath.
Regular consumption may help alleviate respiratory discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Gingerols: These compounds help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Shogaols: They have bronchodilatory effects, which help relax and open up airways, relieving shortness of breath.
- Volatile oils: These components have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce congestion and swelling in the airways, allowing for easier breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, are used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their warming and expectorant properties, which help to relieve congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves of the ginger plant are used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their ability to help relax the airways and reduce inflammation.
- Flowers: Although the flowers are less commonly used, they can be used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their potential to help ease congestion and promote relaxation.
5. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with shortness of breath because its calming properties and high levels of linalool and linalyl acetate may ease respiratory issues by relaxing the airways and promoting better oxygen flow.
Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways, allowing for easier breathing.
The tea may also help regulate the body's natural response to stress, which can exacerbate respiratory problems, making it a potential natural remedy for individuals experiencing shortness of breath.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Linalool: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and congestion in the airways, alleviating shortness of breath.
- Linalyl acetate: This ester has a relaxing effect on the body, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety-related symptoms, such as rapid breathing, that may contribute to shortness of breath.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the lungs and airways from damage, reducing inflammation and promoting healthy breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their calming effects, which help to relax the respiratory system.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to ease respiratory issues.
- Stems: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
6. Ruscus aculeatus
Ruscus aculeatus teas helps with shortness of breath because it contains bioactive compounds that have a relaxing effect on the bronchial muscles, allowing for easier breathing.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce swelling in the airways, further alleviating congestion and discomfort. Additionally, Ruscus aculeatus tea is believed to improve circulation and increase oxygenation of the blood, which can help to alleviate shortness of breath and promote overall respiratory well-being.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ruscus aculeatus teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Saponins: These compounds help alleviate shortness of breath by reducing inflammation and improving respiratory function, making it easier to breathe.
- Steroids: These compounds help decrease swelling and inflammation in the airways, thus easing the symptoms of shortness of breath.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce congestion and make breathing easier.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ruscus aculeatus used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Used for teas related to shortness of breath as it is believed to have expectorant properties that help relieve respiratory issues.
- Roots: Used for teas related to shortness of breath due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that may help ease respiratory discomfort.
- Buds: Used for teas related to shortness of breath as it may contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for respiratory issues.
7. Adhatoda vasica
Adhatoda vasica teas helps with shortness of breath because it contains the compound vasicine, which has a bronchodilatory effect, meaning it widens the airways and allows for easier breathing.
This herbal tea has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory issues, including bronchitis and asthma.
The tea also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, further alleviating symptoms of shortness of breath and promoting a more comfortable breathing experience.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Adhatoda vasica teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Vasicine: Helps alleviate shortness of breath by acting as a bronchodilator, allowing airways to widen and improve respiratory function.
- Alkaloids: Contributes to the relief of shortness of breath by exhibiting bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce congestion and improve breathing.
- Terpenes: May help alleviate shortness of breath by exhibiting expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, facilitating the removal of mucus and debris from the airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Adhatoda vasica used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their bronchodilatory properties.
- Stems: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buds: Used to make teas for shortness of breath due to their expectorant and bronchodilatory properties.
8. Thymus serpyllum
Thymus serpyllum teas helps with shortness of breath because it contains thymol, a natural compound that has expectorant properties, allowing the body to more efficiently remove mucus from the lungs and airways.
This can help alleviate respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
By loosening and clearing mucus, Thymus serpyllum teas can help reduce congestion and promote easier breathing, providing relief from shortness of breath and improving overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus serpyllum teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Thymol: It helps to relax airway muscles, thereby reducing respiratory resistance and improving breathing.
- Rosmarinic acid: It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to shortness of breath.
- Bornyl acetate: It has bronchodilatory effects, which help to widen the airways and improve airflow, making it easier to breathe.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus serpyllum used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for shortness of breath because they contain thymol, a natural decongestant that helps relieve respiratory issues.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for shortness of breath because their essential oils help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the lungs and airways.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for shortness of breath because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to relax the airways and improve breathing.
9. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with shortness of breath because it contains antioxidants and compounds that promote relaxation and reduce inflammation in the airways.
The tea's ability to ease bronchial spasms and improve lung function makes it beneficial for individuals experiencing respiratory distress. Additionally, rosmarinic acid, a key component of the tea, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate congestion and improve overall breathing.
This can be especially helpful for people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, thereby relieving shortness of breath.
- Bornyl acetate: This monoterpenoid compound has bronchodilatory effects, which means it helps to relax and widen airway muscles, making it easier to breathe and alleviating shortness of breath.
- Cineole: This terpenoid compound has expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving shortness of breath associated with respiratory congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for shortness of breath because they contain essential oils that help to open airways and improve respiratory function.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas for shortness of breath because they contain rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the respiratory system.
- Buds: The buds are used to make teas for shortness of breath because they contain high levels of essential oils that help to reduce inflammation and improve airflow in the lungs.
10. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with shortness of breath because it contains decongestant properties that aid in relieving respiratory congestion.
The tea's active compounds, such as cineole, help to open up airways and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and lungs. This allows for easier breathing and increased oxygen intake, providing relief from shortness of breath. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, further alleviating respiratory discomfort.
This makes it a popular remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with shortness of breath.
- Cineole: It helps open up airways by reducing inflammation and relieving spasms in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.
- Caryophyllene: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling in the lungs and airways, allowing for easier breathing and reducing the sensation of shortness of breath.
- Limonene: It acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relax the muscles in the airways and increase airflow, which can help alleviate shortness of breath.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for shortness of breath.
- Leaves: Eucalyptus globulus leaves are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, which helps to open airways and relieve respiratory issues.
- Barks: Eucalyptus globulus barks are used to make teas to help alleviate respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath, due to their expectorant properties and ability to reduce inflammation.
- Stems: Eucalyptus globulus stems are also used to make teas, which contain compounds like eucalyptol and flavonoids that help to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory function.