By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Bronchitis
Herbal teas for bronchitis are a natural remedy that helps to alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis by soothing the respiratory tract and reducing inflammation.
These teas are made from various herbs that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The best herbal teas for bronchitis include Eucalyptus globulus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus, Sambucus nigra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha x piperita, Zingiber officinale, and Lavandula angustifolia.
If left untreated, bronchitis can lead to chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, significantly impacting daily life, work, and overall well-being.
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with bronchitis because of its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's primary active compound, eucalyptol, helps to relax the airway muscles and reduce mucus production, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, its expectorant properties help to loosen and clear out mucus, allowing for improved airflow and relief from coughs and congestion. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe respiratory issues and promote overall respiratory health.
Regular consumption can provide quick relief from bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with bronchitis.
- Cineole: It helps to reduce inflammation and open up airways by acting as a bronchodilator, making it easier to breathe.
- Caffeic acid: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the airways, alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
- Rosenary-type diterpenes: They exhibit antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infections that may be causing bronchitis, reducing the severity of symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Leaves of Eucalyptus globulus are commonly used to make teas for bronchitis due to their decongestant and expectorant properties.
- Stems: Stems are used for making teas that help alleviate bronchitis symptoms, such as coughs and congestion, due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Barks: Barks are used to make teas that help soothe bronchitis due to their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relax the airways and reduce inflammation.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which soothe the respiratory tract and facilitate the removal of mucus and phlegm.
The active compounds in the tea, particularly glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce inflammation and congestion in the airways, making it easier to breathe and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
Regular consumption of Glycyrrhiza glabra tea may also help to strengthen the immune system and promote overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with bronchitis.
- Saponins: These triterpenoid compounds help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the lungs, thereby alleviating bronchitis symptoms.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the lungs, making it easier to cough up and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are the primary source used for teas, as they contain high levels of glycyrrhizin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of the plant are also used, as they are rich in flavonoids and saponins that help soothe and calm bronchitis symptoms.
- Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are utilized for their sweet, licorice-like flavor and potential medicinal properties, which may aid in reducing bronchitis inflammation.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with bronchitis because its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
The tea's immunomodulatory effects also stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms, boosting the immune system's ability to fight off infections. Additionally, Echinacea's antioxidant properties help protect the lungs from oxidative stress, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. As a result, Echinacea purpurea teas can help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery in individuals with bronchitis.
Its natural properties make it a popular remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with bronchitis.
- Iridoid glycosides: Help reduce inflammation and relieve bronchial spasms, alleviating symptoms of bronchitis.
- Polysaccharides: Stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells that fight off infections causing bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and protecting the lungs from damage caused by bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high content of antioxidants and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Roots: Roots are used due to their high concentration of echinacoside, which has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects that can help with bronchitis.
- Flowers: Flowers are used due to their high levels of flavonoids and alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can aid in the relief of bronchitis symptoms.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with bronchitis because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The tea contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways and combat bacterial infections that can exacerbate bronchitis. Regular consumption of Thymus vulgaris tea has been found to ease coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing associated with bronchitis, promoting a faster recovery and improved respiratory function.
It also has natural expectorant properties to help clear mucus from the lungs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with bronchitis.
- Thymol: Thymol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help combat bacterial infections and reduce inflammation in the bronchial passages.
- Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects, which help alleviate inflammation and open up airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the bronchial passages, promoting healing and alleviating symptoms of bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: The leaves contain essential oils that help to soothe and calm the respiratory system, making them useful for treating bronchitis.
- Flowers: The flowers contain thymol, a compound that has antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat infections and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Stems: The stems are rich in antioxidants and volatile oils, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the airways.
5. Verbascum thapsus
Verbascum thapsus teas helps with bronchitis because it contains mucilage, a thick and soothing substance that calms the irritated mucous membranes in the throat and lungs.
This natural remedy reduces inflammation and congestion, making it easier to breathe and cough up excess mucus. The anti-inflammatory properties of Verbascum thapsus also help to ease the discomfort associated with bronchitis, providing relief from coughing and wheezing.
As a result, it can help to alleviate the symptoms of bronchitis and promote a smoother recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help with bronchitis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Saponins: Saponins in Verbascum thapsus teas help to thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the respiratory tract, making it easier to clear congestion.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Verbascum thapsus teas have antimicrobial properties that help to combat infections that can exacerbate bronchitis, promoting overall respiratory health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Verbascum thapsus used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are used for their expectorant properties to help relieve bronchitis symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe bronchitis coughs and inflammation.
- Roots: They are used for their expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties to help clear mucus from the lungs and reduce inflammation in bronchitis.
6. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with bronchitis because it is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm irritated airways.
The tea's high concentration of salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin, helps to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion, making it easier to breathe.
Additionally, Sambucus nigra's expectorant properties help to thin and clear mucus from the lungs, allowing for faster recovery and relief from bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with bronchitis.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and congestion in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Phenolic acids: These acids have antimicrobial properties, which help combat infections and reduce the severity of bronchitis symptoms by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
- Terpenoids: These compounds have expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: They are rich in antiviral and antibacterial compounds that help alleviate bronchitis symptoms.
- Flowers: The flowers contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation.
- Fruits: The fruits, also known as elderberries, are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat bronchitis and other respiratory issues.
7. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with bronchitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe irritated airways and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
The tea's expectorant properties help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, Rosmarinus officinalis contains compounds like carnosic acid, which have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections that can exacerbate bronchitis.
This natural remedy can provide relief from bronchitis symptoms, promoting a faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with bronchitis.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps with bronchitis by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and congestion in the airways.
- Carnosic acid: This phenolic diterpene acid helps with bronchitis by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, protecting the lungs from oxidative damage and inflammation.
- Bornyl acetate: This monoterpene helps with bronchitis by exerting bronchodilatory effects, relaxing airway muscles and improving breathing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part for teas as they contain the highest concentration of antioxidants and essential oils that help soothe bronchial inflammation.
- Flowers: Flowers are used for their antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which help to reduce inflammation and fight off infections in the bronchial tubes.
- Stems: Stems are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm coughs and reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
8. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with bronchitis because of its potent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The menthol and menthone compounds found in peppermint tea work to relax the airways, reducing congestion and making it easier to breathe. The tea's soothing effect also helps to calm irritated mucous membranes, while its natural expectorant properties help to loosen and clear out mucus, allowing the body to recover from bronchitis more efficiently.
This natural remedy provides relief from bronchitis symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with bronchitis.
- Menthol: Acts as a natural expectorant to help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the airways and alleviating symptoms of bronchitis.
- Limonene: Demonstrates antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections and reduce the severity of bronchitis symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Mentha x piperita leaves are the most commonly used part for teas, as they contain high concentrations of menthol and other compounds that help to ease congestion and soothe the respiratory system.
- Stems: Mentha x piperita stems are also used, as they contain similar compounds to the leaves and can add to the medicinal properties of the tea when used in combination with the leaves.
- Rhyzomes: Mentha x piperita rhyzomes are sometimes used, as they contain menthol and other compounds that can help to relieve bronchitis symptoms, such as coughing and congestion.
9. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with bronchitis because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compound, gingerol, soothes and calms irritated airways, reducing inflammation and congestion. Additionally, its expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe. As a natural antiseptic, it also helps to combat infections that can exacerbate bronchitis, promoting a faster recovery and alleviating symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
Regular consumption can provide relief and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with bronchitis.
- Gingerols: They help alleviate bronchitis symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain in the respiratory tract.
- Shogaols: These compounds exhibit expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby easing bronchitis symptoms.
- Zingiberene: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and congestion in the lungs, making breathing easier for individuals with bronchitis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Rhyzomes: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, which provide anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
- Roots: Roots of Zingiber officinale contain active compounds that help in reducing inflammation and relieving cough, making them a popular choice for bronchitis teas.
- Buds: The buds of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas due to their high content of antioxidants and volatile oils, which help in soothing the respiratory tract and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
10. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with bronchitis because it contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and congestion.
The tea's calming properties help to relax the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, Lavandula angustifolia has antimicrobial properties that help to combat infections, such as those caused by bronchitis.
By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, Lavandula angustifolia tea provides natural relief for bronchitis symptoms, allowing the body to recover more efficiently.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with bronchitis.
- Linalool: Helps to reduce inflammation and ease respiratory congestion associated with bronchitis by acting as a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory agent.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up and relieving bronchitis symptoms.
- Caryophyllene oxide: Displays anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, reducing the severity of bronchitis by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that can contribute to the infection.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for bronchitis.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and essential oils that help soothe and calm the respiratory system.
- Flowers: Contain essential oils and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
- Buds: Have a higher concentration of essential oils than flowers and leaves, providing a strong, soothing effect on the respiratory system.