By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Nasal Congestion
Herbal teas for nasal congestion are a natural remedy that helps alleviate nasal blockages and congestion by loosening mucus and reducing inflammation.
These teas are made from various herbs, including Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Hyptis suaveolens, Sambucus nigra, Lavandula angustifolia, and Mentha x piperita.
If left untreated, nasal congestion can lead to difficulty breathing, headaches, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with nasal congestion because it contains eucalyptol, a natural decongestant that thins mucus and relieves sinus pressure.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also reduce swelling in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing. Additionally, eucalyptus globulus teas' expectorant properties help to loosen and clear out mucus, providing quick relief from congestion.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, making it a popular choice for soothing nasal congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Eucalyptol: Eucalyptol acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby reducing nasal congestion.
- Cineole: Cineole has potent decongestant properties, reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
- Catechin: Catechin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the production of mucus and alleviate nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Eucalyptus leaves are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high eucalyptol content, which helps to relieve nasal congestion.
- Buds: Eucalyptus buds are used for teas because of their high eucalyptol content and aromatic properties, which help to soothe and clear nasal passages.
- Stems: Eucalyptus stems are sometimes used for teas, particularly in traditional or herbal blends, as they contain some eucalyptol and other compounds that aid in relieving congestion.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with nasal congestion because it contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
The tea's active ingredients, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, also have decongestant properties, loosening and clearing mucus from the nasal cavities. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea's immunomodulatory effects support the body's natural response to respiratory infections, promoting a faster recovery and alleviating nasal congestion symptoms.
This natural remedy offers a soothing and effective solution for nasal congestion relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
- Triterpene saponins: These compounds have mucolytic properties, breaking down mucus and making it easier to expel, thereby relieving nasal congestion.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they have been traditionally used to relieve respiratory issues.
- Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with nasal congestion because of its natural decongestant properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol, have potent expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects that help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages. This allows for easier breathing and reduced congestion.
Thymus vulgaris teas also contains antimicrobial properties that help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the congestion, making it a natural and effective remedy for nasal congestion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Thymol: Thymol has a decongestant effect by thinning mucus and promoting its expulsion from the nasal passages, thus relieving congestion.
- Carvacrol: Carvacrol exhibits antimicrobial properties that help combat infections causing nasal congestion, such as the common cold or sinusitis.
- Bornyl acetate: Bornyl acetate, a terpene, has a bronchodilatory effect that helps relax the airway muscles and improve breathing, reducing nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Leaves are commonly used to make teas for nasal congestion due to their high concentration of thymol, a compound with decongestant properties.
- Stems: Stems are used to make teas for nasal congestion as they contain thymol and other essential oils that help relieve nasal congestion and coughs.
- Flowers: Flowers are also used to make teas for nasal congestion, as they contain thymol and other compounds that have decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to relieve nasal congestion and coughs.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with nasal congestion because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
The active compound, gingerol, is responsible for its decongestant properties, breaking down mucus and making it easier to breathe. Additionally, ginger's natural warming effect helps to loosen and clear out excess mucus, providing relief from congestion and sinus pressure.
Its soothing properties also help to calm the nasal tissues, promoting a clear and healthy respiratory system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Shogaols: These compounds help reduce nasal congestion by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and chemicals that cause swelling in the nasal passages.
- Gingerols: The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerols help reduce swelling and alleviate congestion in the nasal passages by blocking the production of inflammatory mediators.
- Zingiberene: This terpene has bronchodilatory effects, helping to relax the muscles in the airways and improve breathing by reducing nasal congestion and promoting the expulsion of mucus.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Rhyzomes: They are used due to their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce nasal congestion.
- Roots: They are used because they contain a higher percentage of essential oils, particularly gingerol, which has decongestant and expectorant properties that help to relieve nasal congestion.
- Stems: They are used for their lower concentration of essential oils compared to roots and rhyzomes but still provide some benefits of gingerols and shogaols for nasal congestion relief.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with nasal congestion because of its anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
The saponins and glycosides present in licorice root tea have been shown to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, further relieving congestion.
As a result, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can provide quick and effective relief from nasal congestion, making it a popular natural remedy for colds and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Saponins: These compounds help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, allowing for easier breathing and relief from congestion.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which help to break down mucus and reduce congestion in the nasal passages.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate nasal congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas that help soothe and calm the respiratory system, reducing nasal congestion and promoting easier breathing.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas that help reduce inflammation and promote the removal of mucus from the nasal passages, alleviating nasal congestion and promoting a clear airway.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with nasal congestion because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.
The essential oils present in rosemary, such as camphor and borneol, have a soothing effect on the nasal passages, reducing inflammation and promoting drainage. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of rosemary help to combat infections and relieve sinus pressure, allowing for easier breathing and a clearer airway.
This natural remedy can provide quick relief from congestion and sinus issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Caryophyllene: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages that contribute to congestion.
- Bornyl acetate: Exhibits decongestant properties, helping to thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the nasal passages, relieving congestion.
- Rosmarinic acid: Displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the severity of allergic reactions and inflammation that cause nasal congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis are commonly used to make teas for nasal congestion due to their high content of rosmarinic acid, which has decongestant properties.
- Flowers: The flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they contain essential oils that help to clear nasal passages and reduce inflammation.
- Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are also used to make teas for nasal congestion, as they contain rosmarinic acid and other compounds that help to relieve congestion and open airways.
7. Hyptis suaveolens
Hyptis suaveolens teas helps with nasal congestion because it contains natural decongestants and anti-inflammatory compounds that ease sinus pressure and open up airways.
The tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, allowing for easier breathing. The plant's oils also have a soothing effect on the nasal passages, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with congestion.
Regular consumption of Hyptis suaveolens tea may provide long-term relief from nasal congestion, making it a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hyptis suaveolens teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Terpenes: Terpenes help with nasal congestion by reducing inflammation and opening up airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids help with nasal congestion by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties and promoting the relaxation of smooth muscles in the respiratory tract.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid helps with nasal congestion by acting as an antihistamine, reducing the release of histamine, which can cause nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hyptis suaveolens used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they contain essential oils that help to thin mucus and relieve congestion.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages.
- Stems: The stems are used to make teas for nasal congestion because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote sinus drainage.
8. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with nasal congestion because it contains high levels of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have potent anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, Sambucus nigra teas have natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
This natural remedy provides relief from congestion and supports the body's natural ability to fight off respiratory infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Deoxysambunigrin: This constituent has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce nasal congestion by reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Sambunigrin: Sambunigrin has been shown to possess expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
- Saponins: Saponins have been found to have antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce coughing and inflammation associated with nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Flowers: The flowers are the most used part due to their high content of bioflavonoids and alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to add to teas as they contain similar properties to the flowers, helping to reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages.
- Buds: The buds are also used in teas, particularly during the early stages of growth, as they contain a high concentration of bioflavonoids and other compounds that help alleviate nasal congestion.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with nasal congestion because of its natural decongestant properties.
The tea's active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling in the nasal passages. This allows for easier breathing and relief from congestion. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, further alleviating congestion.
As a result, Lavandula angustifolia tea provides a soothing and effective way to alleviate nasal congestion and promote respiratory comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Linalool: It helps with nasal congestion by acting as an expectorant, facilitating the removal of mucus and other debris from the respiratory tract.
- Linalyl acetate: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and alleviate congestion.
- Caryophyllene oxide: It has bronchodilatory effects, allowing for easier breathing and relief from nasal congestion by expanding airways and improving airflow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: Used for their decongestant properties due to the presence of essential oils.
- Flowers: Used due to their high content of linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.
- Stems: Used for their ability to act as a gentle expectorant, helping to relieve congestion.
10. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with nasal congestion because it contains high levels of menthol and menthone, which have natural decongestant properties.
These compounds help to thin and clear mucus, making it easier to breathe. The expectorant action of the tea also helps to loosen and cough up excess phlegm, providing quick relief from nasal congestion.
Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages, further alleviating congestion and promoting easier breathing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with nasal congestion.
- Menthol: Menthol helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel and relieving nasal congestion by creating a cooling sensation that opens up airways.
- Eucalyptol: Eucalyptol has natural decongestant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and congestion by loosening and clearing mucus from the nasal passages.
- Limonene: Limonene has bronchodilatory effects, allowing air to flow more freely through the nasal passages and sinuses by relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for nasal congestion.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most widely used part for making teas due to their high concentration of menthol, which helps relieve nasal congestion.
- Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita contain menthol, which is released when they are steeped in hot water, providing relief from nasal congestion.
- Roots: The roots of Peppermint contain menthol and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and congestion, making them a popular choice for teas.