By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Phlegm
Herbal teas for phlegm are natural remedies that help alleviate excessive mucus production and congestion in the body.
They work by loosening and clearing out phlegm, providing relief from coughs, colds, and respiratory issues. The best herbal teas for phlegm include Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Thymus vulgaris, Zingiber officinale, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Piper nigrum, Salvia officinalis, and Sambucus nigra.
If left untreated, phlegm can lead to chronic coughs, fatigue, and breathing difficulties, severely impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with phlegm because of its inherent anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
The active compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been found to reduce inflammation in the airways and promote the removal of mucus. This leads to improved respiratory function and reduced congestion. Traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices have long utilized Glycyrrhiza glabra for its expectorant properties, making it a popular herbal remedy for phlegm-related respiratory issues.
Its natural and gentle approach has been beneficial for many people.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with phlegm.
- Glycyrrhizin: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear phlegm from the airways, making it easier to cough up.
- Licoricidin: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the respiratory tract and helping to alleviate symptoms of phlegm accumulation.
- Licorisoflavan a: Shows bronchodilatory effects, helping to relax and dilate airway muscles, making it easier to breathe and reducing phlegm congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for phlegm.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to thin and expel phlegm.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas that help to soothe and calm the respiratory system, reducing the production of phlegm.
- Stems: The stems of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory system.
2. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with phlegm because of its decongestant and expectorant properties.
The tea's main compound, eucalyptol, breaks down mucus, making it easier to expel. It also reduces inflammation in the airways, alleviating congestion. The tea's cooling sensation also helps to soothe the throat and nasal passages, providing relief from coughs and colds.
By promoting the clearance of excess mucus, Eucalyptus globulus tea offers a natural solution to help alleviate phlegm and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with phlegm.
- Eucalyptol: Acts as a bronchodilator, helping to break up and clear phlegm from the lungs by relaxing airway muscles.
- Cineole: Exhibits expectorant properties, assisting in the removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract by thinning and loosening mucus.
- Α-terpineol: Possesses mucolytic properties, helping to break down and dissolve phlegm, making it easier to expel from the lungs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for phlegm.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high content of decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Buds: Eucalyptus buds are rich in expectorant properties, making them effective in relieving congestion and coughs associated with phlegm.
- Stems: The stems of Eucalyptus globulus contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds that help in reducing inflammation and relieving respiratory issues.
3. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with phlegm because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.
The herb's active compounds, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, have anti-inflammatory effects that help reduce mucus production in the body. As a result, the congestion and cough associated with excess phlegm are alleviated, allowing for easier breathing and a clearer airway. This makes Echinacea purpurea teas a popular natural remedy for colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Its soothing and calming effects also promote overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with phlegm.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to break down and eliminate excess mucus, reducing phlegm production.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids, such as kaempferol and quercetin, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate respiratory issues, including phlegm.
- Alkylamides: These compounds have been found to have a positive effect on the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells and aiding in the elimination of pathogens that can contribute to phlegm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for phlegm.
- Roots: The roots are rich in compounds that help to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
- Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea purpurea are believed to aid in reducing mucus production and relieving respiratory congestion.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing inflammation and phlegm buildup.
4. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with phlegm because of its natural antiseptic and expectorant properties.
The thymol content in the tea helps break down and clear out excess mucus from the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and cough up phlegm. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages and lungs, promoting a more efficient drainage of mucus and relief from coughs and congestion associated with colds and flu.
This makes Thymus vulgaris tea a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with phlegm.
- Thymol: A monoterpene, thymol has antimicrobial properties that help reduce bacterial overgrowth in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating phlegm.
- Carvacrol: A phenolic monoterpenoid, carvacrol exhibits expectorant properties, making it easier to expel phlegm from the lungs and airways.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic acid, rosmarinic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the respiratory tract, thereby easing phlegm production.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for phlegm.
- Leaves: Thyme leaves are used in teas to help break down and clear mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system.
- Stems: Thyme stems are also used to make teas that help relieve congestion and coughs associated with phlegm.
- Buds: Thyme buds are used to make teas that can help soothe and clear mucus and phlegm from the lungs and airways.
5. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, stimulate the respiratory system, making it easier to expel mucus and phlegm. This can provide relief from congestion and coughing associated with respiratory infections and allergies. Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, promoting a smooth flow of air and mucus.
Regular consumption may promote overall respiratory health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with phlegm.
- Gingerol: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the production of excess mucus and alleviate congestion associated with phlegm.
- Shogaol: Displays bronchodilatory effects, allowing for easier breathing and potentially reducing the accumulation of phlegm in the airways.
- Gingerols' and shogaols' related compound zingiberene: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for phlegm.
- Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale, rhyzomes contain compounds that help reduce inflammation and ease congestion associated with phlegm.
- Roots: Similar to rhyzomes, roots of Zingiber officinale also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate phlegm and respiratory issues.
- Buds: Zingiber officinale buds are often used in teas for their expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear out phlegm from the respiratory system.
6. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with phlegm because of its natural decongestant properties, derived from the essential oils of the rosemary plant.
The tea's active compounds, such as camphor and borneol, work to break down and clear excess mucus from the respiratory tract. This helps to alleviate congestion and coughing, making it easier to breathe.
The tea's expectorant properties also stimulate the body to cough up and eliminate phlegm, providing relief from respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with phlegm.
- Rosmarinic acid: Acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic agent, helping to reduce inflammation and calm the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating phlegm congestion.
- Carvacrol: Exhibits expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear phlegm from the airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Bornyl acetate: Functions as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory, reducing the production of mucus and alleviating congestion, allowing for easier removal of phlegm.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for phlegm.
- Leaves: The leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis are commonly used to make teas due to their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear phlegm from the lungs.
- Flowers: The flowers of Rosmarinus officinalis are used to make teas as they have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and clear phlegm from the respiratory system.
- Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis are also used to make teas, as they contain essential oils that help to break down and clear phlegm, relieving congestion and coughs.
7. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with phlegm because of its natural decongestant and expectorant properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have a soothing effect on the respiratory system, reducing inflammation and congestion. As a result, the tea facilitates the expulsion of mucus and phlegm, making it easier to breathe and clear the airways.
This natural remedy is often used to alleviate symptoms of colds, coughs, and flu, providing relief and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with phlegm.
- Linalool: Helps to reduce the viscosity and production of phlegm by exhibiting mucolytic properties, making it easier to expel.
- Linalyl acetate: Exerts a bronchodilatory effect, helping to relieve respiratory congestion and alleviate phlegm-related issues.
- Caffeic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with phlegm and alleviate associated respiratory symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for phlegm.
- Leaves: Known for their calming and decongestant properties, which can help relieve phlegm and congestion.
- Flowers: Used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease respiratory issues and phlegm.
- Stems: Utilized for their expectorant properties, which can help loosen and clear phlegm from the respiratory tract.
8. Piper nigrum
Piper nigrum teas helps with phlegm because it contains piperine, a bioactive compound that has been shown to have expectorant properties.
This means it helps to break down and eliminate excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and clear congestion. Additionally, piperine's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce swelling and soothe irritated tissues, further alleviating symptoms of phlegm and congestion.
Its natural and gentle action makes it a popular remedy for respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper nigrum teas that help with phlegm.
- Piperine: Helps to reduce phlegm by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Caryophyllene: Aids in the reduction of phlegm by acting as a bronchodilator, improving respiratory function and relieving congestion.
- Limonene: Contributes to the reduction of phlegm by exhibiting expectorant properties, helping to expel mucus from the lungs and airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Piper nigrum used to make teas for phlegm.
- Seeds: The seeds of Piper nigrum are commonly used in teas due to their high piperine content, which helps to thin and clear mucus, making it easier to expel.
- Leaves: Piper nigrum leaves are used in teas to help reduce inflammation and ease congestion, making it easier to breathe and expel phlegm.
- Stems: Piper nigrum stems are sometimes used in teas to add a spicy flavor and help stimulate circulation, which can aid in the expulsion of phlegm.
9. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties, which facilitate the removal of excess mucus from the lungs and airways.
The tea's high concentration of antioxidants and compounds like thymol and carvacrol help to break down and clear out phlegm, reducing congestion and coughing.
Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties soothe the respiratory tract, allowing for easier breathing and a more efficient expulsion of phlegm, providing relief from coughs and respiratory issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis teas that help with phlegm.
- Terpenes: They help to reduce inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel phlegm.
- Flavonoids: They possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and fluid accumulation in the respiratory tract, thus aiding in the removal of phlegm.
- Rosmarinic acid: It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help to break down and clear out excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Salvia officinalis used to make teas for phlegm.
- Leaves: They are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of essential oils, particularly thujone, which helps to clear phlegm and relieve respiratory issues.
- Buds: Salvia officinalis buds are used in teas for their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear phlegm from the lungs and airways.
- Stems: The stems of Salvia officinalis are also used to make teas, as they contain compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of phlegm from the respiratory system.
10. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with phlegm because it contains high levels of bioflavonoids and anthocyanins, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds work together to break down and clear excess mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract, helping to alleviate congestion and coughs. The tea's expectorant properties also help to loosen and thin out mucus, making it easier to expel, providing relief from respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe and protect the respiratory system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with phlegm.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, thereby alleviating phlegm congestion.
- Phenylethanoids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties that help combat infections that can cause phlegm production, thereby reducing its viscosity and ease of expulsion.
- Saponins: These compounds have expectorant properties that help thin and loosen phlegm, making it easier to cough up and clear the airways.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for phlegm.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for phlegm due to their high content of antitussive and expectorant properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for phlegm due to their ability to help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for phlegm due to their potential to reduce inflammation and relieve coughs.