By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Runny Nose
Herbal teas for runny nose are natural remedies that help alleviate congestion and nasal discharge by promoting decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The best herbal teas for runny nose include Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, Thymus vulgaris, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Rosmarinus officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, and Mentha x piperita.
If left untreated, runny nose can disrupt daily life, causing fatigue, decreased productivity, and social isolation, ultimately affecting overall well-being and quality of life.
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with runny nose because it has natural decongestant properties that help to clear out mucus and reduce congestion.
The tea's active compounds, including eucalyptol, work to thin mucus and make it easier to expel, providing relief from a runny nose. Additionally, eucalyptus globulus teas have anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm the nasal passages, further reducing congestion and discomfort associated with a runny nose.
This makes it a popular remedy for colds and sinus issues.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with runny nose.
- Eucalyptol: Acts as a natural decongestant, helping to reduce nasal congestion and relieve runny nose symptoms.
- Cineole: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing swelling and inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.
- Alpha-pinene: Exhibits expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways and nasal passages, thereby alleviating runny nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: These are the most commonly used part of the Eucalyptus globulus plant in teas to address respiratory issues, including a runny nose.
- Buds: Eucalyptus buds are used to make teas due to their high concentration of eucalyptol, which helps to relieve nasal congestion and a runny nose.
- Stems: Eucalyptus stems are also used to make teas, as they contain eucalyptol, which has decongestant properties that help to alleviate a runny nose.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with runny nose because it contains compounds that stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
The active ingredients, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, have been shown to increase the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and reduce congestion.
By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, Echinacea purpurea teas may help alleviate symptoms of a runny nose and provide relief from upper respiratory tract infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with runny nose.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating runny nose symptoms.
- Caffeic acid derivatives: Caffeic acid derivatives, such as echinacoside, have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce congestion and runny nose by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory molecules.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly chlorogenic acid, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that help to reduce nasal mucus production and alleviate runny nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: The leaves of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for runny nose because they contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
- Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for runny nose because they contain a high concentration of echinacosides, which are believed to have immunomodulatory effects.
- Flowers: The flowers of Echinacea purpurea are used to make teas for runny nose because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, helping to soothe the respiratory system.
3. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with runny nose because it is rich in antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds that combat the underlying causes of nasal congestion.
The tea contains bioflavonoids, such as vitexin and isorhapontigenin, which have been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses that cause colds and flu.
Additionally, the tea's phenolic acids help to reduce inflammation and promote the production of mucus, which can help to clear out infected nasal passages and provide relief from runny nose symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with runny nose.
- Flavonoids: They help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, which contributes to the relief of runny nose symptoms.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: These compounds have a decongestant effect, helping to reduce the production of mucus and ease congestion in the nasal passages.
- Sambunigrin: It has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can contribute to the relief of runny nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for runny nose.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for runny nose due to their antiviral and antihistamine properties.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for runny nose due to their decongestant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Fruits: Used to make teas for runny nose due to their antiviral and immune-boosting properties.
4. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with runny nose because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the nasal passages.
The active compound, gingerol, has decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to reduce excess mucus and congestion. By promoting blood flow and reducing swelling in the nasal membranes, ginger tea alleviates the discomfort associated with a runny nose.
Its warm and spicy flavor also provides a comforting relief, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural relief from cold and sinus symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with runny nose.
- Shogaols: These sesquiterpenoid compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the nasal congestion and runny nose associated with respiratory issues.
- Gingerols: These phenolic compounds have natural expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages, thus alleviating runny nose.
- Paradol: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties, which help to relax the airways and reduce the production of mucus, thereby easing runny nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for runny nose.
- Rhyzomes: They are the most commonly used part of ginger due to their high concentration of active compounds that help alleviate respiratory issues.
- Stems: Ginger stems contain a significant amount of gingerols, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing runny nose symptoms.
- Leaves: Ginger leaves have a milder flavor compared to the rhyzomes and contain essential oils that help soothe respiratory problems, including a runny nose.
5. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with runny nose because it contains thymol, a natural decongestant that helps to reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also soothe and calm the nasal passages, reducing the production of excess mucus. Additionally, thymus vulgaris has antimicrobial properties that help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the runny nose.
This natural remedy provides quick relief and can be a valuable addition to your cold and flu season toolkit.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with runny nose.
- Thymol: It helps by reducing inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages, which in turn decreases the production of mucus and relieves a runny nose.
- Carvacrol: It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the underlying infections or irritants causing the runny nose, thus providing relief.
- Bornyl acetate: It acts as a natural expectorant, helping to thin and clear out mucus from the nasal passages, providing quick relief from a runny nose.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: These leaves are used to make teas due to their high concentration of thymol, a natural decongestant.
- Flowers: Thyme flowers are used in teas for their aromatic and antibacterial properties, helping to soothe a runny nose.
- Buds: The buds of the Thymus vulgaris plant are used in teas to provide relief from congestion and coughs due to their expectorant properties.
6. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with runny nose because of its natural antihistamine properties and ability to improve blood circulation.
The flavonoids and terpenoids in Ginkgo biloba help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating congestion and excess mucus production.
Additionally, Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant properties help to protect the nasal mucosa from oxidative stress, promoting a healthy balance of mucus production and drainage, which in turn, reduces the severity of runny nose symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with runny nose.
- Flavonoids: They have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, thereby alleviating runny nose.
- Terpenoids: They possess anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing the histamine release and subsequent allergic reactions, leading to a decrease in runny nose.
- Bilobalide: It has a protective effect on the nasal mucosa and helps in reducing the inflammation and congestion, which in turn helps to alleviate runny nose.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are used to make teas as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that help to reduce inflammation and improve respiratory issues.
- Seeds: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used in teas due to their ability to help dry up mucus and reduce congestion, making them effective in alleviating runny nose symptoms.
- Buds: The buds of Ginkgo biloba are used in teas because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help to soothe and calm the respiratory system, reducing nasal congestion and runny nose.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with runny nose because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the nasal passages.
The root of the licorice plant contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that reduces swelling and congestion. This natural remedy also has expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal cavities. As a result, the tea can provide quick relief from runny noses, making it a popular choice for individuals dealing with allergies or sinus issues.
Regular consumption may even help to reduce the frequency of episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with runny nose.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can contribute to a runny nose.
- Licoricidin: As an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine compound, licoricidin helps alleviate symptoms of a runny nose by reducing the production of histamine, a chemical that can cause nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Licopyrocatechol: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can help soothe and calm the nasal passages, reducing the symptoms of a runny nose.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for runny nose.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Leaves: The leaves are used for their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
- Flowers: The flowers are used for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm the nasal passages and reduce congestion.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with runny nose because it contains compounds that have natural decongestant properties.
The essential oils in rosemary, such as camphor and borneol, help to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and excess mucus. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to soothe and calm the nasal tissues, making it easier to breathe and reducing the urge to blow one's nose.
This natural remedy can provide quick relief from runny nose symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with runny nose.
- Caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages that can cause runny nose.
- Rosmarinic acid: As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, rosmarinic acid helps to soothe and calm the nasal mucosa, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of runny nose.
- Bornyl acetate: This sesquiterpene has decongestant properties, helping to clear out mucus and reduce nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe and alleviating symptoms of runny nose.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas due to their high concentration of rosmarinic acid, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and congestion.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas due to their ability to reduce nasal congestion and promote drainage, helping to alleviate runny nose symptoms.
- Stems: The stems of Rosmarinus officinalis may be used to make teas, possibly due to their antioxidant properties and ability to reduce inflammation.
9. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia teas helps with runny nose because it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds, including alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, help to reduce the swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby alleviating congestion and excessive mucus production.
This herbal remedy also stimulates the immune system, which can aid in fighting off the underlying infection that's causing the runny nose, promoting a faster recovery and relief from symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with runny nose.
- Iridoid glycosides: Help with runny nose by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages and promoting mucociliary clearance.
- Alkaloids: Act as natural antihistamines, blocking the release of histamine and reducing nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Triterpenoids: Possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, alleviating runny nose symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea angustifolia used to make teas for runny nose.
- Roots: They are used for their medicinal properties and are often considered the most potent part of the plant.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas that can help soothe and calm the respiratory system, reducing congestion.
- Roots: Roots are also used to make teas that can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms, including runny nose.
10. Mentha x piperita
Mentha x piperita teas helps with runny nose because of its natural decongestant properties, which are attributed to the presence of menthol and menthone.
These compounds help to break down mucus and reduce its production, providing relief from congestion. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties aid in thinning and draining mucus from the nasal passages, promoting clearer breathing.
As a result, Mentha x piperita teas can provide quick and effective relief from runny nose symptoms, helping to restore a sense of comfort and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with runny nose.
- Menthol: Helps by numbing the nasal mucous membranes, reducing the sensation of runny nose and congestion.
- Menthone: Contributes by reducing the production of mucus and inflammation in the nasal passages, thus alleviating runny nose symptoms.
- Rosmarinic acid: Works by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce swelling and soothe the nasal mucosa, ultimately alleviating runny nose and congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Mentha x piperita used to make teas for runny nose.
- Leaves: The menthol content in the leaves is responsible for its decongestant properties, helping to relieve a runny nose.
- Buds: The bud's higher menthol content compared to the leaves makes it a preferred choice for teas that need to provide quick relief from congestion.
- Stems: The stems also contain menthol, although in smaller amounts than the leaves and buds, they can still contribute to the tea's decongestant properties.