10 Best Herbal Teas For Chest Congestion

Herbal teas for chest congestion are a natural remedy that helps alleviate respiratory issues by loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs.

They work by soothing the throat, reducing inflammation, and opening airways. Examples of herbal teas that help with chest congestion include thyme, eucalyptus, peppermint, and ginger.

These teas have been known to improve the lives of people suffering from colds, flu, and asthma by providing relief from coughs, congestion, and shortness of breath.

The following article describes in detail the most important teas for chest congestion, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Eupatorium perfoliatum

Eupatorium perfoliatum, also known as joe pye weed, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural expectorant properties.

The herb contains compounds that help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe. The anti-inflammatory properties of Eupatorium perfoliatum also help reduce inflammation and ease congestion. As a result, the tea can provide relief from coughs, congestion, and other respiratory issues associated with colds and flu.

It's a popular natural remedy for soothing respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eupatorium perfoliatum teas that help with chest congestion.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and congestion in the chest, making it easier to breathe.
• Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids in Eupatorium perfoliatum teas have been shown to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the chest, thereby relieving congestion.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in these teas possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to combat underlying infections and reduce inflammation in the chest, thereby alleviating congestion.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of joe pye weed used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: The leaves are rich in expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
• Stems: The stems contain volatile oils that aid in relieving congestion and coughs.
• Roots: The roots have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate chest congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic joe pye weed for chest congestion.

1. Harvest fresh or dried flowers of the plant in the morning when dew is still present for best results.
2. Clean and dry the harvested flowers thoroughly to prevent contamination and preserve their potency completely.
3. Steep one to two teaspoons of dried flowers in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes only.
4. Strain the tea mixture immediately to remove the flowers and discard the solids completely.
5. Allow the tea to cool down before consuming it within 30 minutes of preparation always.

2. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural decongestant properties.

The essential oils present in thyme, particularly thymol, have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that help to combat respiratory infections. The tea's expectorant properties also aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

Additionally, thyme's antispasmodic properties can help to relax the airways, reducing coughing and congestion, providing relief from chest congestion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with chest congestion.

• Carvacrol: Acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, thereby relieving chest congestion.
• Thymol: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, reducing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can contribute to infections and congestion in the chest.
• Bornyl acetate: Displays expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of thyme used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are commonly used to make teas for chest congestion because they contain thymol, a compound with antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation.
• Flowers: Thymus vulgaris flowers are used to make teas for chest congestion because they contain volatile oils that help to ease congestion and coughs.
• Leaves: Thymus vulgaris leaves are also used to make teas for chest congestion because they possess expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic thyme for chest congestion.

1. Gather 10 grams of dried thymus vulgaris leaves to use for the herbal tea recipe.
2. Steep the dried leaves in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solid particles.
4. Add honey to taste to the tea mixture for a sweeter flavor profile.
5. Serve the herbal tea immediately after preparation and enjoy within 30 minutes.

3. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with chest congestion because of its expectorant properties.

The roots of this plant contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps break down mucus and phlegm in the lungs, making it easier to expel. This natural process aids in relieving congestion and coughs. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of licorice root tea help soothe and calm irritated respiratory tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting overall respiratory health.

As a result, chest congestion is alleviated, and breathing becomes easier.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with chest congestion.

• Saponins: These compounds help reduce inflammation and congestion in the chest by acting as expectorants, promoting the clearance of mucus and other debris.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, quercetin, a flavonoid present in Glycyrrhiza glabra, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate congestion and coughing by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
• Licoricidin and licorisoflavan a: These compounds, also known as glycyrrhizin, have been found to exhibit bronchodilatory effects, which help to relax the airways and improve breathing, thereby alleviating chest congestion and coughing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a key compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and clear congestion.
• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, the leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and ease respiratory issues associated with chest congestion.
• Barks: The bark of the plant contains saponins, which are believed to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs and airways.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for chest congestion.

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier or a garden.
2. Rinse the roots with cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the surface.
3. Chop the roots into small pieces and grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the powder in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup and serve immediately.

4. Verbascum thapsus

Verbascum thapsus, also known as mullein, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties and ability to thin mucus.

The leaves of the mullein plant contain saponins, flavonoids, and other compounds that work together to reduce congestion and promote easy breathing. Mullein teas have been traditionally used to soothe irritated airways and calm coughs, making it a popular remedy for colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues.

Its expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus, providing relief from chest congestion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with chest congestion.

• Verbascoside: Verbascoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside found in Verbascum thapsus teas that helps with chest congestion by reducing inflammation and relaxing bronchial muscles, making it easier to breathe.
• Saponins: Saponins are a type of triterpenoid glycoside present in Verbascum thapsus teas that help with chest congestion by breaking down mucus and reducing coughing, making it easier to expel excess mucus from the lungs.
• Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides, particularly aucubin and isaucubin, found in Verbascum thapsus teas, help with chest congestion by exhibiting expectorant properties, which aid in the expulsion of mucus from the airways, relieving congestion and coughing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of mullein used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Verbascum thapsus for teas related to chest congestion due to their high mucilage content, which can help soothe irritated respiratory tracts.
• Stems: Stems are used in teas for chest congestion because they contain a high amount of mucilage, similar to leaves, which can help reduce inflammation and congestion.
• Roots: Roots of Verbascum thapsus are used in teas for chest congestion due to their antimicrobial properties, which can help combat infections that may be contributing to congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mullein for chest congestion.

1. Gather fresh or dried verbascum thapsus flowers in quantities of 2-3 teaspoons per cup of boiling water.
2. Steep the verbascum thapsus flowers in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to release their active properties.
3. Strain the verbascum thapsus infusion through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a cup.
4. Add honey or lemon to taste the verbascum thapsus tea if desired for sweetness or flavor.
5. Allow the verbascum thapsus tea to cool down to a comfortable temperature before serving.

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties and expectorant qualities.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, help to break down and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, ginger's warming and soothing effects can help to ease a congested chest, providing relief from coughs, colds, and other respiratory issues.

Regular consumption of ginger tea may also help to reduce inflammation and promote overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with chest congestion.

• Zingiberene: A sesquiterpene, zingiberene is known to help with chest congestion by reducing inflammation in the airways and relieving spasms, making it easier to breathe.
• Gingerol: A phenolic compound, gingerol has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and ease congestion in the chest, making it easier to breathe.
• Shogaol: A phenolic compound, shogaol has expectorant properties that help to thin and clear mucus from the chest, making it easier to cough up and relieve congestion.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Rhyzomes: The most commonly used part of Zingiber officinale, as it contains the highest concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve congestion.
• Stems: Some herbal teas use the stems of Zingiber officinale, as they contain some of the plant's medicinal compounds and can add a subtle flavor to the tea.
• Buds: The buds of Zingiber officinale can also be used to make tea, as they are believed to have some of the plant's medicinal properties and can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for chest congestion.

1. Harvest 1-2 teaspoons of dried zingiber officinale rhizomes from a reliable source.
2. Rinse the dried zingiber officinale rhizomes with lukewarm water to remove impurities.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried zingiber officinale rhizomes in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the zingiber officinale tea mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a cup.
5. Serve the herbal zingiber officinale tea warm or at room temperature immediately.

6. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with chest congestion because of its decongestant properties.

The menthol content in peppermint tea helps to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, peppermint's expectorant properties help to loosen and cough up mucus, providing temporary relief from congestion. The tea's cooling sensation also helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the throat, providing overall relief from chest congestion.

This makes it a popular remedy for colds and flu.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita teas that help with chest congestion.

• Menthol: Menthol is a terpene that helps break down and thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the body and relieving congestion in the chest.
• Limonene: Limonene is a terpene that has expectorant properties, helping to stimulate coughing and increase mucus production, which can aid in the removal of excess mucus from the lungs and airways.
• Rosenary-type monoterpenes: These monoterpenes have decongestant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and congestion in the airways and chest, making it easier to breathe.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: The leaves of Mentha x piperita contain menthol and menthone, which help to open airways and relieve congestion.
• Stems: The stems contain menthol, which has a cooling effect and helps to ease coughs and congestion.
• Buds: The buds of Mentha x piperita contain menthol and menthone, which help to thin mucus and relieve congestion in the chest.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for chest congestion.

1. Gather 1/4 cup of fresh m x piperita leaves and 1 tablespoon of dried m x piperita flowers for the tea.
2. Steep the fresh leaves and dried flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the leaves and flowers.
4. Add honey to taste to the tea to sweeten it and make it more palatable.
5. Drink the tea immediately while it is still hot for the best flavor and benefits.

7. Hydrastis canadensis

Hydrastis canadensis, also known as goldenseal, teas helps with chest congestion because of its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

The berberine content in goldenseal has been shown to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, the tea helps loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, allowing for easier expulsion of congestion.

This dual action helps to alleviate symptoms of chest congestion, such as coughing and shortness of breath, promoting overall respiratory health and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis teas that help with chest congestion.

• Alkaloids: Specifically, berberine, an alkaloid present in Hydrastis canadensis, helps reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause chest congestion, such as respiratory infections.
• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have expectorant properties, meaning they help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and relieving chest congestion.
• Phenolic glycosides: These compounds, including hydrastine and berberine, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce swelling and fight off infections that cause chest congestion.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of goldenseal used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part, as they contain the highest concentration of hydrastine, which is believed to have expectorant properties.
• Stems: The stems are sometimes used in teas, as they may contain smaller amounts of hydrastine and other compounds that contribute to their potential health benefits.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used in teas, although less frequently than the roots, and may contain some of the same compounds that are found in the roots.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenseal for chest congestion.

1. Harvest fresh or dried roots of hydrastis canadensis in the fall season after 3-5 years of growth.
2. Dry the harvested roots for 2-4 weeks at 30-40°c or by air drying for 6-8 weeks.
3. Steep 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried hydrastis canadensis root in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and discard the solids to obtain a clear liquid for consumption immediately.
5. Store any leftover hydrastis canadensis tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before consumption.

8. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural expectorant properties.

The roots of the dandelion plant contain compounds like taraxasterol and taraxol, which have been found to have mucolytic effects, breaking down and thinning mucus in the lungs. This makes it easier to cough up and expel congested mucus, providing relief from respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.

Additionally, dandelion tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which can also help to soothe and calm the respiratory tract.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with chest congestion.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and congestion in the chest area by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and promoting relaxation of bronchial muscles.
• Saponins: Saponins in Taraxacum officinale tea have been found to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the airways and chest, making it easier to breathe.
• Terpenoids: Terpenoids in the tea have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the severity of respiratory infections and alleviate chest congestion by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and promoting the healing of inflamed tissues.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high content of mucilages, which help to soothe and calm irritated respiratory tissues.
• Roots: Roots are used for their diuretic properties, which help to clear mucus from the lungs and airways.
• Flowers: Flowers are used due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling in the airways and alleviate congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for chest congestion.

1. Harvest fresh dandelion root and leaves from a clean source in the morning.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a warm place for 2 to 3 days to achieve optimal potency.
3. Grind 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root into a fine powder using a spice grinder for 2 minutes.
4. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried dandelion root in boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release the active ingredients.
5. Strain the liquid and discard the solids then drink the tea immediately to reap the benefits.

9. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with chest congestion because of its natural decongestant properties.

The herbal tea's expectorant qualities help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to breathe. Rosemary's antimicrobial properties also help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the congestion.

Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and irritation in the nasal passages and airways, providing relief from chest congestion and promoting overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with chest congestion.

• Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps reduce inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract by its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cineole: A terpene that acts as a bronchodilator, helping to open up airways and relieve congestion by reducing mucus production and coughing.
• Bornyl acetate: A terpene that has antimicrobial properties, helping to fight off underlying infections that can contribute to chest congestion and promote recovery.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of rosemary used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and essential oils, they help to loosen and clear mucus from the airways.
• Flowers: Containing rosmarinic acid and other compounds, they aid in reducing inflammation and congestion in the chest.
• Stems: With their high content of menthol and other volatile oils, they help to ease breathing and reduce coughing associated with chest congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rosemary for chest congestion.

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh rosmarinus officinalis sprigs, typically in the early morning for optimal oil content and flavor.
2. Rinse the rosmarinus officinalis sprigs with cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the plant.
3. Chop the rosmarinus officinalis sprigs into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for infusion.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of chopped rosmarinus officinalis in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids, then let it cool before consumption.

10. Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium, also known as yarrow, teas helps with chest congestion because it has natural expectorant properties that aid in loosening and clearing mucus from the lungs.

The tea's antispasmodic properties also help to ease coughing and reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, yarrow tea has antimicrobial properties that help to combat underlying infections that may be contributing to the congestion, allowing for faster recovery and relief from symptoms.

This makes it a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with chest congestion.

• Essential oils: These volatile compounds help to thin mucus, making it easier to expel from the lungs and chest, thereby relieving congestion.
• Polyphenolic compounds: As potent antioxidants, these compounds help to reduce inflammation in the airways and lungs, making it easier to breathe and alleviate congestion.
• Terpenoids: These compounds have expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and relieve chest congestion.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make teas for chest congestion.

• Leaves: The leaves of Achillea millefolium are used to make teas for chest congestion because they contain compounds that help to soothe and relax the respiratory system.
• Flowers: The flowers of Achillea millefolium are used to make teas for chest congestion because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce congestion and promote easier breathing.
• Roots: The roots of Achillea millefolium are used to make teas for chest congestion because they contain a high concentration of saponins, which have expectorant properties that help to break down mucus and relieve congestion.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow for chest congestion.

1. Harvest fresh achillea millefolium leaves and flowers at peak potency and dry them for long-term storage.
2. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Strain the tea to remove the plant material and discard the solids immediately.
4. Add honey or lemon to taste and adjust the sweetness and flavor as desired always.
5. Store the herbal tea in airtight containers to preserve freshness and flavor for several days.

What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for chest congestion?

The best combination of herbal teas that help with chest congestion is a blend of Thyme, Echinacea, and Ginger.

Thyme's antibacterial properties help combat infection, while Echinacea's immune-boosting properties help fight off underlying illness. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the chest, reducing coughing and congestion. This potent trio works together to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and support overall respiratory health.

Drinking a warm, soothing cup of this tea blend can provide quick relief from chest congestion and help you breathe easier.

What ailments similar to chest congestion are treated with herbal teas?

Ailments similar to chest congestion that are treated with herbal teas are respiratory issues such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis.

These teas often contain anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that help relieve congestion and reduce inflammation in the airways.

Herbs like thyme, peppermint, and eucalyptus are commonly used to soothe and clear the lungs, while others like ginger and turmeric provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits.