10 Best Herbal Teas For Phlegm

Herbal teas for phlegm are natural remedies that help to alleviate respiratory issues characterized by excessive mucus production.

They work by reducing inflammation, loosening and thinning phlegm, making it easier to expel. Examples of herbal teas that help with phlegm include thyme, eucalyptus, and ginger.

Drinking these teas can improve respiratory function, reduce congestion, and alleviate coughing, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life and increasing comfort for individuals suffering from phlegm-related conditions.

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

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

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

The roots of the plant contain compounds like glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which help to break down and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. This makes it easier to cough up phlegm and relieve congestion. Additionally, licorice root tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated airways, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy respiratory environment.

This results in improved breathing and reduced phlegm production.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Saponins: Saponins, particularly glycyrrhizin, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with phlegm, making it easier to expel.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as isorhapontigenin, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat the underlying causes of phlegm, including infection and inflammation.
• Liquiritin: Liquiritin, a phenolic glycoside, has been shown to have expectorant properties that help break down and thin out phlegm, making it easier to cough up and relieve respiratory congestion.

Plant's Parts

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

• Roots: They are the most commonly used part of Glycyrrhiza glabra to make teas for phlegm due to their high concentration of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps in reducing inflammation and phlegm.
• Leaves: The leaves are also used to make teas for phlegm relief as they contain similar compounds to the roots that help in reducing inflammation and coughs.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are sometimes used in teas for phlegm due to their ability to help soothe coughs and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Recipe

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

1. Gather 2-3 teaspoons of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra and store them in an airtight container.
2. Measure 1 cup of boiling water and pour it over the dried roots in a heat-resistant cup.
3. Steep the roots for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors and nutrients to infuse into the water.
4. Strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids from the tea.
5. Serve the herbal tea warm or at room temperature after the liquid has cooled slightly.

2. Piper methysticum

Piper methysticum, also known as kava, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.

The tea's active compounds, including flavokavains and kavalactones, work to break down and clear excess mucus from the lungs, relieving congestion and coughing. Additionally, kava's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and irritation in the airways, allowing for easier breathing and a more productive cough.

This natural remedy can provide relief for those experiencing respiratory issues due to phlegm buildup.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum teas that help with phlegm.

• Kavain: This phenolic compound has been shown to have expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus from the airways, making it easier to expel.
• Methylkanthine: As an alkaloid, it may help to relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion associated with phlegm.
• Kaurenapine: This diterpene has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and clear mucus from the airways, providing relief from phlegm-related respiratory issues.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make teas for phlegm.

• Leaves: Used to make teas due to their potential expectorant properties, helping to ease congestion and phlegm.
• Rhyzomes: Utilized for teas as they may contain compounds that help to thin and clear mucus from the respiratory system.
• Roots: Employed in teas for their possible anti-inflammatory properties, which may aid in reducing inflammation associated with phlegm production.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for phlegm.

1. Gather 1-2 grams of dried piper methysticum roots and leaves for a standard serving size.
2. Boil 250 milliliters of water in a pot for a few minutes to reach optimal temperature.
3. Steep the piper methysticum mixture in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release the active compounds.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids.
5. Allow the tea to cool down for 2-3 minutes before serving and consuming immediately.

3. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, teas helps with phlegm because it contains compounds that support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

The active ingredients, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, have been shown to inhibit the production of mucus, making it easier to expel phlegm from the body. Additionally, Echinacea's antimicrobial properties help combat underlying infections that can contribute to excessive phlegm production, promoting a healthier respiratory system and overall well-being.

This natural remedy can provide relief from congestion and coughs.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with phlegm.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly echinacoside and isochairolin, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce phlegm production by alleviating underlying inflammation.
• Flavonoids: Specifically, kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhapontigenin, have shown antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help combat infections that lead to excessive phlegm production.
• Alkylphenols: The presence of alkylphenols, such as isobutylphenol and isopropylphenol, contributes to Echinacea's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate respiratory issues associated with excessive phlegm.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make teas for phlegm.

• Roots: The roots of Echinacea purpurea are used due to their high concentration of compounds that help reduce inflammation and alleviate respiratory issues.
• Leaves: The leaves are used in teas for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the respiratory tract.
• Flowers: The flowers are used due to their immunomodulatory effects, which can help boost the body's immune system and fight off infections.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for phlegm.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea purpurea flowers and 1 teaspoon of dried root.
2. Steep the echinacea purpurea flowers and root in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
4. Add honey to taste to sweeten the tea if desired for flavor enhancement.
5. Drink the tea immediately and repeat up to 3 times a day as needed for immune support.

4. Taraxacum officinale

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties, which aid in the removal of excess mucus from the lungs and airways.

The tea's diuretic effects also help to reduce fluid retention and alleviate congestion, making it easier to breathe. Additionally, the tea's anti-inflammatory properties may help to soothe and calm irritated airways, promoting a faster recovery from respiratory issues.

Regular consumption may help to alleviate symptoms of phlegm and promote overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Taraxasterol: A triterpenoid saponin that helps to reduce inflammation and mucus production, making it easier to expel phlegm.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce congestion and cough associated with phlegm.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid phenolic compound that has been shown to have expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: Leaves are used to make teas for phlegm due to their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs.
• Flowers: Flowers are used to make teas for phlegm due to their anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties, reducing inflammation and breaking down phlegm.
• Roots: Roots are used to make teas for phlegm due to their demulcent properties, soothing and protecting the mucous membranes while helping to expel mucus.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers from fresh plants in the early morning after the dew has evaporated.
2. Dry the harvested taraxacum officinale in a single layer at 100 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried taraxacum officinale with 8 ounces of boiling water to make a tea.
4. Steep the taraxacum officinale mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
5. Strain the tea and drink it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

5. Verbascum thapsus

Verbascum thapsus, also known as mullein, teas helps with phlegm because of its expectorant properties.

The plant's leaves and flowers contain high levels of mucilage, a soothing compound that helps to break down and clear mucus from the lungs and airways. This natural expectorant action can relieve congestion and coughs associated with phlegm, making mullein teas a popular natural remedy for respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma.

Its calming effect also helps to reduce inflammation and ease breathing.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Verbascoside: This iridoid glycoside has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the production of phlegm in the body.
• Verbascoside and aesculetin are both found in verbascum thapsus, but the most studied terpenoid in this plant is isorhapontigenin: This terpenoid has been found to have bronchodilatory effects, helping to relieve respiratory tract congestion and facilitate the removal of excess phlegm.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to phlegm production in the body.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: The leaves of Verbascum thapsus are used to make teas for phlegm due to their expectorant properties, which help to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory system.
• Stems: The stems of Verbascum thapsus are used to make teas for phlegm as they contain mucilage, which can help to soothe and calm irritated mucous membranes.
• Roots: The roots of Verbascum thapsus are used to make teas for phlegm because they contain compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and ease congestion in the respiratory tract.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh verbascum thapsus flowers when fully open and dry them immediately to preserve their potency.
2. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried verbascum thapsus flowers with 1 cup of boiling water to create tea.
3. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes or until the desired flavor and aroma are achieved.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids to achieve a clear liquid.
5. Store the prepared verbascum thapsus tea in a cool dark place for up to 24 hours before consumption.

6. Scrophularia nodosa

Scrophularia nodosa, also known as figwort, teas helps with phlegm because it contains bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to expel mucus and phlegm. The tea also has a soothing effect on the respiratory system, helping to calm coughs and reduce congestion.

Additionally, figwort teas are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the lungs and airways from further damage and promote overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Scrophularia nodosa teas that help with phlegm.

• Scrophularin: Scrophularin is a phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, helping to break down and clear phlegm from the respiratory system.
• Cirsiliol: Cirsiliol is a flavonoid that has bronchodilatory effects, relaxing airway muscles and making it easier to cough up phlegm.
• Scorponin: Scorponin is a triterpene saponin that has mucolytic and expectorant properties, helping to thin and clear mucus and phlegm from the airways.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of figwort used to make teas for phlegm.

• Leaves: Used for teas due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help to combat phlegm.
• Roots: Utilized in teas for their ability to warm the lungs and dispel phlegm, making them a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Stems: Employed in teas for their cooling and drying properties, which help to reduce phlegm and relieve respiratory issues.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic figwort for phlegm.

1. Gather 2-4 grams of dried scrophularia nodosa roots and stems for every 250 milliliters of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot for 5-10 minutes to reach a rolling boil.
3. Add the gathered scrophularia nodosa to the boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup or teapot to remove the roots and stems.
5. Store the remaining herbal scrophularia nodosa tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

7. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, help to break down and clear mucus from the respiratory tract. This makes it easier to cough up excess phlegm and relieve congestion. Additionally, the tea's calming and anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe irritated airways and reduce inflammation, providing relief from coughs and colds.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to help alleviate respiratory issues.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with phlegm.

• Linalool: This terpene helps to reduce mucus production and relieve respiratory congestion by acting as an expectorant and bronchodilator.
• Linalyl acetate: This terpene has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the airways and alleviate phlegm-related respiratory issues.
• Apigenin: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, making it easier to expel phlegm.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make teas for phlegm.

• Leaves: The leaves are often used to make teas due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce congestion and phlegm.
• Flowers: Lavender flowers are commonly used to make teas for their calming effects, which can help soothe respiratory issues and reduce phlegm production.
• Leaves: In some cases, the leaves are also used to make teas for their expectorant properties, helping to loosen and clear out phlegm from the respiratory system.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for phlegm.

1. Harvest 2 tablespoons of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers from mature plants at peak blooming season.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at 100°f for 2 hours to prevent oil loss.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve to remove the dried flowers and discard the solids.
5. Serve the herbal tea hot or chilled with honey or lemon to enhance flavor.

8. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.

The menthol and menthone compounds in peppermint stimulate the muscles in the lungs, helping to loosen and clear mucus and phlegm from the airways. This makes it an effective remedy for respiratory issues such as congestion, coughs, and colds.

By promoting the removal of excess mucus, peppermint tea can help to reduce discomfort and improve breathing, providing relief for those experiencing phlegm-related respiratory problems.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Limonene: This terpene helps to break down and clear phlegm from the respiratory system by promoting expectoration and reducing mucus viscosity.
• Menthol: As a terpene, menthol acts as an expectorant, helping to thin and clear phlegm from the lungs and airways, making it easier to cough up.
• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe and clear phlegm.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: They are rich in menthol, which helps to loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory system.
• Stems: They are often combined with leaves and contain menthone, which contributes to their decongestant properties.
• Roots: They are sometimes used to make tea and contain menthol and menthone, which can help to thin mucus and ease congestion.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the early morning or late afternoon when the plant is at its peak.
2. Rinse the harvested leaves in cold water to remove dirt and debris from the plant.
3. Steep 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried mentha x piperita leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solid plant material from the liquid.
5. Store the tea in the refrigerator and drink it within 24 hours for optimal flavor and aroma preservation.

9. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis, also known as rosemary, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.

The herb's essential oils, particularly camphor and borneol, help to break down and clear phlegm from the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel. Additionally, rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties may help to soothe and calm irritated airways, reducing congestion and promoting easier breathing.

By supporting the body's natural elimination processes, rosemary teas can provide relief from phlegm and promote overall respiratory health.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Carnosic acid: Acts as an expectorant, helping to loosen and clear phlegm from the airways by reducing inflammation and promoting coughing.
• Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing the production of mucus and phlegm, thereby alleviating respiratory issues.
• Bornyl acetate: Possesses antitussive properties, which help in suppressing coughing and reducing the irritation that contributes to phlegm production.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: Used to make teas for phlegm due to their expectorant properties, which help loosen and clear mucus from the respiratory system.
• Flowers: Used to make teas for phlegm due to their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the respiratory system.
• Stems: Used to make teas for phlegm due to their ability to thin mucus and promote its expulsion from the body.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 30 grams of fresh rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers from mature plants.
2. Dry the harvested rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers in a single layer at room temperature.
3. Steep 2 grams of dried rosmarinus officinalis leaves and flowers in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 5 minutes.
4. Strain the rosmarinus officinalis tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove solids.
5. Allow the rosmarinus officinalis tea to cool to room temperature before consumption.

10. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris, also known as thyme, teas helps with phlegm because of its natural expectorant properties.

The volatile oils present in thyme, such as thymol and carvacrol, have been shown to break down and clear out mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract. This can provide relief from coughs and congestion associated with conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Thyme's decongestant properties also help to ease breathing and promote a healthy respiratory system.

Its antibacterial properties can also aid in fighting off underlying infections.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Thymol: It has antimicrobial properties, which can help break down and clear out excess mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract.
• Carvacrol: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote the clearance of mucus and phlegm from the lungs.
• Rosmarinic acid: As a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, it can help soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing coughing and congestion associated with excess phlegm.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: Thyme leaves are widely used for teas to help reduce phlegm due to their antimicrobial and expectorant properties.
• Flowers: Thyme flowers are also used for teas to help relieve coughs and reduce phlegm, thanks to their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Roots: Thyme roots are sometimes used for teas to help alleviate congestion and phlegm due to their expectorant and antiseptic properties.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest fresh thymus vulgaris leaves from your garden or a local store at dawn when they are most potent.
2. Rinse 1 teaspoon of fresh thymus vulgaris leaves in cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Steep the rinsed thymus vulgaris leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release their flavor.
4. Strain the thymus vulgaris infusion using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the leaves and any sediment.
5. Serve the thymus vulgaris tea hot or chilled immediately after straining to preserve its medicinal properties.

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

The best combination of herbal teas that help with phlegm is a blend of Thyme, Echinacea, and Licorice root.

Thyme's antibacterial properties help combat underlying infections, while Echinacea's immune-boosting properties aid in fighting off pathogens that cause phlegm buildup. Licorice root's expectorant properties help loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

This combination can be steeped together or taken separately to provide relief from phlegm-related respiratory issues.