15 Soothing Teas for Chest Congestion And Recovery
This post contains affiliate links, which means Luckee Tea may earn a commission if you purchase with these links. All opinions in reviews on Luckee Tea are our own and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
When battling chest congestion, the discomfort can be overwhelming. It’s a common symptom of a simple cold or flu, but it can make every breath feel like a struggle.
When dealing with chest congestion, can tea help?
Yes, tea is a natural and soothing remedy that can provide immediate relief and put you on the road to recovery. But not just any tea, there are specific types that are known for their therapeutic properties in dealing with chest congestion.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 15 best teas for chest congestion. Each tea, with its unique blend of ingredients and benefits, promises not just relief but also a step toward recovery.
Whether it’s the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger tea or the expectorant qualities of licorice root tea, these beverages are more than just a soothing ritual; they are a natural arsenal against the discomfort of chest congestion.
So, let’s explore these 15 best teas and find out how each one can help you breathe easier and feel better.
Causes For Chest Congestion
Chest congestion can be uncomfortable. It can feel like you’re carrying extra weight in your chest.
Common colds and flu are often to blame; they can cause mucus buildup and make breathing feel difficult. If you wheeze or your chest feels tight, it might be due to increased mucus production. This is a natural response to these illnesses.
Here are several common causes of chest congestion:
Allergies
Allergies play a significant role, too. Your body’s reaction to pollen or pet dander, for example, can trigger chest congestion. In these cases, your immune system may overreact, filling your respiratory tract with mucus.
Exposure to Irritants
Exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or pollution can inflame your airways. Even if you’re not a smoker, secondhand smoke can be equally problematic, leading to persistent coughing and a phlegmy throat.
Underlying Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions, like asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia, can be culprits. Here, other symptoms often accompany the congestion, like fever or fatigue. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider if you believe your chest congestion is more than just a common cold.
Lifestyle Choices
Lastly, your lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity or a poor diet, may contribute to chest congestion. Staying hydrated and active can help manage and prevent the symptoms.
In any case, a warm cup of tea might be just the comforting remedy your body needs. The steam alone can help loosen mucus, and certain herbs have properties that may soothe your symptoms.
Benefits Of Drinking Tea For A Cough
When you’re facing a tough cough, sipping on a warm cup of tea can provide immediate relief.
The warmth of tea soothes your sore throat and helps to alleviate irritation. Tea’s steam may also help loosen mucus, making it easier for you to breathe.
- Antimicrobial properties found in certain teas, like green and herbal teas, can help fight the underlying infection.
- Ingredients like ginger or turmeric in tea come with anti-inflammatory benefits, reducing swelling and pain.
Add honey to your tea; its texture coats the throat which eases your cough. Its antibacterial qualities support your recovery. Stay hydrated with tea, and give your body a comforting, healing hand.
15 Best Teas For Chest Congestion
When suffering from chest congestion, certain teas can offer relief. The properties in these teas help soothe the respiratory system and may improve your condition.
Here are the 15 best teas for chest congestion for much-needed relief.
1. Honey Tea
Honey tea is made by adding a spoonful of honey to warm water. Although it’s not a traditional tea with leaves, it can help with chest congestion due to honey’s natural antibacterial and soothing qualities. Your throat will feel calmer, and the antibacterial properties can aid in recovery if an infection is present.
Research has shown how honey can soothe nighttime coughs in children and enhance their sleep quality. A 2018 review, backed by trusted sources, revealed that honey either matches or surpasses over-the-counter cough medications in effectively easing cough symptoms.
How To Make It: To make honey tea, boil a cup of water, pour it into a mug, and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of honey until dissolved. Add a slice of lemon for extra flavor if you’d like.
Recommended Tea: Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Honey Vanilla Chamomile
Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Honey Vanilla Chamomile offers a 100% natural herbal tea that’s perfect for calming your body. It has a sweet flavor with a smooth aroma.
More importantly, these ingredients pack a punch when fighting off flu symptoms such as chest congestion.
2. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce swelling in the respiratory system. Boil slices of fresh ginger root in water to make a potent tea to ease your chest congestion and soothe coughs.
A 2015 study showed how ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities could remedy a cough. These properties are key in calming an irritated throat and airways that often become inflamed due to coughing.
How To Make It: Slice a few pieces of fresh ginger, steep them in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. Alternatively, you can use dried ginger tea which may have a strong spicy flavor. Add honey or lemon to taste if desired.
Recommended Tea: FGO Organic Turmeric Ginger Tea
FGO Organic Turmeric Ginger Tea features a healthy combination of turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. All of these ingredients are rich in antioxidants that can help keep you healthy.
3. Thyme Tea
Thyme tea contains compounds that help clear mucus and reduce inflammation. Steep thyme leaves in hot water to create a tea that not only helps relieve chest congestion but also fights against the pathogens causing the ailment.
Research suggests that thyme extract may effectively reduce the frequency and severity of coughing episodes.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried thyme (or a few sprigs of fresh thyme) in boiling water with temperatures of 205°-212° for about 3-6 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Sweeten with honey if needed.
Recommended Tea: Buddha Teas Organic Thyme Leaf Tea
Buddha Teas Organic Thyme Leaf Tea features organic oregano leaf that has a strong flavor and aroma. It’s a great source of Vitamins A, C, E, K and Folic acid, Beta Carotene, and Dietary Fiber. All of which are meant to protect your immune system and keep you healthy.
4. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root has expectorant and bronchodilator properties, making this tea beneficial for loosening phlegm and easing congestion. Drink licorice root tea to calm an inflamed throat and improve the symptoms of congestion.
A study from 2015 highlights that licorice has demonstrated the potential to slow down the growth of various types of bacteria and certain viruses.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried licorice root in boiling water (around 212°F or 100°C) for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Adjust the amount of licorice root to taste.
Recommended Tea: Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Licorice Root
Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Licorice Root soothes the digestive tract and helps with respiratory health, which is ideal for chest congestion. This tea features a sweet and earthy flavor and is certified organic.
5. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea boasts anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce discomfort. It’s also known for aiding sleep—a critical component when recovering from illness. Steep chamomile flowers in hot water for a relaxing tea that can help alleviate chest congestion symptoms.
Chamomile contains a natural compound called flavonoids which help reduce common cold symptoms such as chest congestion.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers (or a chamomile tea bag) in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 3-5 minutes, strain if using loose flowers, and enjoy. Add honey or lemon as desired.
Recommended Tea: Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Chamomile
Traditional Medicinals Tea Organic Chamomile provides numerous health benefits such as calming your nerves, supporting healthy digestion, and protecting the immune system. It features a nice subtle flavor that’s slightly sweet, and floral with honey notes.
6. Nettle Tea
Nettle tea is packed with antioxidants and can act as a natural antihistamine. This makes it a great choice to support your immune system and combat chest congestion. Brew dried nettle leaves for a tea that may also boost your immune system.
Recommended Tea:
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 10-15 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Adjust the steeping time to taste.
7. Māmaki Tea
An unfamiliar but effective option, Māmaki tea can enhance lung function and alleviate symptoms of congestion. Regularly drinking a brew made from Māmaki leaves can help you cope with chest congestion and improve overall respiratory health.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried mamaki leaves in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. Adjust the steeping time according to your taste preference.
Recommended Tea: Big Island Coffee Roasters Miraculous Mamaki Herbal Tea
Big Island Coffee Roasters provides both coffee and Māmaki tea. It’s straight from the source and harvested in Hawaii. This Māmaki tea is pesticide-free and grown on a regenerative rainforest farm in Volcano at 4,000 ft.
8. Elderberry Tea
Elderberry is celebrated for its immune-boosting effects. To combat chest congestion, elderberry tea helps by reducing mucus buildup and supporting your immune response. Create this beneficial tea by simmering elderberries in water.
Numerous studies have shown elderberry’s efficacy in shortening flu duration.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried elderberries in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy. You can add honey or lemon for extra flavor if desired.
Recommended Tea: Yogi Tea Elderberry Lemon Balm Immune & Stress Tea
Yogi Tea Elderberry Lemon Balm Immune & Stress Tea contains elderberry, ashwagandha, lemon balm, lemongrass, and lemon peel. All of these herbs combine to support a healthy immune system and fight the stress of any illness.
9. Marshmallow Root Tea
Marshmallow root tea, with its mucilage content, can coat and soothe the throat. It’s a gentle expectorant that can assist in loosening mucus related to chest congestion. Simply steep the marshmallow root in hot water to create this tea.
Additionally, studies have shown that marshmallow root can loosen mucus and slow down bacteria growth – both essential traits to look for in a tea when battling chest congestion.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried marshmallow root in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 8-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. You may sweeten it with honey if preferred.
Recommended Tea: Numi Organic Throat Soother Tea
Numi Organic Throat Soother Tea is a great remedy for symptoms such as a sore throat, and nasal and chest congestion. Not only does it feature marshmallow root, but also contains other flu-fighting herbs such as sage, licorice root cinnamon, and clove.
10. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and infection. Enjoying a cup of green tea can also provide a gentle expectorant effect, potentially offering relief from chest congestion.
According to research, green tea contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have shown potential antiviral effects such as the flu. Green tea has also been shown to potentially prevent the virus from replicating.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of green tea leaves (or a green tea bag) in hot water (about 175°F or 80°C) for 2-3 minutes, then remove the leaves or bag and enjoy. Avoid using boiling water as it can make the tea bitter.
Recommended Tea: FGO Organic Green Tea
FGO Organic Green Tea uses high-quality green tea leaves that have a light and delicate flavor. It offers all of the antioxidants that you’d expect from a premium green tea.
11. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is notable for its menthol content, which can act as a natural decongestant and cough suppressant. Brew peppermint leaves for a refreshing tea that can help open your airways and ease congestion.
Research suggests that peppermint has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and pain-relieving qualities. When dealing with chest congestion, peppermint tea can provide relief for clogged sinuses, and help with easier breathing.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves (or a peppermint tea bag) in hot water (about 205°F or 96°C) for 5-10 minutes, strain if using loose leaves, and enjoy. Adjust steeping time to your taste preference.
Recommended Tea: VAHDAM Pure Mint Herbal Tea
VAHDAM Pure Mint Herbal Tea features both peppermint and spearmint leaves. It’s a refreshing herbal tea that can provide a sense of calmness while providing relief to cold symptoms.
12. Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is known for its immune-enhancing properties and may help fight the causes of chest congestion. Drink echinacea tea regularly to potentially reduce symptoms and improve your body’s ability to fight off respiratory infections.
Studies show that echinacea can shorten the duration of upper respiratory infections, including the flu, cold, or chest congestion.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried echinacea herb (or an echinacea tea bag) in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 10-15 minutes, strain if using loose herbs, and enjoy. Adjust the steeping time according to your taste.
Recommended Tea: Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support Tea
Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support Tea does what its name suggests. This echinacea tea helps with cold and flu symptoms and protects your body from getting sick.
13. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea, with its high vitamin C content, can support the immune system and may lessen the severity of congestion. Steep hibiscus flowers to enjoy a tea that also helps maintain overall respiratory health.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 5-10 minutes, strain, and enjoy. You can sweeten it with honey or add a slice of lemon for extra flavor.
Recommended Tea: The Republic of Tea Natural Hibiscus Superflower Tea
The Republic of Tea Natural Hibiscus Superflower Tea features ruby red Nigerian Hibiscus blossoms which offer a bright berry and citrus taste. It’s best served warm to help alleviate chest congestion and other flu symptoms.
14. Slippery Elm Bark Tea
Due to its mucilage content, slippery elm bark tea forms a smooth gel that coats and soothes the throat. This can alleviate irritation from coughing and aid in loosening chest congestion. Use powdered slippery elm bark to prepare this soothing beverage.
One study into the use of slippery elm bark for individuals suffering from laryngitis, throat inflammation, and voice issues has shown promising signs of its soothing effects.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried slippery elm bark powder in hot water (about 200°F or 93°C) for 3-5 minutes, stir well to ensure the powder is well dissolved, and enjoy. You can add honey or lemon to taste if desired.
Recommended Tea: Yogi Tea – Throat Comfort
Yogi Tea – Throat Comfort contains multiple organic ingredients such as Licorice Root, Fennel Seed, Wild Cherry Bark, Cinnamon Bark, Orange Peel, Slippery Elm Bark, Cardamom Pod, Ginger Root, Mullein Leaf, Clove Bud, and Black Pepper. This combination of potent herbs helps soothe throat and chest congestion.
15. Eucalyptus Tea
Eucalyptus is most commonly used as an ointment for nose and chest congestion relief. It helps loosen up phlegm, especially when treating coughs, common colds, and the flu.
Eucalyptus tea contains eucalyptol, which can help break up mucus and provide relief from chest congestion. Inhaling the steam as you sip the tea may also improve nasal congestion and respiratory symptoms.
How To Make It: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried eucalyptus leaves in hot water (about 205-212°F or 93-100°C) for 3-6 minutes, strain, and enjoy. You may add honey or lemon for taste if desired.
Recommended Tea: Buddha Teas Organic Eucalyptus Tea
Buddha Teas Organic Eucalyptus Tea is a great option because it’s certified organic and uses high-quality eucalyptus leaves.
Cough-Relieving Tea Recipe
This tea uses ingredients that are commonly found and are known for their soothing and healing properties.
Ingredients:
- Honey: 1-2 tablespoons (natural cough suppressant and throat soother)
- Ginger: 1-inch piece (fresh, peeled, and thinly sliced; known for its anti-inflammatory properties)
- Lemon: Half a lemon (rich in Vitamin C and adds a refreshing flavor)
- Water: 2 cups
- Turmeric: ½ teaspoon (optional, for additional anti-inflammatory benefits)
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 (optional, for flavor and additional health benefits)
- Mint Leaves: A few (optional, for a soothing effect and fresh flavor)
Instructions:
- Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add Ginger and Optional Ingredients: Once boiling, add the sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, turmeric, and mint leaves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add Lemon and Honey: Turn off the heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the honey until dissolved. The lemon adds a tangy flavor and Vitamin C, while the honey acts as a natural sweetener and soothes the throat.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into a cup to remove the ginger slices and other solid ingredients.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste the tea, and if necessary, add more honey or lemon according to your preference.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the tea while it’s warm for the best soothing effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re dealing with chest congestion, a warm cup of peppermint green tea can be quite soothing. Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural decongestant that helps break down mucus. Ginger tea is another excellent choice, known for its anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the respiratory system. For those who prefer a sweeter option, adding honey to your tea can provide antibacterial benefits and a soothing effect on the throat.
Yes, certain types of tea can help reduce mucus and alleviate congestion. For example, thyme tea is known for its expectorant properties that assist in breaking down mucus buildup. Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol, which helps to loosen phlegm and ease congestion.
Yes, hot tea can help loosen mucus, with the steam and warmth aiding in thinning the phlegm, making it easier to expel.
A blend of honey, lemon, and ginger tea works well to alleviate a cough and relieve a stuffy nose due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger tea can help soothe coughs and other respiratory issues as it contains gingerol, which helps reduce inflammation and can boost the immune system.
