Did you know respiratory disease affects around one in five people? They’re also the fifth biggest cause of death in England.
This statistic signifies someone you know could have a respiratory disease. This might be asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and pneumonia.
While most involve taking medication as a form of treatment, these conditions can be still debilitating to live with. Be it a stuffy nose, a tight chest, issues with breathing, inflammation or more, symptoms of these conditions can be frustrating.
If you have a respiratory condition or know someone who does, you might be interested in adding respiratory support tea to your diet. These teas are full of natural herbs packed with antioxidants, inflammatory markers, antibacterial properties and more. Learn about them below.
What is a respiratory support tea?
Many conditions and illnesses can affect the respiratory system in different ways. Depending on the respiratory disease, the airways, lung tissue, or circulation are affected.
So, when it comes to finding tea for the respiratory system, there’s no miracle cure. It depends on the herbs used in the blend, which can help support different bodily functions. Some help reduce inflammation, others work to alleviate mucus, some help soothe throats, and more.
Nevertheless, you’ve got nothing to lose when drinking tea for lung health. Even if you’re experiencing the mildest sniffle, hay fever, a common winter cold or flu, these teas can make respiratory issues a little easier.
Tea for respiratory health- 5 herbs to consider
Before recommending our top teas, we’ll focus on the particular herbs that help with respiratory health. The herbs behind the blends are game-changers when it comes to immune support tea.
Mullein leaf
Mullein leaf is an herb native to Northern Africa, Europe, and Asia. It’s no stranger to holistic medicine; it’s been commonly used in these countries for centuries to support inflammatory and respiratory conditions.
In particular, it’s recommended in hollistic healthcare as a tea for asthma attacks,with research showing significantly reduced chances of them happening upon consumption. It reduces inflammation by creating a soothing coating over mucous membranes, helping the muscles in the respiratory tract relax.
Mullein leaf holds antibacterial and antiviral properties that might help with certain respiratory conditions. A test tube study showed that mullein leaf might help reduce the growth of certain bacteria that contribute to infections like E. coli and Streptococcus Pyogenes. Another study has also shown that Mullein, alongside other herbs, may be effective against the influenza virus.
Try: Mullein leaf & Thyme a caffeine free herbal tea which helps soothe a store throat, supports natural defences, helps with a dry cough and has other health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.
Ginger
Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol that help soften respiratory symptoms like congestion and coughing. It also helps break down thick mucus in your respiratory tract, making it easier to expel and breathe.
Try Lemongrass & Ginger, a herbal tea with antioxidants supporting your immune system.
Liquorice
Liquorice root can be a great herb for reducing benign respiratory symptoms. For instance, they can help alleviate irritation and gently soothe sore throats. This is because liquorice root has glycyrrhizin, which can help accelerate mucus secretion in your trachea, making it easier to manage coughs, sore throats, and other conditions. Studies suggest it may help fight strep throat and asthma; however, more scientific evidence is needed.
Try: Liquorice & Cinnamon a herbal tea which helps soothe the upper respiratory tract making conditions a bit more comfortable to live with.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a power-packed herb that provides health benefits throughout. Regarding your respiratory system, curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects can be beneficial for COPD, asthma, and bronchitis due to the lower inflammation in the airways and lungs.
It is also high in antioxidants, protecting from oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants and toxins. Turmeric also holds expectorant properties, which thins out mucus in your body and makes it easier to cough up and clear your lungs.
Try: Turmeric & Cinnamon a herbal tea that supports circulation and strengthens the body and upper respiratory tract.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an herb that can act as a decongestant. It’s often used in spas to help clear chests and for treatments like steam baths and chest rubs. In an herbal tea, however, eucalyptus has anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease the symptoms of respiratory infections and conditions. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help your body fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi that invite respiratory issues.
Elderberry & Echinacea
Elderberry is also highly beneficial for your respiratory system. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to reduce inflammation in your respiratory tract. Echinacea, also a flower, has many antiviral properties that can help fight respiratory infections such as influenza and the common cold. It’s also thought to help reduce nasal congestion, soothe a sore throat, and prevent coughing.
Try: Elderberry & Echinacea a caffeine free herbal tea that combines both of these immune-boosting flowers together in a blend.
Pine needle
Pine needle tea is thought to be good for your lungs and respiratory system. This is partly because pine needles are high in vitamin C, which plays a role in supporting your immune function and respiratory health. Pine needles also contain compounds such as shikimic acid, which is known for its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can help fight respiratory infections. Pine needles also work as an expectorant, helping expel mucus from the lungs, making breathing easier.
Try: Pine needle and rosehip tea, which, when drunk, soothes your throat, pharynx, and vocal cords and helps your body’s immune system function.
Is tea good for upper respiratory infection?
Respiratory support tea isn’t a standalone treatment for an upper respiratory infection. However, if you focus on drinking an herbal blend with one or several of the above herbs, it can help. In addition to this, you should get regular and sufficient sleep, drink water, follow the necessary advice of your doctor, and perhaps use a nasal spray to help alleviate congestion.
How do I improve my lungs?
If you have a respiratory condition or want to reduce the risk of getting a common cold or virus, there are a few things you can do alongside drinking respiratory support tea to help your lung health. Simply do the following:
- Don’t smoke and reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke
- Frequently exercise
- Get yearly checkups
- Stay hydrated
- Abide by a healthy diet
- Limit your exposure to outdoor air pollutants
Protect yourself with premium blends
If you’re conscious about your immunity and want to protect your respiratory system, why don’t you try a premium blend? These blends have been strategically formulated to support immune health and make your life much easier.
NutraThroat
NutraThroat combines three powerful herbs that support your respiratory system: liquorice, eucalyptus, and ginger. It provides a soothing and pleasant effect on your throat, pharynx, and vocal cords. Moreover, it helps support the lining of your mucous membranes, making it easier to breathe.
NutraDefence
Another respiratory tea that can help provide immune support is NutraDefence, It is caffeine-free and contains liquorice, eucalyptus, ginger, thyme, mullein, and many more herbs. Consciously formulated, NutraDefense helps support the normal function of airways, natural defences, and mouth and throat health.
The bottom line up on respiratory support tea
Overall, there’s no best tea for respiratory issues; it’s simply the herbs in the formulation that can help you live with conditions more easily. Herbs like mullein leaf, ginger, turmeric, liquorice root, and eucalyptus can help soften your airways, reduce inflammation, and aid the secretion of mucus to help you expel and allow for easier breathing.
These teas don’t cure respiratory conditions but work alongside other lifestyle measures. However, if you notice unexpected shortness of breath, sharp pains, or breathing difficulties, you should always consult your doctor.
If you want to improve your respiratory health, you should also focus on your sleep. Regularly getting 7-9 hours in a night can help you relax your muscles and regulate your breathing.
Check out our post on herbal teas to help you sleep.
