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DIY Herbal Natural Decongestant Tea Recipe

ByBrittany Gibson
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Feeling stuffy, congested, or just weighed down by a head full of mucus? Whether it’s from a seasonal cold, allergies, or just one of those days when breathing feels like a struggle, a warm cup of herbal tea can work wonders. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter remedies, why not try a natural, soothing alternative? I’m feeling that way right now, so I created the best natural decongestant tea to support the upper respiratory system.

pale golden brown herbal tea in a clear glass mug on a stone surface, near plants

By blending powerful decongestant herbs like peppermint, ginger, eucalyptus, and thyme, you can create a tea that helps open your airways, break up mucus, and bring quick relief. Let’s dive into the benefits of these incredible herbs and how to brew the perfect herbal decongestant tea at home.

Herbs for Congestion Relief

Congestion can happen for many reasons—colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections, or even just dry winter air irritating your nasal passages. Instead of relying on synthetic medications that can sometimes leave you feeling groggy (oh my gosh I took NyQuil the other day for the first time in a decade and I felt restless and anxious for 2 days), herbal remedies offer a gentle yet effective approach to clearing mucus, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall respiratory health.

Meet the Herbal Powerhouses

Click on each herb below to learn more about its herbal actions in this tea blend.

decongestion tea ingredients, labeled, measured out on white marble platter. Cinnamon, Licorice, Eucalyptus, Thyme, ginger, and peppermint

This cooling herb is packed with menthol, a natural compound that helps open nasal passages, ease breathing (via the tea steam), and soothe throat irritation. It’s a must-have for any congestion-fighting tea.

Ginger boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and may help ease cough spasms. Plus, it adds a delicious spicy kick to the tea!

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant, helping to clear sinuses and promote deep, easy breathing.

A traditional herbal remedy for coughs and respiratory infections, thyme is a natural antimicrobial and a relaxing expectorant, helping to clear mucus from your lungs.

Warm, spicy, and anti-inflammatory, cinnamon helps support circulation, especially in the upper body, and has anti-viral properties.

A natural throat soother and expectorant, licorice root helps coat and calm inflamed tissues while supporting overall lung health.

High in vitamin C, lemon helps break up mucus and adds a bright, citrusy note to the tea.

Decongestant Tea Recipe

My favorite place to buy herbs online is Starwest Botanicals. Always be sure to purchase high quality herbs or grow your own.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp Peppermint leaves
  • 1 tbsp Dried ginger (or fresh slices)
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 small Cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp Eucalyptus leaves
  • 1 tsp Licorice root (omit if you have high blood pressure)
  • Juice of ½ a lemon
  • Local Honey to taste (optional)

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Supplies:

How to Brew Your Herbal Tea

  1. Mix all the herbs together in a bowl or jar.
  2. For each cup of tea, measure out 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture.
  3. Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
  4. Add the herbal mixture to your tea infuser or reusable tea bag.
  5. Pour hot water (no longer boiling) over your blend and cover. Let steep for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the infuser and enjoy! Add lemon juice and honey for extra relief.
tea in wood bowl
Make Your Tea Blend
tablespoon measuring tea
Measure out 1 TBSP tea into Infuser
clear mug with tea infuser steeping inside, with wood lid
Place in Mug of Hot Water and Infuse for 5 Minutes

How to Brew Herbal Tea

For detailed instructions on the methods for brewing herbal tea, check out my post: How to Brew Herbal Tea: Infusions and Decoctions.

Dosage & Safety Considerations

Herbs are powerful, and a little goes a long way. It’s recommended to consume no more than 3 cups per day. If you have any health conditions, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, consult a healthcare provider before adding new herbs to your routine.

Storage Tips

Store your decongestant tea blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the potency of the herbs. This blend will stay fresh for up to six months.

pale golden brown herbal natural decongestion tea in a clear glass mug on a stone surface, near plants

The Herbal Benefits of This Tea

Clears Sinuses & Airways

Peppermint, eucalyptus, and thyme work together to help break up mucus and promote easier breathing.

Soothes the Throat & Lungs

Ginger, licorice root, and lemon help calm inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system.

Boosts Circulation & Immunity

Ginger, cinnamon, and lemon support blood flow and immune function, helping you recover faster.

from above, yellow colored decongestant salve in black tins on orange surface with herbs scattered about

Decongestant Chest Salve

This chest rub is a great supplement to your herbal tea to help you breathe easier!

Get the Recipe

Try This Herbal Tea for Congestion Relief Today!

Next time you feel stuffy or congested, reach for a warm cup of this natural decongestant tea instead of medication. With its powerful blend of herbs and soothing warmth, it’s a simple and effective way to breathe easier and feel better fast.

Other Natural Ways to Relieve Congestion

  • Steam Inhalation: Add peppermint or eucalyptus to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale deeply.
  • Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and thyme can be diffused to help open airways.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and easy to expel.
  • Rest & Recovery: Sometimes, the best remedy is simply giving your body time to heal.

Healing Herbal Teas with The Homestead Challenge

Looking for the right cup of tea? This post is part of a series about the best herbal tea blends for common needs. Check out the herbal blends below!

Pin This Decongestant Tea Recipe for Later!

A glass mug of herbal tea sits on a table next to a wooden bowl of herbs, accompanied by a text overlay promoting a decongestant herbal tea recipe for cold and sinus support.
Brittany wearing a big hat. At the kitchen table working with herbs and potted plants

About the Author

Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.

Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.

Contact Brittany
close up of decongestant tea, pale yellow in a clear glass mug

DIY Herbal Natural Decongestant Tea Recipe

By blending powerful decongestant herbs like peppermint, ginger, eucalyptus, and thyme, you can create a decongestant tea that helps open your airways, break up mucus, and bring quick relief. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks

Equipment

  • 1 Tea Infuser

Ingredients
  

  • 1 TBSP Peppermint leaves
  • 1 TBSP Dried Ginger, chopped
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1 tsp Eucalyptus Leaves
  • 1 tsp Licorice Root, chopped
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick
  • 1/2 Lemon, juiced
  • Honey to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the herbs together in a bowl or jar.
  • For each cup of tea, measure out 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture.
  • Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil.
  • Add the herbal mixture to your tea infuser or reusable tea bag.
  • Pour hot water (no longer boiling) over your blend and cover. Let steep for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the infuser and enjoy! Add lemon juice and honey for extra relief.

Notes

Omit licorice if you have high blood pressure.

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