Sore Throat - Cold and Flu - Cough/Bronchitis - Nasal Congestion/Decongestant - Sinusitis - Runny Nose - Other Respiratory Issues

Please Note: While the specific tea names are included below, ordering links have changed and are currently being updated

Teas, Tisanes, and Best Brands

Next time someone recommends tea and honey for your cold, you may want to listen. Tea has been used for centuries to soothe respiratory discomfort — from sore throats and coughs to congestion, sinus pressure, and seasonal breathing issues. Many traditional blends are still relied on today to help calm irritated airways, loosen mucus, and provide gentle comfort when you’re sick. That’s why choosing the right tea matters, especially if you’re looking for support during colds, flu, allergies, or lingering post‑viral symptoms.

Tea has been popular worldwide for thousands of years, praised not only for its social customs but also for its medicinal benefits. In fact, tea is currently the second most consumed beverage in the world (second only to water), according to Statista’s report on global annual tea consumption.

But tea may not be what you think it is. There are two main types of authentic teas: pure teas and blended herbal teas (actual tea with an herb). And here’s something surprising: many herbal “teas” aren’t technically tea at all because they don’t contain the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). These herbal "teas" are actually called tisanes. Both teas and tisanes are considered infusions, and each offers unique properties that can support health and wellness — including respiratory comfort.

Many teas made from herbs and botanicals are used to support overall well‑being. Some people drink tea for prevention, others for recovery, and many simply for enjoyment. Teas and infusions are often used to soothe sore throats, calm coughs, ease cold or flu symptoms, support digestion, promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and even provide emotional balance.

When it comes to respiratory symptoms, certain teas and tisanes may help provide comfort for:

• Sore throat

• Colds and flu

• Cough and bronchitis

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose (rhinorrhea)

• Sinusitis

• Mucus buildup (expectorant support)

• Allergies

• General upper‑respiratory prevention

Because quality matters, I’ve also included my researched recommendations for the best tea brands — clean, reputable companies that offer high‑quality ingredients without unnecessary additives. These are excellent options if you’re looking for teas that genuinely support respiratory wellness.

WHICH TEAS ARE BEST FOR THESE?   

The best tea depends on many factors: where it comes from, whether it contains contaminants, how it is processed, brewed, and sourced — all of which can influence potency and bioavailability. Sometimes, using an herb or tea in a capsule, powder, tincture, or pill form can be more effective than drinking a tea or infusion made from the same substance. However, whole‑leaf teas are often safer than the others.

You can sometimes make your own tea blends using whole‑leaf herbs, powders, extracts, and oils. These different preparations are discussed at the end of this article.

The following lists include some of the many potential benefits that various teas and supplements claim to have. These lists also include links to reputable tea sources. While there are many teas available in retail stores, you want to be sure you are getting the best. The recommended sources test most of their teas for active ingredients, purity, contaminants, and safety. Starwest Botanicals and Organic India are frequently cited as two of the better tea companies because they test many aspects of their teas for contamination, ensuring that you get what you pay for. Tea products made by Organic India are often paired with Tulsi (Holy Basil), an Ayurvedic tea base. If you are a tea drinker, you know a good tea is worth every penny of it.

While the following teas have health claims, it's important to note that those with potential antibacterial or antiviral properties may not target the specific microbe that is causing your illness. Still, they may be worth a try—as long as you do not have contraindications,  untoward side effects, and as long as you are not becoming seriously ill while waiting for the tea to work its “magic.”

Tea for Sore Throat Relief

Acacia Catechu

Traditionally used to soothe throat irritation and inflammation. – No link available at this time

Adhotoda Vasika (Malabar Nut / VASA)

Used in Ayurveda to loosen mucus, ease congestion, and support clearer breathing; often used for sore throat and tonsillitis. 

Order Vasaka powder from Walmart link Banyan Botanicals 

Ashwagandha

May help calm throat irritation; early research suggests potential antimicrobial activity. – Fullscript link (Ashwagandha/Tulsi blend) – Starwest Botanicals

Black Cohosh

Traditionally used for throat discomfort and tonsillitis; may have hormonal effects. – Starwest link

Black Spruce

Used traditionally for congestion, sore throat, and cold/flu symptoms; contains shikimic acid (a Tamiflu precursor). – Links unavailable

Black Tea

Commonly used to soothe sore throats; contains compounds with mild antimicrobial and anti‑inflammatory activity. – Starwest Botanicals

Calendula

Traditionally used to calm throat irritation and support healing. – Starwest Botanicals

Cat’s Claw

Used for inflammation and general immune support; may interact with medications. – Starwest Botanicals – Buddha Teas (Amazon link)

Cayenne

Often used to ease throat discomfort and support sinus clearing. – Starwest Botanicals (powder)

Chamomile

Commonly used to soothe throat irritation and promote relaxation. 

Starwest Botanicals – Fullscript link (Organic India Chamomile, Chamomile Flower Tea, Tulsi With Honey Chamomile) – Traditional Medicinals 

Cinnamon

Traditionally used for throat comfort and warming relief. – Starwest Botanicals

Clove

Used for throat soothing and warming support; often included in chai blends. – Starwest Botanicals (clove powder) – Starwest Botanicals Chai Tea link

Coltsfoot

Traditionally used for sore throat, hoarseness, and tonsillitis; may affect the liver. – Starwest Botanicals

Dandelion Root

Used for throat comfort and general immune support; may cross‑react with ragweed allergies. – Starwest Botanicals – Buddha Teas 

Echinacea

Commonly used at the start of illness to support immune response and throat comfort; may trigger autoimmune flares. – Starwest Botanicals

Elderberry

Traditionally used for throat irritation and seasonal immune support. – Traditional Medicinals Organic Elderberry Immune Tea (Fullscript link) – Buddha Teas (Fullscript link) – Starwest Botanicals (dried elderberries)

Ginger

Widely used to soothe throat irritation and support respiratory comfort. – Buddha Teas (Fullscript link) – Rishi Tea blend – Starwest Botanicals

Green Tea

Rich in catechins that may support throat comfort and general immune health; excellent base for blends. – Starwest Botanicals – Yogi Tea – Rishi Tea

Matcha (Green Tea Powder)

More concentrated than brewed green tea; often used for throat comfort and antioxidant support. – Numi – Rishi – Stash Decaf – Yogi Decaf – Loose‑leaf options recommended to reduce microplastic exposure (Your full Matcha safety section will appear later.)

Horehound

Traditionally used to loosen mucus and support throat comfort. – Starwest Botanicals

Horseradish

Used for sinus clearing and throat warmth. – Link unavailable

Hot Pepper (Cayenne / Capsaicin)

Often used to support sinus clearing and throat warmth. – Starwest Botanicals (cayenne powder)

Hyssop

Traditionally used for throat irritation and mild respiratory discomfort. – Starwest Botanicals

Licorice Root

Commonly used to coat and soothe the throat; may support respiratory comfort. – Starwest Botanicals – Buddha Teas 

Mallow / Marshmallow Root

Helps coat the throat and reduce irritation, especially when coughing. – Starwest Botanicals

Oolong Tea

Used for general throat comfort; considered supportive rather than strongly medicinal. – Starwest Botanicals – Buddha Teas

Plantain

Traditionally used to soothe throat irritation and support mucus clearance. – Starwest Botanicals

Pu‑Erh Tea

Fermented tea used for general wellness; not typically used for respiratory symptoms but may offer supportive benefits. – Rishi Pu‑erh (Amazon link) – Numi Emperor’s Pu‑erh (Amazon link) – Starwest Botanicals

Sage

Commonly used as a gargle or tea for sore throat and tonsillitis. – Buddha Sage Tea (Amazon link) – Starwest Botanicals Whole Leaf Sage

Slippery Elm

Helps coat and soothe the throat; often used for dryness and irritation. – Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Tea – Starwest Botanicals

Thyme

Traditionally used for throat irritation, hoarseness, and cough support. – Buddha Thyme Tea – Starwest Botanicals

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Popular in Ayurvedic medicine for throat comfort, respiratory support, and general wellness. – Starwest Botanicals – Buddha Teas – Pukka Three Tulsi

Turmeric

Used traditionally for throat irritation and warming support. – Starwest Botanicals

White Pine

Traditionally used for hoarseness and throat irritation. – No links available

White Tea

A gentle tea often used for throat comfort; also a good base for blends. – Republic of Tea – Rishi – White Peony (Bai Mudan) – Numi White Rose – Pique Tea

Wild Cherry Bark

Traditionally used for throat irritation, laryngitis, and cough support; may interact with medications. – Starwest Botanicals

Yerba Mansa

Used traditionally for throat irritation; evidence is mostly anecdotal. – No link available

Yerba Santa

Traditionally used for throat comfort and respiratory support. – Starwest Botanicals

Teas for Cold and Flu

Ginger   

Helpful for colds and sore throats. Sometimes used for bronchial comfort. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea Blend, Organic India (Tulsi Blend), Starwest, 

Fullscript (Tulsi/Turmeric/Ginger blend)

Cinnamon   

Traditionally used for colds and flu. Links; David’s Tea, Rishi Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Starwest

Turmeric / Curcumin  

Used for cough and flu support. Links: Organic Way, Starwest Botanicals, Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Fullscript (Tulsi/Turmeric/Ginger)

Garlic Tea   

Traditionally used for colds and flu. Links: Celebration Herbals, Starwest Botanicals garlic herb (loose)

Goldenrod   Traditionally used for cold/flu symptoms. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Marjoram   Traditionally used for cold symptoms. Links: Good Nature Organic Marjoram Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Teas for Congestion, Sinus Pressure, and Stuffy Nose

Peppermint  

 Supports sinus comfort. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Yogi Teas, Harney & Sons, Rishi, Frontier Co‑op, Davidson’s Organics

Rosemary  

 Traditionally used for congestion. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Thyme   

Used for congestion and cough. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Traditional Medicinals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Oregano

Traditionally used for cold symptoms. Links: Buddha Teas, The French Touch Oregano Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Black Spruce  

Traditionally used for congestion and flu symptoms. (No reputable third‑party tested tea links available)

White Pine 

Traditionally used for throat and upper‑respiratory comfort. (No heavy‑metal‑tested teas available)

Teas for Coughs (Dry, Productive or Irritated Airways)

Black Tea

A good base tea to add herbs to. Traditionally used to soothe the throat and support immunity. Links: Starwest

Clove

Possibly helpful for cough and bronchitis; aromatic and warming. Links: Spice Profile (USDA Organic Ground Cloves), Starwest Botanicals

Echinacea

Traditionally used for cough and respiratory discomfort. Links: Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus, Starwest, Buddha Teas Organic Echinacea, Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support

Elecampane

Traditionally used for bronchitis, deep coughs, and chest congestion. Links: Starwest (Amazon), Frontier Co‑op 

Fennel

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and congestion. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Traditional Medicinals 

Ginger

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and mild airway tightness. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea blend, Organic India Tulsi Blend, Starwest, Fullscript (Tulsi/Turmeric/Ginger)

Ginseng (Panax)

Traditionally used to support respiratory symptoms and immunity. Links: ConsumerLabs‑tested CheongKwanJang (Korea Ginseng Corp)

Goldenseal

Traditionally used for upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and congestion. Links: Starwest, Buddha Teas, Oregon’s Wild Harvest

Green Tea

Traditionally used to support immunity and soothe the throat. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, Harney & Sons, Rishi, Tulsi Green Tea: Fullscript

Horehound

Traditionally used as an expectorant and cough suppressant. Links: Starwest (Amazon), Frontier Co‑op 

Horseradish

Traditionally used for cough and congestion. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Buddha Teas

Ivy Leaf

Traditionally used for bronchitis, pneumonia, wet and dry cough, and airway opening. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Lavender

Traditionally used for mild respiratory irritation and relaxation. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Tea, Davidson’s Organics, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, U.S. Wellness Naturals

Lemongrass

Traditionally used for cough and mild respiratory discomfort. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Mallow / Marshmallow Root

Traditionally used to soothe cough, bronchitis, and irritated airways. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Marjoram

Traditionally used for coughs and bronchitis. Links: Good Nature Organic Marjoram Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Mullein

Traditionally used for cough, chest congestion, and upper airway soothing. Links: Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op 

Nettle (Stinging Nettle)

Traditionally used for cough and respiratory irritation. Links: Wild Bliss, Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics 

Oregano

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and respiratory infections. Links: Buddha Teas, The French Touch Oregano Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo)

Traditionally used for bronchitis, sinus infections, and cough. Links: Frontier Co‑op, Starwest Botanicals

Peppermint

Traditionally used to relax bronchial muscles and support easier breathing. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Teas, Harney & Sons, Frontier Co‑op, Fullscript (Organic India Tulsi Peppermint)

Plantain

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and airway irritation. Links: Starwest Botanicals 

Rosemary

Traditionally used to support airway opening and respiratory comfort. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics 

Sage

Traditionally used for chest congestion and throat discomfort. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals (blends), Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Slippery Elm

Traditionally used to soothe cough and throat irritation. Links: Starwest

Thyme

Traditionally used for bronchitis, cough, and airway irritation. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Traditional Medicinals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics 

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and respiratory support. Links: Fullscript (various Tulsi blends), Spice Profile Holy Basil Powder, Buddha Teas, Pukka, Alvita, Davidson’s Organics, Organic India 

Turmeric / Curcumin

Traditionally used for cough and airway inflammation. Links: Fullscript (Tulsi/Turmeric/Ginger), Organic Way, Starwest, Oregon’s Wild Harvest

Wild Cherry Bark

Traditionally used for cough, bronchitis, and throat irritation. Links: Starwest Botanicals 

Yerba Santa

Traditionally used for bronchitis, cough, and airway opening. Links: Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op 

Nasal Congestion/Decongestant Support

Echinacea

May help reduce cold duration or severity, which can indirectly ease congestion. Links: Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus, Starwest, Buddha Teas Organic Echinacea, Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support

Elecampane

Traditionally used as an expectorant to help loosen congestion and support sinus comfort. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Eucalyptus

Traditionally used as one of the strongest herbal decongestants. Helps reduce sinus congestion and support easier breathing. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals

Ginger

Traditionally used to help reduce sinus swelling, thin mucus, and support drainage. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea blend, Organic India Tulsi Blend, Starwest

Goldenseal (contains berberine)

Traditionally used to support boggy, inflamed sinus membranes and may help prevent chronic sinus issues. Links: Starwest, Buddha Teas, Oregon Wild Harvest

Horseradish

Traditionally used as a strong decongestant that helps dissolve mucus and stimulate sinus drainage. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Buddha Teas

Lavender

Traditionally used to soothe swollen nasal membranes and provide mild decongestant support. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Tea, Davidson’s Organics, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, U.S. Wellness Naturals

Licorice Root

Traditionally used to soothe irritated nasal passages and support sinus drainage. Links: Organic Way, Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op 

Mullein

Traditionally used as an expectorant and decongestant for sinus and upper‑airway discomfort. Links: Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op 

Peppermint (menthol)

Traditionally used to help open nasal passages and support sinus drainage. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Yogi Teas, Harney & Sons, Rishi, Frontier Co‑op, Davidson’s Organics

Plantain

Traditionally used to soothe irritated nasal mucosa and support sinus comfort. Links: Starwest Botanicals

Rosemary

Traditionally used as a mild decongestant and expectorant to help clear nasal passages. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Sage

Traditionally used to help reduce nasal inflammation and support sinus drainage. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals (blends), Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Thyme

Traditionally used as an effective herbal decongestant, supporting mucus breakdown and sinus comfort. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Traditional Medicinals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Turmeric / Curcumin

Traditionally used to support decongestion through its inflammation‑modulating properties. Links: Organic Way, Starwest Botanicals, Oregon’s Wild Harvest

Teas for Sinusitis

(Also see Decongestants)

Cinnamon

Traditionally used to help with sinus swelling and mucus buildup due to its warming and aromatic properties. Links: David’s Tea, Rishi Tea, Traditional Medicinals, Starwest

Echinacea

Traditionally used to support immune function and may help reduce cold duration, indirectly easing sinus symptoms. Links: Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus, Starwest, Buddha Teas Organic Echinacea, Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support

Elderberry

Traditionally used to support immunity and sinus comfort. Links: Traditional Medicinals (Echinacea + Elderberry), Organic Elderberry Immune Tea, Buddha Teas, Starwest (dried elderberries)

Eucalyptus

Traditionally used as a strong decongestant to help clear the sinuses and support easier breathing. Links: Traditional Medicinals (slippery elm blend), Buddha Teas, Starwest Botanicals, Yogi Tea “Breathe Deep”

Ginger

Traditionally used to help reduce sinus swelling, thin mucus, and support drainage. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea blend, Organic India Tulsi Blend, Starwest

Ginseng (especially Korean red ginseng)

Traditionally used to support immune function and may help ease sinus symptoms. Links: ConsumerLabs‑tested CheongKwanJang - Korea Ginseng Corp

Goldenseal (contains berberine)

Traditionally used to support sinus health and may help with chronic sinus issues. Links: Starwest, Buddha Teas, Oregon Wild Harvest

Horseradish

Traditionally used to clear mucus and stimulate sinus drainage. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Buddha Teas

Kudzu

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for sinus pressure and inflammation. Links: BulkSupplements.com, Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op

Lavender

Traditionally used to soothe irritated sinus tissues and provide mild sinus comfort. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Tea, Davidson’s Organics, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, U.S. Wellness Naturals

Marjoram

Traditionally used as a mild expectorant and soothing herb for sinus discomfort. Links: Good Nature Organic Marjoram Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Oregano

Traditionally used to support sinus comfort and help with congestion. Links: Buddha Teas, The French Touch Oregano Tea, Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo)

Traditionally used to support sinus health and ease symptoms of sinus infections. Links: Frontier Co‑op (Amazon), Starwest Botanicals

Peppermint

Traditionally used to help open nasal passages and support sinus drainage. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Yogi Teas, Harney & Sons, Rishi, Frontier Co‑op, Davidson’s Organics

Rosemary

Traditionally used to support sinus drainage and reduce sinus pressure. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Sage

Traditionally used to support sinus comfort and ease irritation. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals (blends), Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Thyme

Traditionally used to support sinus drainage and ease sinus discomfort. Links: Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Traditional Medicinals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest, Davidson’s Organics

Teas for Rhinorrhea (Runny Nose) and Allergies

These herbs are traditionally used to help reduce a runny nose either by tightening mucus membranes (astringent effects) or by supporting the body’s natural inflammatory and histamine‑related responses.

Astragalus

Traditionally used to support allergies and hay fever due to its immune‑modulating and inflammation‑soothing properties. Links: Starwest

Cat’s Claw

Traditionally used for allergies and immune modulation; may help reduce nasal irritation. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Celebration Herbals, Buddha Teas

Chamomile

Traditionally used for respiratory irritation, hay fever, and nasal inflammation; gentle antihistamine‑like effects. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Starwest, Food to Live Organics, Allegro Tea, Rishi, Fullscript (Organic India, Traditional Medicinals)

Elderflower

Traditionally used for allergies and hay fever due to its astringent and soothing properties. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Garlic

Traditionally used for colds and respiratory symptoms; may help reduce nasal irritation. Links: Celebration Herbals Garlic Tea (tea bags), Starwest Botanicals garlic herb (loose)

Ginger

Traditionally used to help soothe nasal irritation and support the body’s natural inflammatory response. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea blend, Organic India Tulsi Blend, Starwest

Goldenrod

Traditionally used to help control sinus congestion and reduce excess secretions. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op 

Goldenseal (contains berberine)

Traditionally used for its astringent properties, which may help ease a runny nose. Links: Starwest, Buddha Teas, Oregon Wild Harvest

Lemon Balm

Traditionally used as a mild astringent and soothing herb for nasal irritation and seasonal discomfort. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op, Buddha Teas 

Quercetin (naturally occurring in some teas)

Traditionally used to support the body’s natural histamine response. Note: No pure quercetin teas exist; teas naturally high in quercetin include elderflower.

Rosemary

Traditionally used to support sinus comfort through its soothing and aromatic properties. Links: Celebration Herbals, Buddha Teas, Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op

Sage

Traditionally used as an astringent herb to help tighten and soothe irritated nasal tissues. Links: Buddha Teas, Traditional Medicinals (blends), Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest Botanicals, Davidson’s Organics

Stinging Nettle (Nettle)

Traditionally used as a natural antihistamine to help reduce allergy‑related nasal symptoms. Links: Wild Bliss, Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Celebration Herbals, Frontier Co‑op, Starwest Botanicals, Davidson’s Organics

Yarrow

Traditionally used to help dry excess secretions and soothe irritated nasal tissues. Links: Celebration Herbals, Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op

Yerba Santa

Traditionally used to support nasal comfort and reduce excess secretions. Links: Starwest Botanicals, Frontier Co‑op

Prevention of Respiratory Illness

Chamomile

Traditionally used for inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract (including inhalation), cough, hay fever, earache, and nasal inflammation. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Starwest, Food to Live Organics, Allegro Tea, Rishi, Fullscript (Organic India, Traditional Medicinals)

Chickweed

Traditionally used for asthma and lung congestion; evidence is limited. Links: Frontier Co‑op, Buddha Teas, Starwest Botanicals

Ginseng Tea (especially red ginseng)

Traditionally used for cold and flu support and general immune resiliency. Links: ConsumerLabs‑tested CheongKwanJang (Korea Ginseng Corp)

Coltsfoot

Traditionally used for coughs, bronchial congestion, bronchitis, asthma, flu, and emphysema. Note: Potential for liver toxicity; should be used cautiously and only from reputable sources. Links: Frontier Co‑op, Starwest Botanicals

Echinacea

Traditionally used to support immune function and help prevent respiratory illness; may help reduce the duration of colds. Links: Traditional Medicinals Organic Echinacea Plus, Starwest, Buddha Teas Organic Echinacea, Yogi Tea Echinacea Immune Support

Elderberry / Elderflower Tea

Elderflower is traditionally used for allergies and hay fever due to its astringent and soothing properties. Elderberry is traditionally used to support the immune system and may help shorten flu duration. Links: Starwest, Frontier Co‑op

Ginger

Traditionally used for respiratory comfort, warming support, and soothing irritated airways. Links: Traditional Medicinals, Buddha Teas, Rishi Tea blend, Organic India Tulsi Blend, Starwest

Goldenseal (contains berberine)

Traditionally used to support boggy, inflamed mucus membranes and may help prevent chronic sinus issues. Note: May interact with certain medications. Links: Starwest, Buddha Teas, Oregon Wild Harvest

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Traditionally used for prevention and support of respiratory wellness. Links: Spice Profile USDA Organic Holy Basil Powder, Buddha Teas, Pukka, Alvita, Davidson’s Organics, Fullscript (Organic India)

SEE ORDERING INFORMATION - STARWEST TEAS - ONE OF THE BETTER TEAS

*Please Note: Starwest and Organic India are two of the preferred tea companies because they do stringent third-party testing to check for quality and contamination. Fullscript, which represents Organic India, among others, has granted this site affiliation status. That is, if you order a product through this site, they will contribute a nominal sum of money to Web Guide to Healthcare, which we use solely to support the site. We will only support the best products for you.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.