Winter colds and congestion making it hard to breathe comfortably? Five herbal teas—including peppermint, ginger, and eucalyptus—may help support your respiratory system during cold season. These warming brews can soothe irritated airways, support clearer breathing, and provide comfort when you need it most. Best of all, they’re simple to prepare at home using natural ingredients, with most teas steeping in just 5-10 minutes. Here are the herbal teas that can make a real difference this winter.

Eucalyptus Tea: Natural Support for Clear Airways

Try Eucalyptus Tea to Support Clear Breathing

Eucalyptus tea may help loosen mucus and open airways within 30-60 minutes of drinking. This herbal remedy can provide natural respiratory comfort when you need it most.

The tea delivers eucalyptol, a compound that can help thin mucus and relax airway passages. Steam from the hot tea also works to soothe irritated respiratory tissues as you sip.

How to make and use it:

• Steep 2-3 grams of dried eucalyptus leaves in 150ml (about 2/3 cup) boiling water
• Cover and let sit for 10 minutes to release the beneficial compounds
• Strain out the leaves and breathe in the steam while it’s still hot
• Drink the tea slowly while warm, three times daily
• Inhale the vapors deeply between sips for added benefit

Store dried eucalyptus leaves in an airtight container away from light to maintain their potency for several months.

For complementary nighttime relief, you can also apply a eucalyptus-coconut oil blend to your chest 20-30 minutes before bedtime to support clearer breathing while you sleep.

Ginger Root Infusion: Warming Relief for Winter Breathing

Try Ginger Root Tea to Ease Winter Congestion

Fresh ginger tea may help open airways and reduce chest congestion within 20-30 minutes of drinking. This warming remedy can provide soothing relief when you’re feeling stuffy or dealing with winter breathing discomfort.

Ginger contains natural compounds that might help relax airway passages and reduce inflammation in your respiratory system. It works alongside the body’s natural clearing process to ease breathing.

How to make it:
• Steep 1-3 grams fresh ginger root in hot water (not quite boiling) for 10-15 minutes
• Strain and add 1 teaspoon honey if desired for extra throat-soothing benefits
• Sip slowly while still warm
• Drink 2-3 cups daily during congestion

Tip: Combine with eucalyptus steam for enhanced breathing support, or add lemon for extra vitamin C. For topical relief, you can also apply a ginger-eucalyptus infusion compress to your chest area to complement the internal benefits of drinking ginger tea.

Peppermint Leaf Tea: Soothing Comfort for Respiratory Passages

Try Peppermint Tea to Help Clear Nasal Passages****

Peppermint tea may help your nasal passages feel more open and comfortable. The menthol vapors can create a cooling sensation that might ease breathing discomfort within 10-15 minutes of sipping.

Menthol activates specific receptors in your nose that trigger a cool, soothing feeling. This natural response can help your airways feel less congested, even when stuffiness persists.

How to prepare it:
• Steep 1.5 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of hot water
• Cover and let sit for 10 minutes to release the menthol
• Inhale the steam before drinking for added benefit
• Sip slowly while the tea is still warm
• Drink 2-3 cups throughout the day as needed

Store dried peppermint in an airtight container to preserve its natural oils and menthol potency.

For enhanced respiratory support, you can combine peppermint with a chamomile-peppermint combination steam therapy session after drinking your tea.

Licorice Root Blend: Traditional Remedy for Lung Support

Know the Safety Guidelines Before Using Licorice Root

Licorice root tea may help soothe respiratory discomfort, but it’s not suitable for everyone and requires careful use to stay safe.

Why caution matters: Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that can affect your body’s mineral balance when used in large amounts or for extended periods.

Follow these safety steps:
• Skip licorice root if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure
• Avoid use if you’re taking corticosteroid medications
• Limit intake to 2-3 cups daily maximum
• Don’t use continuously for more than two weeks
• Take a break of at least one week between uses

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedy, especially if you take prescription medications.

Consider combining licorice root with other herbs winter wellness support like ginger or echinacea for a more comprehensive approach to respiratory health during the cold season.

Thyme Herbal Brew: Powerful Botanical for Respiratory Wellness

Brew Thyme Tea to Support Respiratory Comfort

Thyme tea may help loosen mucus and support clearer breathing when you’re dealing with chest congestion. Many people notice easier expectoration within 30-60 minutes of drinking a warm cup.

Thyme contains natural compounds called volatile oils that can help relax bronchial passages and thin mucus, making it easier for your body to clear your airways naturally.

How to prepare your thyme brew:
• Add 1-2 grams of dried thyme to 150ml of hot water
• Cover and steep for 10 minutes to release the beneficial oils
• Strain and sip while warm
• Drink three cups daily between meals for consistent support
• Continue for 2-3 days or as needed

The tea works best when consumed warm rather than cold, as the steam adds extra respiratory comfort.