Congestion can be painful and distracting. From the intense sinus pressure, the pain behind your eyes, the drainage down your throat, the uncomfortable stuffy nose, and the nausea from congestion, alleviating any of these symptoms can make it easier to make it through the day. In this guide, we ranked and reviewed the best teas for congestion.
If you want to get some for yourself, we have a collection of the best teas for congestion right here in tea bags, loose leaf, or iced tea pouches.
What is the Best Tea for Congestion?
1. Yaupon Tea
Yaupon is the only naturally caffeinated plant native to North America. It has unique properties that traditional teas lack. One of these benefits is rutin, which is also found in apples and lemons. It’s an anti-inflammatory and Yaupon even has 4 times the amount of rutin as found in its popular cousin plant, guayusa. This compound can help serve as a natural remedy for congestion.
Benefits:
- Enhance blood circulation in your throat with the help of rutin which can help strengthen and improve flexibility of blood vessels, and help soothe a sore throat.
- Decreased chronic inflammation via chlorogenic acid (CGA) that has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing painful nasal swelling.
- A boost for your immune system from antioxidant activity that removes free radicals in your body.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts of yaupon are consumed all at once.
Try our CatSpring Yaupon tea to alleviate congestion. It’s organic, non-gmo, kosher, sustainably grown, and naturally caffeinated.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea has a signature minty flavor due to its easy brewing using mint leaves. This menthol based flavor can help clear out sinuses and make it easier to breathe while also freshening your breath instantly. There is also research that suggests it can also kill germs that cause dental plaque, helping protect your teeth. A refreshing glass that has a cooling effect, this is a yummy option for those looking to alleviate congestion.
Benefits:
- Ease headaches as peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant while the menthol increases blood flow that creates a cooling sensation.
- Decrease nasal congestion in large part due to the vapors that increase the perception of airflow, easing congestion pain and discomfort.
- Settle your stomach by relaxing the muscles of your intestinal walls.
Side Effects:
- Can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the muscles around the stomach sphincter.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years and is still great at helping relieve nasal congestion. A slightly spicy drink, it helps relax nasal muscles and soothe inflammation. Some studies have shown that it can also reduce the severity and duration of a cold. As a rule of thumb, one cup of ginger tea contains about 250 milligrams of ginger so aim to drink two to four cups of this tea to alleviate symptoms of allergies.
Benefits:
- Reduce inflammation naturally because it contains antioxidative, anti-inflammatory phytochemical compounds such as gingerol.
- Ease nausea or upset stomach thanks to gingerol that has been shown to calm an upset stomach.
- Made using fresh ginger root which packs a punch when it comes to healing symptoms of allergies.
Side Effects:
- Makes heartburn worse because it relaxes the muscle that prevents stomach bile from entering the esophagus.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is primarily brewed from one of two daisy-like species of flower and commonly known for its stress-relieving properties. It’s long been believed to have health benefits though many are still under research. One benefit is supporting a healthy heart through the compound flavones which has the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Benefits:
- Increase calmness and relaxation due to the powerhouse compound apigenin that can also relieve nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
- Boost your immune system with antioxidants that protect healthy cells from damaging free radicals.
- Hydrate your throat with its light, earthy, and floral brew that gently goes down your throat.
Side Effects
- Potential drowsiness that may worsen fatigue.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is made from the traditional tea plant Camellia sinensis and has not undergone oxidation like black teas. It has a multitude of health benefits and, similar to Yaupon, it has natural caffeine in it. Each cup is full of antioxidants which can provide sinus relief and soothe inflammation.
Benefits:
- Protect your cells with the polyphenols and catechins from green tea that reduce free radicals that damage your cells.
- Ease inflammation by inhaling the aroma and loosening nasal congestion for easier breathing.
- Stay hydrated by enjoying multiple delicious cups throughout the day.
Side Effects:
- May cause sleeplessness due to caffeine if large amounts are consumed all at once.
6. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has long been used in India in various dishes and is known quite well for its distinctive yellow color caused by curcumin. Ongoing research is determining the effects of curcumin in turmeric tea but it may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Beyond helping heal some of the physical elements of a hangover, turmeric has a soothing effect on nerves which can relieve stress and anxiety. Cucumin has been found to ease inflammation and help reduce the effects of congestion. Peppery with a taste of ginger, this tea is tasty and helpful.
Benefits:
- With its anti-inflammatory properties Tumeric can relieve inflamed tissues throughout the body including in your nasal passages.
- Stimulate blood flow which helps to flush out toxins and irritants.
- No caffeine makes this a great bedtime option.
Side Effects:
- When consumed in high doses turmeric tea can hurt some people’s stomachs.
7. Licorice Tea
Licorice root has a long history of usage across Asia and Europe, even dating back to the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Made from the root of the licorice plant, it has been used to treat an upset stomach, treat respiratory problems, and decrease inflammation. Contemporarily, licorice has been used to help tame congestion symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits:
- Soothe your throat as licorice root can increase production of new mucous that helps remove congested mucous and provide a throat coat.
- Boosts your immune system with its antimicrobial properties.
- Hydrate your throat by washing away any debris in your throat and clearing your vocal cords.
Side Effects:
- This tea can elevate your blood pressure so be sure to drink it in moderation.
The Bottom Line
Owing to their amazing healthy-boosting properties, these are some of the best teas for congestion. They can help soothe symptoms of nausea, pain, pressure, and runny nose that can come from sinus infections.
If you want to get our best tasting tea for congestion, check out our organic, naturally caffeinated CatSpring Yaupon tea here.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and shouldn’t be taken as medical advice. If you have serious health-related issues you should reach out to a medical professional. While we have studied the scientific research available, this is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
