For cold, flu, or that respiratory infection that just won’t quit, this herbal tea offers throat-soothing, congestion-clearing goodness.
Photo © Charity Burggraaf, excerpted from Healing Herbal Teas
I created Deep Wellness tea for those with cold symptoms that seem to linger. When I feel damp and experience the remnants of a cold, I love to drink this tea. I almost instantly feel a harmonizing effect in my lungs and sinuses.
Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat respiratory illnesses associated with colds, flus, and infections. It imparts a nice fruity flavor, which can be refreshing during the winter months when this tea will be indispensable. Elecampane — with actions that are expectorant, antifungal, antitussive, and warming — is able to clear congestion in the lungs and lower throat and is used to treat bronchitis and asthma. Eucalyptus is the main ingredient in many herbal chest rubs for kids and adults with deep chest colds. In tea form, it has a nice menthol character that helps clear mucus blockages. Its uplifting aroma also helps brighten the mood. Yerba santa is native to the mountains of the southern Cascades and Sierras and is typically used for respiratory health. I adore its rich, aromatic resins.
For supporting herbs, I included licorice for its sweet flavor and to soothe sore throats, and lemonbalm for its antiviral properties and nervous-system support. Spearmint is more for flavor and aromatics to help clear sinus congestion and remove excess heat if there is any. Slightly sweet, slippery elm is great for soothing inflamed tissues in the mouth and throat, especially if you have a cough.
Deep Wellness Tea
Taste: Sweet and moistening with strong menthol aromatics and hints of berries and citrus
Herbal actions: Immune supportive, decongestant, demulcent
Systems affected: Immune, respiratory
Ingredients
- 1 part elderberry
- 1 part elecampane root
- 1 part echinacea
- 1 part eucalyptus
- 1 part spearmint
- 1 part lemonbalm
- 0.5 part licorice root
- 0.5 part yerba santa
- 0.5 part slippery elm or marshmallow root
Directions
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Pour 1.5 cups hot water over 1 tablespoon tea.
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Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Text and recipe excerpted from Healing Herbal Teas © 2016 by Sarah Farr. All rights reserved.
