Top 3 Herbs for Winter Congestion

I have a hard time thinking of things that are worse than not being able to breathe through your nose. Every time I can’t breathe through my nostrils I think about how I took for granted being able to actually breathe! Whether it be stuffy/runny noses or some form of sinus congestion it never

Mullein

I preach this herb up and down, it's one of the most widely use herbs in my house. Any cough, runny nose, or sinus congestion it's my absolute favorite to use. It has a diverse use and you can feel the effects of it many ways. Its many benefits are fantastic for the respiratory system and coughs that are dry and deep. It also helps sore throats, chronic bronchitis, sinus and nasal congestion, whooping cough, and earaches. This herb can be used as a tincture, tea, or an inhalant.

Tincture:

4 oz jar
2tbs dried or fresh mullein leaves
organic vodka or rum (80 proof)
place herbs in the jar, pour alcohol over the top, seal with fitted lid, and let it sit in a cool dark place for 6-8 weeks shaking often. Once the 6-8 weeks are done, strain off herbs and pour liquid into tincture bottle. take 2-3 drops under the tongue as needed for colds.

Tea:

Pour 1 cup of water of 1-2 heaping teaspoon of dried mullein leaves or flowers. Steep for 10-15 minutes. I put honey and a cinnamon stick in my tea and it makes a lovely fall drink.

Inhalant

This tends to be sooo helpful when congestion comes into play.

Take a handful of chopped mullein leaves and about 6-8 cups of water, place in a pan, bringing water to a boil. Remove from heat, and place at towel over your head making a tent over the bowl, inhale the steam that the mullein and water puts off. This helps immensely with coughs congestion and asthma.

Cayenne Pepper

Yes, you’re reading that right, the very peppers you may have grown in your garden this year might just be your saving grace from congestion, and fighting off flus. This herb is widely know as a “cure all” in the herbal medicine world! With benefits such as strengthening cardiovascular system, stimulating circulation for the whole body, lowering cholesterol, helping asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and expelling mucus. Cayenne contains capsaicin which is a natural remedy for congestion. Don’t overlook this common house hold culinary herb. Here’s a great cayenne pepper tea.

1-2 oranges juiced
1/2 cayenne pepper powder or if you have cayenne peppers that are fresh, mince them
2.5 teaspoons honey.
1 cup hot water

Mix together. Take a cup of hot water, and mix in 2 tsp of your tea concoction, storing the rest in the fridge, drink 2-3 times a day. You can also take straight spoonfuls of this herbal remedy as needed.

Thyme

Another popular culinary herb that is in most kitchens, thyme! This herb is beyond helpful for respiration. Benefits with whooping cough, constant coughing and throat clearing, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat, tonsillitis, shivering, nasal drip, asthma. It even helps with digestion, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea, enhances immunity, aching joints, and so much more!

To use for a cold you can do many things, you can make thyme into a tincture, tea, or even create a thyme cough syrup.

Thyme tea:

2 Cups of water
a bundle of fresh thyme (about 6 sprigs)
1/2 cup of raw honey (local is always best as it helps you fight local allergens!)

Bring thyme and water to a boil. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, strain off liquid into a jar. Pour honey into mixture and stir. Take 1-2 teaspoons every 3 hours.

This tastes amazing and my kiddos love it. This concoction will last about 3-4 weeks in the fridge. if you make a bigger batch and need it to last longer, you could add 1/4 cup alcohol (vodka or rum) per 3 cups of water. This will prolong the shelf life from 3-4 weeks to 6-8 weeks!