In this guide we are going to make an herbal tea to help cure us from a respiratory infection. By respiratory infection I mean symptoms of congestion, liquid in the lungs, and painful coughing. We will take a look at why and how we are using each herb, as well as which parts of the plant to use and some harvesting tips. We'll also go over quantities to use and the method of preparation.

This recipe uses all roots or barks as ingredients, except for the cayenne pepper. Usually when making and herbal tea out of roots it is recommended to make a decoction to bring out the constituents of the tough material. But when working with Goldenseal root specifically it is recommended to infuse the root. So we will be making an decoction/infusion blend.

Decoctions are teas made by boiling water, adding herbs either when the water begins to boil or when the initial heat is applied, covering with a lid as soon as the herbs are added, and then simmering on low heat for 15-20 minutes. You can then serve or let sit for even longer.

Infusions are teas made by the same initial process except they are removed from heat as soon as the water is boiling and let to sit for 10-20 minutes or longer. Longer sitting equals stronger tea.

Let's get to it!

Inula helenium:

Overview: Elecampane is considered one of the best herbs for coughs, bronchitis, and chronic lung ailments. It's main action is an expectorant, to expel mucus and excess fluid, but it also has soothing and healing effects on the lungs.(Gladstar, 2000)

Actions: expectorant, astringent, tonic, stimulant

Parts used: roots

Harvesting: Elecampane is quite easy to grow in the garden. Harvest the roots in fall when the plant has stopped growing. Clean and cut into small pieces before drying.

Asclepias tuberosa:

Overview: Butterfly weed, or pleurisy root, combines a 1-2 punch with Elecampane to remove excess mucus/moisture from the lungs, as well as reduce inflammation. It is traditionally very effective against, bronchitis, pleurisy, and pneumonia.

Actions: expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic

Parts used: roots

Harvesting: Butterfly weed is also easy to grow but may take 2-3 years to flower. I would also recommend growing it, as it is beneficial to Monarch butterflies as well as many other insects. It can be harvested in the spring or fall and cleaned and cut into small pieces for drying.

Hydrastis canadensis:

Overview: Goldenseal is one of our most useful herbs due to it's powerful tonic abilities. In this case it is used to help dry and cleanse the mucus membranes.(Hoffman, 1988)

Actions: alterative, tonic, anti-inflammatory, astringent

Parts used: roots

Harvesting: Goldenseal is threatened in the wild from over-harvesting so it should not be harvested from wild sources. It should also only be bought from certified organic cultivators. But, you can grow it yourself and we recommend you do so. You can also do your own research into how you can help grow wild populations. Goldenseal is a slow growing, long living plant and should only be harvested after the plant is at least 3 years old. Harvest in the fall and carefully clean and cut the root into small pieces before drying.

Caution: don't use while pregnant

Symphytum officinale:

Overview: Comfrey is effective in healing and soothing almost all wounds, internally and externally. It has one of the highest content of mucilage of any herb, and in this case is great for soothing the lungs and throat.(Tierra, 1998)

Actions: demulcent, expectorant, astringent

Parts used: roots, leaves

Harvesting: Comfrey is also quite easy to grow and is very persistent. Harvest the roots in fall when the plant has stopped growing. Clean and cut into small pieces before drying.

Caution: don't use while pregnant

Quercus alba:

Overview: White oak is going to aid our other astringent herbs and really help to dry and tone our mucus membranes.

Actions: astringent, antiseptic

Parts used: bark

Harvesting: The easiest way to harvest white oak is by taking a few small twigs and removing the bark. Otherwise make sure you only take bark from smaller branches and never remove the bark all the way around the branch as it will kill the branch. Bark can be harvested in the spring or fall.

Capsicum annuum:

Overview: Cayenne is great when you really need to get things moving; sweat, blood, mucus, whatever it is. In this case it is going to help clear sinuses and dislodge sticky coughs(and maybe make you sweat).

Actions: stimulant, tonic

Parts used: fruit

Harvesting: Cayenne peppers are very easy to grow yourself and provide a lot of peppers. Harvest the ripe peppers in the fall and then dry for storage or later processing.

References

Gladstar, R. (2000). The science and art of herbalism: A home-study course. Sage Mountain.

Tierra, M. (1998). The way of herbs: Fully updated--with the latest developments in herbal science. Pocket Books.

Hoffman, D. (1988). The holistic herbal. Element Books.