A Covid recovery herbal tea recipe to strengthen the lungs and support heart function to help heal from the damage covid infection can cause. Get your FREE printable recipe card below.
In February of 2023 our family got hit with Covid for the first time. We got through the active infection without any issues and most of our family was back to normal within a week. However, two of us developed pneumonia and I had a severe inflammatory response that landed me in the ER on three seperate occasions.
We did the antibiotics and steroids that were prescribed and it helped tremendously, but, we were both left with lung and chest pain, and air hunger. I also had palpitations and a soaring heart rate when I stood up or did anything. After all of the testing to make sure there wasn’t anything serious going on, I turned to my apothecary for healing.
The Ingredients
I wanted herbs that were going to be safe to take long term and would support the systems I was struggling with. When you’re struggling with any illness, it’s also important to support the adrenal glands, especially when you’re on any form of steroid. For that reason, I knew an adaptogen herb would be the base of this tea blend.
From there I focused on my symptoms. Respiratory herbs that would thin and clear the congestion, and soothe the inflammation in my lungs were my top concern. Then I had to address the heart issues, so I looked at heart tonic herbs.
With all those considerations, this is what I landed on:
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Tulsi “Holy Basil” or Ocimum sanctum, is an adaptogen and a tonic. It helps protect the heart, mind and body from stress. It also reduces excessive immune responses in conditions where histamine reactions are a concern. Tulsi is an excellent choice for respiratory support as well because of its expectorant and decongestant properties.
It’s properties are adaptogen, antibacterial, antiviral, carminative, decongestant, digestive stimulant, expectorant, hypotensive, immune modulator
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein, Verbascum thapsus, leaves are famously known for respiratory ailments. The mucilant and expectorant properties provide a soothing effect and loosens mucus. It has long been used for chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. Learn more about mullein’s roots and flowers HERE.
It’s properties are: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, astringent, demulcent, expectorant, tonic, vulnerary
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)
Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis, is a mucilaginous herb that is exactly what we need in this blend. It soothes all mucous membranes in the body. In the case of respiratory conditions, it will help calm inflamed tissues, easing coughs and congestion. It also is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are beneficial to healing.
It’s properties: demulcent, diuretic, emollient, galactagogue, nutritive, vulerary
Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis, is the go-to herb for respiratory illness. This is the herb that helps the most with the air hunger we were experiencing. It thins and clears that super thick mucus covid is famous for, and helps the lungs ability to take full deep breaths.
**Use Hyssop with caution. Its essential oil is toxic. Do not use it for extended periods of time and avoid it during pregnancy.
It’s properties: antiseptic, antiviral, carminative, decongestant, emmenagogue, expectorant
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle, Urtica dioica, is a nutrient dense herb. The magnesium in it helps to calm the smooth muscle in your lungs and regulate the electrical function in your heart. It’s also a strong blood builder, further assisting the heart and lungs. Because of this property, it’s also a great remedy for weakness and fatigue. Nettle also has several properties that can support people suffering with long covid symptoms.
It’s properties: alternative, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, diuretic, kidney tonic, mast cell stabilizer, tonic
Hawthorn Berry (Cratageus oxyacantha)
Hawthorn Berry, Crataegus oxyacantha, improves heart muscle tone. Multiple studies have been published showing the benefits of hawthorn. Specifically it helps with circulation, energizing cardiac cells, improves cardiac oxygenation, and dilates the blood vessels in the extremities that, in turn, reduces the heart’s work load. It’s specifically used for those struggling with palpitations, irregular pulse, tachycardia, and shortness of breath (dyspnea) secondary to cardiac reasons. A real powerhouse herb for the heart. Not to mention, it’s delicious.
It’s properties: anti-arrhythmic, antiseptic, cardiac, hypertensive, and hypotensive
How To Prepare Your Tea
To make an herbal infusion put 1 tsp of herb into a cup and add hot water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and drink. For best results be sure to consume this infusion while it’s as warm as you can safely drink. Mullein and hyssop infusions give the most benefits when you consume them as warm as possible. While you still have symptoms, consume the infusion up to 3 times a day.
Please remember, this recipe was made based on my symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory congestion, flaring of underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, and palpitations could benefit from this recipe. However, just like any other herbal protocol, be sure to check with your doctor before starting.
To see the full video on how to make the covid recovery herbal tea recipe, click HERE.
Respiratory Recovery Tea
Ingredients
- 1 part Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- 1 part Mullein
- 1 part Stinging Nettle
- 1 part Marshmallow leaf and flower
- 1/2 part Hyssop
- 1/2 part Hawthorn Berry
Instructions
- Gather dry herbs
- Measure out each herb and add them to a large bowl
- Blend the herbs together well
- Store in a glass jar with an air tight lid
- Store it in a cool dark place
- Step 1 TBS of tea blend into 8 ounces of boiled water
- Steep for 15 minutes
- Stain and enjoy!
