Clear Breath | Warming Respiratory Support Herbal Tea

When congestion settles deep and a cough won't quit, reach for something that actually works. Clear Breath is a warming, medicinal blend of six time-honored botanicals traditionally used to loosen mucus, support clear airways, and help the body recover from respiratory illness.

This is your go-to when you need real, deep respiratory support — at the first sign of congestion, during a stubborn cough, or any time your lungs need a little extra help. Bold, warming, and genuinely effective. Brew a strong cup and let these powerful botanicals do their work.

The Blend

• Elecampane Root (Inula helenium) — The cornerstone of this formula. A warming expectorant and lung tonic with a long history of use in traditional Western herbalism for chronic coughs, deep respiratory congestion, and lung recovery. One of the most respected respiratory herbs available.
• Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus) — The premier lung herb of Western herbalism. Traditionally used to soothe and support respiratory passages, ease irritated airways, and support the body's natural ability to clear mucus from the lungs.
• Thyme Leaf (Thymus vulgaris) — Aromatic and warming; traditionally valued for its protective properties and support of spasmodic coughs. One of the most used respiratory herbs in European folk medicine.
• Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) — Warming and invigorating; traditionally used to support circulation, ease congestion, and enhance the action of the other herbs in this blend. Adds a pleasant warming heat to the cup.
• Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) — Naturally sweet and deeply soothing; traditionally used to coat and calm irritated airways, ease dry or spasmodic coughs, and balance the stronger, more medicinal herbs in this formula.
• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) — Cooling and aromatic; traditionally used to open airways, ease spasmodic coughs, and brighten the flavor of medicinal blends. The menthol lift that makes every sip feel like a breath of fresh air.

Flavor Profile

Earthy and warming with a bright menthol lift from peppermint and natural sweetness from licorice root. Bold and medicinal — this tea means business. Honey makes it even better.

How to Brew

Recommended — Decoction Method: Add 1–2 tsp to 8 oz cold water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and steep covered for an additional 5 minutes. Strain well. This method fully extracts the roots (Elecampane, Ginger, Licorice) for maximum respiratory support.

Quick Steep (convenient, not optimal): Steep 1–2 tsp in 8 oz just-boiled water, covered, for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Sweeten with raw honey if desired — it adds its own soothing properties and pairs beautifully with this blend. Drink 2–3 cups daily during times of respiratory need. Yield: ~10–12 cups per ounce. Caffeine-free. Small-batch blended by Bald Hill Botanicals & Apothecary.

Size Guide

• Trial Size — approximately 4–6 cups | perfect for trying the blend or a short acute illness
• 1 oz — approximately 10–12 cups | about 4–5 days of active use at 2–3 cups daily
• 2 oz — approximately 20–24 cups | great for keeping on hand through cold and flu season
• 4 oz — approximately 40–48 cups | ideal for families or stocking the medicine cabinet
• 8 oz — approximately 80–96 cups | best enjoyed within 12–18 months of purchase for peak potency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best herbal tea for congestion and respiratory support?
Warming expectorant herbs — those that help loosen and move mucus while supporting the body's natural respiratory defenses — are the traditional first choice for congestion and respiratory illness. Clear Breath combines elecampane and mullein as its core lung-support duo, with thyme for protective support, ginger for warming circulation, licorice for soothing irritated airways, and peppermint to open and brighten.

What does mullein do for the lungs?
Mullein leaf (Verbascum thapsus) is the premier lung herb of Western herbalism. It is traditionally used to soothe irritated respiratory passages, support the body's natural ability to clear mucus, and ease dry or spasmodic coughs. It is one of the most widely used respiratory herbs in traditional medicine worldwide.

Can I drink this tea every day?
Clear Breath is best used during times of respiratory need — when you're dealing with congestion, a cough, or recovering from respiratory illness. It's not formulated for long-term daily use the way a nutritive or adaptogenic blend would be. Think of it as your medicine cabinet tea: reach for it when you need it, and it will be there.

Why the decoction method?
Elecampane, ginger, and licorice are roots — their active compounds extract best with gentle heat over time, not just a quick steep. The decoction method (15–20 minutes simmer + 5 minutes covered steep) pulls significantly more from these roots than a standard hot steep. It's worth the extra few minutes when you're not feeling well.

Can herbal tea help with a cough?
Traditional herbalism has long used warming, expectorant, and soothing herbs to support the body during coughs and respiratory illness. Thyme and elecampane are particularly valued for spasmodic coughs; mullein and licorice for dry, irritated airways; peppermint for opening and easing. Clear Breath combines all of these in a single, well-balanced formula.

Is this safe during a cold or flu?
Yes — Clear Breath is formulated specifically for use during respiratory illness. The herbs in this blend are traditional cold-and-flu botanicals with long histories of safe use. However, please review the cautions below and consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any prescription medications.

Cautions

Not recommended during pregnancy (thyme and licorice in medicinal amounts). Licorice Root not recommended for those with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or those on diuretics or corticosteroids. As with all herbal products, consult your qualified healthcare provider before use, especially if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications or have any existing health condition. Keep out of reach of children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.