DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir
The lungs are one of the hardest-working organs in the body, and in today’s world, they work overtime. Respiratory distress is a common ailment between illnesses and pollutants in the air. Whether seasonal allergies have gotten you down, you’re recovering from a cold, or you just want to give your lungs a little TLC, we’ve got you covered. This DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir features numerous carefully selected herbs to boost lung health and leave you feeling great. Plus, the ingredients can be found easily in your local neighborhood, apothecary, or favorite online store.
This elixir proves that herbal remedies can be simple yet mighty. Each ingredient works in tandem to clear mucus, soothe irritation, and boost your overall wellness. The warm spices blend beautifully with sweet honey, creating a tasty drink that soothes the sinuses, lungs, and soul.
If you can brew a cup of loose-leaf tea, you can make this delicious elixir! We guarantee you’ll turn to this cozy remedy time and time again.
Are you curious yet? Let’s dive into how you can make a lung-clearing natural solution with nature’s greatest gifts – herbs.
The Hidden Dangers of Lung Congestion
It starts small: a cough one day, a runny nose the next. But, suddenly, you find breathing hard and have a rattle in your lungs. Lung congestion can strike as fast as lightning, but many don’t take it seriously until they’re close to hospitalization.
One invaluable lesson I learned from my grandmother, and one we should all remember, is how our ancestors thrived with nothing more than their deep knowledge of plants.
It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day, especially during the cold season. That’s why I rely on her time-tested secret: Elderberry Tincture. Not only is the taste delightful, but I can truly feel its strength working within me.
On the rare occasions I’ve skipped it, I’ve noticed a difference… I feel more sluggish and less resilient. It’s become an essential part of staying strong and thriving, no matter how harsh the season gets.
You can take steps to improve your lung health, but first, let’s discuss why your lungs may be suffering.
Lung congestion occurs when the lungs become blocked or filled with mucus. The most common reason for lung congestion is respiratory viruses, which can irritate the lining of the lungs, causing mucus buildup.
Other times, chronic illnesses like asthma can cause the airways to swell with inflammation, affecting the entire respiratory system.
Some people are born with sensitive lungs, and a battle with allergies can leave them literally gasping for breath. This happens when pollen, black mold, or grass allergies cause the body to release an overload of histamine, which makes the airway swell and secrete mucus.
Second-hand smoke is also a large offender that can actually lead to permanent lung damage. Determining the root cause of lung congestion is important, as you can change some of these environmental factors.
The Many Benefits of Our DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir
Whether you’re struggling with a chronic illness or a seasonal “bug,” this DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir will be a literal breath of fresh air. Here’s how each ingredient plays a crucial role in supporting your respiratory health.
Mullein: This perennial herb originated in Africa and Asia but is now found throughout Europe and the U.S. It features pale yellow flowers and is unassumingly found in many ditches and walking trails.
However, experienced herbalists keep a ready stock in their yards and home pantries. Mullein is one of nature’s best expectorants and can soothe inflammation while loosening mucus. It’s most often steeped as a tea and paired with honey, which can minimize its slight bitterness.
Mullein is an ancient plant that can also be used in a herbal smoking blend. Click here to see what I’m talking about.
Thyme: This savory herb is antimicrobial, which can prevent bacteria and viruses’ growth, giving you present and future success. It’s also anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Thyme is often combined with ivy leaves to make a unique cough syrup.
Like mullein, thyme is a natural expectorant that breaks up mucus just as well as over-the-counter medications.
Ginger Root: This warm spice is good for more than just baked goods. It’s considered a “hot” herb, which increases the body’s core temperature.
This improves circulation and helps your lungs work more effectively. We recommend ginger root for this recipe, which gives you the most concentrated solution.
Honey and Warm Water: Hot water helps extract the herb’s compounds. Be sure to have the water hot but not boiling to preserve the herb’s benefits. Warm water can also soothe the throat and help open the airways.
Speaking of steam, have you ever tried a herbal steam inhalation? It’s an incredibly effective remedy for clearing congestion and calming irritated lungs.
When I think of herbal steams, my mind goes straight to meaning Yerba Santa. It means “holy herb” in Spanish, and is a medicinal plant native to the western United States. It’s well-known for its lung-supporting properties and has been traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and herbalists to treat respiratory issues.
A secret I’ve discovered is adding a few drops of Yerba Santa Tincture to the hot water. The steam carries the therapeutic properties directly to your lungs and sinuses, delivering relief in ways no other remedy can. It’s a ritual I can’t skip during the cold season—simple, soothing, and undeniably effective.
We included honey in this DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir to sweeten the deal and fight infections. Honey’s thick texture can also coat the throat, providing much relief after a season of coughing.
How to Make a DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir
This remedy comes together within minutes, giving you the fast relief you crave. If desired, you can increase the quantities of the herbs and make a homemade tea mixture. If you choose to do so, be sure to store your herbal tea mix in an airtight container.
Without further ado, here’s how to make a simple DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir to clear the lungs and boost respiratory health.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
- 1 teaspoon dried mullein
- Bronchial Herbal Blend (40 drops/cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried ginger root
- 1 teaspoon raw local honey OR Manuka honey
Instructions:
Step One: Pour the water into a large mug or jar. Add the mullein, thyme, and ginger root to a tea strainer and steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea strainer. 
Step Two: Stir in the honey and tincture drops and enjoy. 
How to Use Our DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir
You can drink this elixir 1-3 times daily, depending on your symptoms. If you’re simply supporting your lung health, try consuming this remedy once a day. For severe congestion, sip on it every few hours while awake.
You may find that drinking this DIY Lung-Cleansing Elixir sets you up for a day of success. However, if your congestion is due to a virus, you’ll find relief by sipping it at nighttime, when symptoms ramp up. We recommend drinking this elixir for up to a week at a time, then taking a break. This will help your body process the ingredients and ensure you don’t grow immune to its efficiency.
Here’s how you can naturally and chemical-free disinfect the surfaces in your home.
This remedy is ideal for those over the age of 12. If under 12, be sure to consult with your care provider before administering. Due to the usage of honey, this elixir shouldn’t be consumed by any child under the age of 1. As always, if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor before drinking.
When it comes to staying healthy during the cold season, there’s no room for half-measures. A simple cold can spiral into lingering issues like bronchitis, stubborn lung infections, or even chronic respiratory problems if not handled early. That’s why Nicole Apelian has put together the Winter Defense Bundle—a complete arsenal for your winter wellness.
This bundle contains everything recommended above, an antibacterial spray for instant relief and purity, four targeted tinctures (including the beloved Elderberry and Yerba Santa), and a powerful salve to soothe and protect your skin from damage.
It’s your all-in-one solution to tackle the season’s toughest challenges, from boosting your immunity to clearing congestion and supporting your lungs. With this bundle, you won’t just treat symptoms—you’ll fortify yourself against the season’s worst.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to act. Give yourself and your loved ones the protection you deserve. The Winter Defense Bundle is here to help you stay ahead of the cold season’s challenges—before they take hold.
