Every season shapes the way we breathe. Spring brings pollen. Fall brings dry air. Winter brings cold winds and tight lungs. Even summer has its challenges—smoke, heat, and environmental irritants. The respiratory system carries us through all of it, breath by breath, often without our awareness. Until something feels off.

When the lungs feel heavy, tight, or irritated, people often look for something simple and grounding to restore comfort. Herbal teas have been used for centuries to support the respiratory system. They are gentle, warming, and deeply compatible with the body’s natural rhythms. They work not by force, but by softening, opening, and nourishing.

Elixart’s BreathabiliTEA is built on this tradition. It blends herbs that support clear breathing, balanced immunity, and seasonal resilience. This blog explores the herbs inside BreathabiliTEA, the science behind them, and how to bring this tea into a daily ritual that supports respiratory ease.

Why Seasonal Shifts Affect Breathing

The respiratory system responds to changes in:

• pollen counts

• temperature

• humidity

• dust and indoor air

• wildfire smoke

• seasonal viruses

During allergy and cold seasons, the airways can become irritated. This may show up as:

• congestion

• shallow breathing

• post-nasal drip

• tightness in the chest

• a dry or scratchy throat

• general respiratory discomfort

Herbal teas offer warmth, moisture, and support. They soothe, nourish, and open the pathways that help breath move comfortably.

You can explore other teas designed for seasonal support on the
Elixart tea page.

Herbs Inside BreathabiliTEA and How They Work

BreathabiliTEA contains seven botanicals traditionally used to support respiratory health:

• yerba santa

• nettles

• osha root

• licorice root

• Oregon grape root

• yarrow

• stevia leaf

Each herb has a unique relationship with the lungs, sinuses, or immune system. Their combined effect supports both comfort and resilience.

Explore these ingredients further on
the ingredients page.

Yerba Santa: Opening the Airways

Yerba santa is known for its aromatic, warming qualities. Indigenous communities in the American West used it to support open breathing.

Modern research suggests yerba santa may help:

• support healthy respiratory function

• ease congestion

• open tight airways

(External Source: PubMed – Yerba Santa & Respiratory Pathways)

Its warming nature complements the cool, moist air of winter and the dryness that often irritates the lungs.

Nettles: A Traditional Ally During Allergy Season

Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to support seasonal breathing. It is rich in minerals and flavonoids, making it a strong botanical for spring and fall transition periods.

According to Cleveland Clinic, nettles may support:

• balanced inflammatory response

• clearer sinuses

• reduced irritation from allergens

(External Source: Cleveland Clinic – Nettles & Seasonal Support)

Nettles help the body adjust to changing environments, especially when pollen counts rise.

Osha Root: Supporting the Breath in Cold Seasons

Osha root has a long history in Indigenous herbal traditions as a lung-supporting plant. It has a warming, aromatic quality that helps open the chest.

People often use osha root during:

• cold weather transitions

• periods of heavy respiratory strain

• times of fatigue from congestion

Its grounding flavor brings depth to BreathabiliTEA’s profile.

Licorice Root: Moistening and Soothing the Airways

Licorice root is a demulcent herb—it coats and soothes irritated tissues. This makes it especially helpful when the throat feels dry or scratchy.

NIH studies note that licorice root may support:

• respiratory comfort

• smooth airway function

• reduced irritation in dry conditions

(External Source: NIH – Licorice Root Respiratory Research)

Licorice adds natural sweetness and nourishment to the blend.

Oregon Grape Root: Supporting Seasonal Immunity

Oregon grape root has traditionally been used to support healthy immune responses. Its bitter compounds help balance the internal environment, especially during seasonal transitions.

It harmonizes well with the soothing herbs in the blend.

Yarrow: Strengthening the Body During Seasonal Shifts

Yarrow supports the body’s natural defenses and helps regulate heat. It is often used to help the system handle temperature transitions—and many respiratory discomforts begin when temperatures shift suddenly.

Yarrow helps the body maintain equilibrium.

Stevia Leaf: Gentle Sweetness & Balance

Stevia is not just a natural sweetener. It helps round the flavor profile and soften the intensity of the roots and herbs. This makes BreathabiliTEA more comforting and easy to sip during periods of respiratory discomfort.

How Herbal Teas Support the Respiratory System

Herbs support breathing through several pathways:

1. Moistening Dry Tissues

Many respiratory discomforts begin with dryness. Warm, aromatic teas help restore moisture.

2. Relaxing Muscles Around the Airways

Herbs like licorice help soothe and soften tense tissues.

3. Opening Congested Pathways

Yerba santa and osha root help promote clear airflow.

4. Supporting Immune Function

Nettles, yarrow, and Oregon grape root assist the immune system during seasonal changes.

5. Encouraging Deep, Slow Breathing

Warm tea naturally slows the nervous system, allowing the lungs to open.

This layered support makes herbal tea one of the simplest, most comforting tools during allergy or cold seasons.

Creating a BreathabiliTEA Ritual

A respiratory tea ritual becomes most effective when paired with slow, mindful breathing.

Here’s a simple practice:

1. Steep one heaping teaspoon of BreathabiliTEA

Cover the cup to capture the aromatic compounds.

2. Wait 5 minutes or longer

A longer steep draws out deeper support from the herbs.

3. Sit somewhere quiet

Let your shoulders drop. Let your jaw soften.

4. Breathe slowly before sipping

Three deep breaths help the herbs begin working even before drinking.

5. Sip with awareness

Feel the warmth move down the throat and chest.

This ritual helps ease the body into a state where breathing becomes more spacious and comfortable.

When to Use BreathabiliTEA

BreathabiliTEA fits naturally into daily life, especially during seasonal shifts.

Use it:

• first thing in the morning when the chest feels tight

• before bed during cold season

• after being outdoors when pollen is high

• after a long day in heated indoor air

• during wildfire season to soothe irritated lungs

It is not a medical treatment, but a supportive botanical companion.

Why Sourcing Matters for Respiratory Herbs

Respiratory herbs must be pure and carefully handled.
Fermentation, contamination, and poor drying practices can affect their potency.

Elixart’s commitment to purity and intentional sourcing is described on
their approach page.
This ensures that every cup of BreathabiliTEA is consistent and safe.

High-quality herbs = reliable support.

Closing Reflection

Breathing is the body’s quiet rhythm—a movement that shapes our energy, mood, and sense of ease. When the lungs feel supported, life feels lighter. BreathabiliTEA is a simple, grounding way to care for the respiratory system, especially when the seasons begin to shift.

Its herbs work together to open, soothe, and nourish. A warm cup can help the body return to a more comfortable, natural rhythm of breath.