Breath is the quiet foundation of wellbeing.
It shapes our energy, our mood, our resilience, and the way we move through each moment. When the breath is open and full, the mind feels clearer. When the breath feels restricted — due to stress, tension, or seasonal changes — the whole system becomes strained.

Herbal teas have long been used to support the lungs, open the breath, and create a sense of internal spaciousness. Many of the herbs used for lung health also calm the nervous system, making breath rituals a powerful tool for both emotional and physical wellness.

Elixart’s BreathabiliTEA, along with herbs like blue lotus and grounding mushrooms, supports this breath-centered balance. This blog explores how herbs nourish the lungs, strengthen seasonal resilience, and bring the body back into a calm, open pattern of breathing.

Why Breath Matters for Emotional & Physical Balance

Breathing is more than oxygen intake.
It directly affects:

• nervous system regulation

• emotional steadiness

• mental clarity

• circulation

• digestion

• energy levels

Cleveland Clinic notes that breath is one of the fastest pathways to shift from stress to calm
(External Source: Cleveland Clinic – Breathing & Nervous System Regulation).

When breath is shallow:

• stress increases

• digestion slows

• the mind feels scattered

• the body tenses

When breath opens:

• tension releases

• clarity returns

• emotions settle

• vitality increases

Herbs support this shift by nourishing the lungs and calming the body.

Key Herbs That Support Lung Health

Elixart’s BreathabiliTEA blends herbs traditionally used for respiratory support:

Yerba Santa

A warming, aromatic herb used for generations to support open breathing.
It helps ease tightness and supports clear airflow.

Nettles

Rich in minerals and traditionally used to support respiratory pathways.
PubMed studies note its potential influence on respiratory balance
(External Source: PubMed – Nettles & Seasonal Respiratory Support).

Osha Root

Used in Indigenous herbalism to support the breath during cold seasons.
Its warming nature helps open the chest.

Licorice Root

Moistening, soothing, and supportive for dry or tense respiratory tissues.

Yarrow

Supports circulation and seasonal immunity — both important for the lungs.

BreathabiliTEA brings these herbs together into one warming, grounding blend.

Explore it here:
https://elixart.com/products/breathabilitea

Breathing & the Nervous System: A Two-Way Conversation

The breath and the nervous system influence each other constantly.

• Stress → shallower breath

• Shallow breath → more stress

It becomes a loop.

Herbs that support lung openness help break this loop by making fuller breaths easier.
Full breaths help activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the system of calm, rest, and restoration.

This is why herbs for lung health often produce emotional effects as well.

Blue Lotus: Breath-Softening Calm

While blue lotus is not a “lung herb,” many people feel their breathing change when they drink it.
It softens tension in the upper chest, relaxes the mind, and widens emotional space.

NIH research on lotus suggests mood and relaxation benefits
(External Source: NIH – Lotus Bioactive Compounds Review).

Blue lotus supports breath indirectly by:

• relaxing the nervous system

• easing emotional tightness

• encouraging slower breathing patterns

Explore plant spirits here:
https://elixart.com/pages/plant-spirits

Blue lotus pairs beautifully with BreathabiliTEA for a full breath + calm ritual.

Reishi: Grounding the Breath Through Stress Support

Reishi mushroom does not directly affect the lungs, but it deeply supports the stress pathways that restrict breath.

Reishi helps:

• soften sympathetic nervous system dominance

• support emotional steadiness

• calm the internal “buzz” that disrupts breathing

• improve rest and recovery

This is why many people use reishi in their evening breath rituals.

Elixart’s Reishi Spore Powder appears in the mushroom blends:
https://elixart.com/pages/mushroom-blends

Reishi + BreathabiliTEA is an excellent combination for wind-down routines.

How Tea Rituals Support Breath

A warm cup of tea is a breathing practice disguised as a beverage ritual.
It supports breath through:

1. Heat

Warmth relaxes respiratory muscles.

2. Aromatics

Herbal vapors help open the nasal passages and chest.

3. Slow sipping

Encourages slower breathing patterns.

4. Grounded posture

Tea rituals naturally bring the body into a present, restful position.

5. Nervous system shift

Warm beverages activate calming pathways.

Tea is one of the simplest ways to bring breath and calm into alignment.

A Daily Breath Ritual Using Elixart Herbs

Here is a simple ritual to support lung health and emotional balance:

1. Prepare BreathabiliTEA

Steep one heaping teaspoon.
Cover the cup to preserve aromatic oils.

2. Bring the cup to your chest

Feel the warmth against your hands.

3. Inhale the steam

Let the aromatic compounds begin working through scent.

4. Take three slow breaths

Inhale through the nose.
Exhale through the mouth.
Feel the chest open.

5. Sip slowly

Taste the herbs.
Feel warmth spread into the lungs and belly.

6. Pause after finishing

Place one hand on your chest.
One hand on your belly.
Breathe fully for a moment.

Herbs work best when paired with intentional breath.

When to Use Lung-Supporting Herbs

Breath rituals are especially helpful during:

• seasonal transitions

• cold weather

• pollen exposure

• stressful days

• breath-restricting tension

• emotional overwhelm

• long hours indoors

• after travel

The lungs respond quickly to warmth, aromatics, and slow breathing.

Matching Herbs to Breath Needs

Different breath states call for different allies.

Why Sourcing Matters for Respiratory Herbs

Lung-supporting herbs must be:

• aromatic

• clean

• free from contaminants

• properly dried

• sourced intentionally

Elixart’s sourcing is outlined here:
https://elixart.com/pages/our-approach

Aromatic potency = lung support potency.

Closing Reflection

Breath is the meeting point between body and mind.
It shapes emotional clarity, nervous system balance, and the sense of groundedness that so many people seek.

Herbs like yerba santa, nettles, osha, licorice, blue lotus, and reishi help open this pathway.
They soften the breath.
They calm the mind.
They restore a sense of internal spaciousness.

With a simple tea ritual, the breath becomes a daily practice — one that brings warmth, calm, resilience, and presence into the body.