The best teas for sinus infection include green tea, black tea, yerba mate and rooibos tea.
If you’ve ever heard of the ancient Chinese practice of using tea for medicinal purposes, you’ll find this information particularly appealing.
This article will cover a list of teas for sinus infection, explore what sinus infection is and what influences it, discuss the pros and cons of drinking these teas, offer insights into who should consider them, provide some tasty recipes and blends, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
So, prepare your cup of tea and get ready for some readin’ & sippin’ time.
List of Teas for Sinus Infection
Before diving in, let’s quickly understand what this list will offer you. Below, we’ll explore various types of tea that can potentially alleviate symptoms of sinus infection.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is an unoxidized tea that is rich in antioxidants. It has been traditionally used for weight loss, cardiovascular health, and mental alertness. Green tea was found to have anti-inflammatory properties in an in vitro study (Chatterjee et al., 2012). While the study didn’t focus on sinus infections specifically, the anti-inflammatory benefits could help reduce sinus inflammation.
To enjoy green tea, pour hot water (around 175°F or 80°C) over a teaspoon of green tea leaves, let it infuse for 1-3 minutes, then strain and savor. If you’re curious about the other health benefits of this type of tea, check out our article about green tea benefits!
2. Black Tea
Black tea has anti-inflammatory properties (Chatterjee et al., 2012) that may help relieve symptoms of a sinus infection.
To prepare, pour boiling water (around 212°F or 100°C) over a teaspoon of black tea leaves, let it infuse for 3-5 minutes, then strain and savor. Check out our article on black tea benefits for more information!
3. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is among the herbal options that have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities (Chen et al., 2017). While it hasn’t been specifically researched for sinus infections, these properties suggest potential benefits for sinus health.
To prepare, steep a bag of your chosen rooibos tea blends in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Consuming two to three cups per day is generally considered safe. For more information on its health benefits, make sure to read our article about the benefits of rooibos tea!

4. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a traditional South American tea known for its earthy flavor. Often consumed for mental clarity, digestive health, and as a social beverage. Like Rooibos, Yerba Mate was included in the study that investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in herbal teas (Chen et al., 2017). These properties could potentially benefit those with sinus infections.
To prepare yerba mate tea, load half of a mate gourd with yerba mate tea leaves, angle the gourd so the tea fills one side nearly to the top, add hot (not boiling) water to the lower portion, drink through a bombilla, and savor.
From green and black tea to herbal options like rooibos and yerba mate, various teas may offer relief from sinus infection symptoms. These teas are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them good teas for sinus infection.

What is Sinus Infection and How is it Influenced?
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses.
Factors Affecting Sinus Infection
- Allergies
- Cold or respiratory infections
- Nasal polyps
Natural remedies like teas for sinus infection have become increasingly popular as people look for alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments.
PROS
- Natural anti-inflammatory properties
- May enhance overall respiratory health
- Generally low in side effects
CONS
- Not a substitute for medical treatment
- Can interact with medications
- Overconsumption can lead to side effects like insomnia
Who Should Drink Tea for Sinus Infection
Individuals suffering from mild to moderate sinus congestion or those looking for natural alternatives to over-the-counter medication can consider adding these teas to their daily routine.
Recipes and Blends
Here’s a restructured recipe and blend section for teas that may help with sinus infection:
To create a soothing blend that targets sinus issues, consider combining green tea, ginger, and peppermint teas.
Sinus Relief Tea Blend Recipe:
- 1 tsp of yerba mate tea leaves
- 1 tsp of fresh ginger root
- 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups of water
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil and add everything.
- Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, discard everything, and enjoy the brew.

Incorporating Teas for Sinus Infection Into Your Daily Routine
In addition to enjoying these teas, consider incorporating other natural remedies like steam inhalation and nasal irrigation. Regular exercise and hydration can also improve sinus health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drink tea with a sinus infection?
Yes, drinking certain teas can be a good supplementary approach when dealing with a sinus infection. Green and black teas, for instance, have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects, which could potentially alleviate sinus congestion and discomfort (Chatterjee et al., 2012). However, it’s crucial to note that while these teas for sinus infection can be part of a holistic approach to wellness, they should not replace a healthcare provider’s diagnosis or treatment plan.
What can I drink to clear my sinuses?
To clear your sinuses, you might find relief in green tea and various herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint. These teas have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce sinus congestion (Chen et al., 2017). Drinking warm fluids like tea can also offer comfort and help with symptom relief. However, the best herbal teas for sinus infection would depend on individual preferences and tolerances.
What kills a sinus infection naturally?
It’s important to understand that no natural remedy can completely ‘kill’ a sinus infection. Most sinus infections are viral but some can be bacterial, requiring medical treatment like antibiotics for complete eradication. However, some teas like green tea and herbal teas have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate symptoms of a sinus infection and promote overall sinus health (Chen et al., 2017).
What is the fastest way to get rid of a sinus infection?
For fast relief from a sinus infection, the best course of action is to consult a healthcare provider. After diagnosing the type and cause of your sinus infection, they may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments that directly tackle the root issue. Home remedies like using teas for sinus infection can complement but should not replace proper medical treatment.
What herbs are good for sinus infections?
Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and peppermint have been known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger and turmeric, in particular, contain active compounds like gingerol and curcumin that have been studied for their effects on reducing inflammation (Chen et al., 2017). Peppermint contains menthol, which can act as a natural decongestant, helping to break down mucus. These herbs can be consumed as teas or added to recipes and may help as good teas for sinus infection relief.

When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, or thick green nasal discharge, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
Signs and Symptoms
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Thick green nasal discharge
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
Conclusion
To recap, green tea, black tea, and certain herbal teas can offer potential relief from symptoms associated with sinus infections. These teas may not serve as a substitute for medical treatment, but they can be an adjunctive option.
So, brew yourself a comforting cup of one of these good teas for sinus infection, and share your experiences with us!
Reference
- Chatterjee, P., Chandra, S., Dey, P., & Bhattacharya, S. (2012). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effects of green tea and black tea: a comparative in vitro study. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology Amp Research, 3(2), 136. Link Here
- Chen, X., Kitts, D., & Ma, Z. (2017). Demonstrating the relationship between the phytochemical profile of different teas with relative antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities. Functional Foods in Health and Disease, 7(6), 375. Link Here
- Ezeunala, M., Izebe, K., Aboh, M., Ijele, I., Ibekwe, N., Ezaka, E., … & Adigwe, P. (2022). The use of common and exotic teas in managing covid-19 related symptoms. Journal of Phytomedicine and Therapeutics, 21(2), 875-882. Link Here
- Long, T., Hu, R., Cheng, Z., Xu, C., Hu, Q., Liu, Q., … & Long, C. (2023). Ethnobotanical study on herbal tea drinks in guangxi, china. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 19(1). Link Here