Top Herbal Remedies to Support Long Covid Symptoms
Herbal teas cannot treat or cure Long Covid, but some may help support specific symptoms such as relaxation, digestion, nausea or sleep. Their effects are generally gentle, and most have not been studied directly in people with Long Covid. Herbal teas are best viewed as supportive self-care alongside medical treatment, and some herbs can interact with medications or may not be suitable for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Herbal teas do not treat Long Covid, but they may help support comfort and wellbeing.
- Different herbs are traditionally used for different symptoms, including sleep, digestion, nausea and relaxation.
- Scientific evidence in Long Covid is limited, even when herbs have shown benefits in other conditions.
- Some herbs can interact with prescription medicines or may not be suitable for people with autoimmune conditions, pregnancy or MCAS.
- Think of herbal teas as part of a gentle self-care routine rather than a medical treatment.
Many people living with Long Covid develop small daily routines that make difficult days feel a little more manageable. For some, one of those rituals is sitting down with a warm cup of herbal tea.
Herbal teas won’t cure Long Covid, but certain herbs have traditionally been used to support relaxation, digestion, sleep, circulation and general wellbeing. Some also contain plant compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant or calming properties, although direct evidence in Long Covid remains limited. The simple act of slowing down with a warm drink can also become part of pacing. Taking ten minutes to rest, hydrate and breathe may help reduce overstimulation and encourage the nervous system to switch into a calmer state.
Natural doesn’t always mean safe, however. Some herbs can interact with prescription medications, while others may not be suitable for pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), or people taking blood thinners. If you’re considering herbal remedies alongside your usual treatment, it’s always worth checking with your GP or pharmacist first.
If you’re looking for a detailed scientific review of individual herbs, their mechanisms and the evidence behind them, see our guide Herbal Medicines for Long Covid: What the Evidence Actually Shows.
Herbal Teas for Everyday Long Covid Symptoms
Sleep, Relaxation and the Nervous System
Many people with Long Covid describe feeling exhausted but unable to relax. A racing mind, restless sleep and a constantly activated nervous system are common experiences. A calming evening tea made with herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm, lavender or passionflower can become part of a relaxing bedtime routine. While these herbs are not proven treatments for Long Covid, several have been studied for mild anxiety, relaxation or sleep support in other conditions.
Rather than expecting a herbal tea to “switch off” insomnia, think of it as one piece of a calming evening routine alongside reducing screen time, dimming lights and allowing your body time to unwind.
Digestive Comfort
Digestive symptoms are common after COVID-19 and may include nausea, bloating, indigestion or abdominal discomfort.
Some of the most popular herbal teas include:
- Ginger for nausea and stomach upset.
- Chamomile for digestive comfort.
- Fennel for bloating.
- Peppermint for digestive spasms (although it may worsen reflux in some people).
Many people find that sipping warm herbal tea after meals is a gentle way to support digestion while also helping them stay hydrated.
Herbal Support for MCAS and Histamine Intolerance
Some people with Long Covid experience symptoms suggestive of mast cell activation or histamine intolerance, including flushing, itching, sinus congestion, headaches, digestive symptoms and reactions to foods. Although herbal teas cannot treat MCAS, a few herbs may provide gentle support.
Nettle is perhaps the best known and has demonstrated mild antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and small clinical studies. Chamomile may also help some people, although it belongs to the daisy family and can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Because people with MCAS often react unpredictably, introducing one new herb at a time is generally the safest approach.
💧 Hydration Matters Too
During colder months it’s easy to drink less, yet good hydration remains particularly important for people living with fatigue, dizziness or dysautonomia. Warm herbal teas can make staying hydrated easier and may feel more comforting than cold drinks. Some people also enjoy adding fresh ginger, lemon or a small amount of honey for flavour.
If you have significant dizziness or autonomic dysfunction, remember that herbal tea does not replace electrolytes. For more information, read our guide Electrolytes and Hydration in Long Covid: What the Evidence Shows.
Final Thoughts
Herbal teas are not a treatment for Long Covid, but they can become a gentle part of your daily self-care routine. Whether it’s chamomile before bed, ginger after a difficult meal or nettle during allergy season, these simple rituals may help support comfort while your body continues to recover. The key is to choose herbs thoughtfully, introduce new ones gradually and remember that everyone’s response is different. If you take prescription medication or have underlying health conditions, always check for possible interactions before trying new herbal products.
Small routines rarely change Long Covid overnight, but they can make each day a little more manageable. Sometimes, a quiet moment with a warm cup of tea is exactly what your body and your nervous system needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbal tea is best for Long Covid?
There isn’t one “best” tea. Ginger may help nausea, chamomile and lemon balm may support relaxation, while nettle is sometimes used by people with allergy or histamine-related symptoms. The best choice depends on your individual symptoms.
Can herbal teas interact with medications?
Yes. Some herbs can affect blood clotting, blood pressure or the way medicines are metabolised. Always check with your pharmacist or GP if you take regular medication.
Are herbal teas safe with MCAS?
Some people tolerate them well, while others react even to natural products. Introducing one herb at a time is usually the safest approach.
Can herbal teas replace medical treatment?
No. Herbal teas should be viewed as supportive self-care rather than treatments for Long Covid. They may help some symptoms, but they should not replace evidence-based medical care.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Herbal teas and herbal medicines are not proven treatments for Long Covid, and the evidence supporting their use varies considerably. Some herbs can interact with prescription medications or may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, MCAS, or those taking blood thinners. Always speak to your GP, pharmacist or specialist before introducing new herbal products. Information reflects the best available evidence at the time of publication. LongCovidJourney does not endorse specific brands, products or commercial clinics.
Reference
NCCIH – COVID-19 Symptoms and Complementary Approaches: What You Need To Know
NCCIH – Spotlight on Herbs and Other Botanicals: What the Science Says
NCCIH – Colds, Flu, and Complementary Health Approaches
NCCIH – Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
NICE – COVID-19 Rapid Guideline: Managing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
WHO – Post COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID) Fact Sheet
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