Abango
ABANGO
Abango- the classic Mexican herbal remedy your tía brews the second someone sniffles. It’s not one single herb, but a blend, a healing formula passed down in oral tradition, usually made up of eucalyptus, gordolobo, bugambilia, mullein, and sometimes marcela, tejocote root, or even oregano. The name is a bit mysterious… “Abango”. It likely comes from Indigenous roots or Afro-Mexican dialects, depending on the region. But what it represents is universal- herbal steam, respiratory relief, and the comfort of care.
Abango is especially popular in central and southern Mexico, where generations of herbalists, curanderas, and abuelitas have turned to it to treat colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and seasonal congestion. When the lungs are heavy and the chest is tight, abango is the call. The preparation is simple- boil the herbs into a strong tea, breathe in the steam, and sip slowly. Sometimes honey or piloncillo is added for sweetness and soothing. Other times, the steam is the medicine- inhaled under a towel to open the sinuses, loosen phlegm, and clear the head.
Each herb in the abango blend brings its own power. Eucalyptus is the breath-opener, cooling and antimicrobial. Gordolobo (a type of mullein) soothes inflamed bronchial tissue. Bugambilia (bougainvillea), while ornamental in many gardens, is used in Mexican folk medicine to ease dry coughs. Marcela is calming and relaxing. And tejocote root, from the Mexican hawthorn tree, supports cardiovascular and respiratory resilience. Together it’s a synergistic tonic, rooted in Indigenous Mesoamerican knowledge, blended with colonial influences, and refined in the lived experience of generations of home healers.
Abango isn’t just physical medicine- it’s also emotional and energetic medicine. In curanderismo, the steam is seen as a way to purge heaviness from the body and spirit. The act of preparing it - gathering the herbs, boiling the water, making the time - becomes a form of care that’s as healing as the remedy itself. It's medicine in action, medicine as ritual.
Today, you can still find abango sold in Mexican markets, botánicas, and traditional herb shops. It's especially popular during cold and flu season, but also used year-round for asthma support, post-illness recovery, and general respiratory toning.
But abango isn’t just another tea… It’s a steam bath for the lungs, a hug in herbal form, and a reminder that healing often begins at home, with simple plants, strong traditions, and the kind of wisdom that doesn’t need a degree to work.
Medicinal Uses of Abango
Relieves Cough and Chest Congestion
Helps loosen and expel phlegm and mucus from the lungs.
Often used for wet or dry coughs, especially those that linger.
Supports Respiratory Health
Opens the airways and soothes irritated bronchial passages.
Traditionally used to treat bronchitis, asthma, wheezing, and sinus congestion.
Eucalyptus, mullein, and thyme are especially effective here.
Soothes Sore Throat and Voice Strain
Bugambilia (bougainvillea flowers) is a key ingredient for soothing inflamed throats and calming dry, scratchy coughs.
Ideal for singers, speakers, or anyone with laryngitis or throat fatigue.
Reduces Inflammation in the Lungs and Throat
Contains anti-inflammatory herbs like mullein, oregano, and elderflower.
Helps reduce swelling in the respiratory tract for easier breathing.
Fights Infections
Strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties—thanks to oregano, thyme, and eucalyptus.
Traditionally used to help fight cold and flu viruses and bacterial infections in the lungs and throat.
Acts as an Expectorant
Encourages the body to expel mucus, clearing the lungs and sinuses.
Helps prevent buildup that can lead to secondary infections.
Eases Fever and Body Aches
Elderflower and tejacote (Mexican hawthorn) may help reduce fever, promote sweating, and support immune function.
Traditionally used to ease flu symptoms, chills, and body aches.
Supports Immune Function
Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and immune-supportive compounds.
Often used as a preventive tonic during cold and flu season.
Calms the Nervous System (Secondary Effect)
Some blends may help ease restlessness or anxiety associated with being sick.
The ritual of drinking Abango also has a soothing, grounding effect.
Encourages Deep, Restorative Breathing
Often used in steam therapy to open up sinuses, clear lungs, and restore normal breath rhythm.
Especially helpful during asthma flare-ups or post-infection recovery.
Common Methods of Use
Tea (infusion or decoction): Strong brew often served hot with honey and lime.
Steam inhalation: Herbs boiled in water and inhaled under a towel for sinus and lung relief.
Bath soaks or vapor baths (in traditional settings): For respiratory relief and full-body detox.