Vog Tea - featuring locally grown Mamaki!

We all love living in the Hawaiian Islands — whether on Maui or Hawai’i island, each island has its own unique feeling.

Every so often, Kīlauea volcano on Hawai’i island will give us a dramatic show. So far, its been 32 episodes and counting in 2025!

Sometimes, when Kīlauea erupts, the VOG starts to make its way throughout the Hawaiian islands. VOG, also known as Volcanic Off-Gas, can cause symptoms similar to breathing in wildfire smoke. These symptoms can be quite bothersome, ranging from red itchy eyes to sinus congestion, or a headache that won’t go away. Some people don’t experience any issues with VOG, while others may feel as though their immune system is fighting something.

Locals swear by drinking herbal tea, especially Mamaki tea, when dealing with VOG. Mamaki is an endemic plant to the Hawaiian islands, and is considered a “relative” of stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica). Both herbs are nutritive and nourishing, traditionally used for their nourishing properties. Thankfully, unlike stinging Nettle, Mamaki has no sting.

The VOG herbal tea that I make combines locally grown Mamaki tea with respiratory supportive herbs like Mullein, Horehound, Hyssop, Lobelia, and Marshmallow root. These herbs have been traditionally used to support a healthy respiratory system. I also include Peppermint leaf into this VOG tea blend for its cooling effects.

As an acupuncturist on Maui, I see many people endure effects from the VOG. Making herbal tea for VOG relief is easy, efficient, and can be done in your own home. Just be sure to have your VOG herbal tea blend on hand before the VOG rolls in!

For more tips on VOG relief: Acupuncture, herbs, and remedies for VOG Relief