As the temperature starts to get colder, many of us start to feel under the weather. If you’re looking for a little relief here are some of the best teas for a cold. Tea has long been known for its medicinal properties, and plenty of teas can help ease your cold symptoms like a cough and stuffy nose.
Whether you’re looking for relief from your cold symptoms or just want to enjoy a delicious cup of tea, these are some great options to try. Remember, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help you recover from your cold quickly. And as always, be sure to consult your health care professional before making any changes to your wellness routine!
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Best Teas for Colds
When you’re feeling unwell, there’s nothing like a warm cup of tea to bring some peace and promote restful recovery. But not all teas are created equal when it comes to fighting off cough and sniffles! Here are some of the best teas to help you get over your cold, promote restful sleep, and provide your stuffy nose with much-needed soothing relief:
Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile is a calming herb that can help to ease anxiety and promote restful sleep. Chamomile tea can also help to ease congestion and reduce inflammation. To make this caffeine-free tea, simply steep chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For an extra boost of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of high-quality honey.
Echinacea Tea:
Echinacea is an herb that has been used for centuries to boost immunity and fight off infections. Some studies have shown that it can help reduce the severity and duration of a cold, making it the perfect choice when you’re feeling unwell. The caffeine-free herbal blend is incredibly soothing and helps to ease congestion and sore throats.
Elderberry Tea:
Elderberry is a powerful herb that has been used for many years to fight off colds and flu. Elderberry tea is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it the perfect choice when you’re fighting through a cold. Elderberry tea can help to ease congestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity while helping to ease a cough and other symptoms.
Ginger Tea:
Ginger tea is another one of the best teas for colds. This warming and spicy beverage can help to soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce swelling in the sinuses. To make ginger tea, simply steep fresh ginger root in hot water for several minutes. Like most of these teas for colds, you can boost these teas by adding honey or lemon to taste.
Hibiscus Tea:
Hibiscus tea is another powerhouse for fighting off colds. It is also very delicious on its own! Hibiscus has a high concentration of vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and recover from a cold. Additionally, hibiscus has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat. This is one of my favorites for all times of the year!
Lemon Tea:
There’s nothing quite like a piping hot cup of tea when you’re feeling under the weather. Lemon tea is a great choice for a cold and scratchy throat, as the citrus fruit is packed with Vitamin C. Honey is another soothing ingredient that can help to relieve a sore throat. For an extra boost of antioxidants, you can also add in a sliced piece of fresh ginger, or add other herbs as well. Drink up and feel better!
Lemon Grass Tea:
Lemon grass tea is a delicious and refreshing way to soothe a cold. This herbal tea is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve congestion and ease sore throats. Lemon grass also has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infection. For an extra boost of flavor, add a slice of lemon or lime to your cup of lemongrass tea, or a few drops of lemon essential oil. Read here for more information and possible side effects.
Licorice Root Tea:
Licorice root tea is a great choice for those looking for a soothing and flavorful tea to help relieve a cold. Licorice root is an herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. The herb is known for its sweet flavor, but it also packs a powerful punch when it comes to fighting off colds and flu. Licorice root tea can help to ease congestion, reduce inflammation, and boost immunity. It is also thought to help shorten the duration of a cold.
Marshmallow Root Tea:
If you’re looking for a delicious way to soothe a cold, look no further than marshmallow root tea! This herbal tea is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce congestion and ease sore throats. Best of all, it’s naturally sweetened with honey for a lovely flavor. Simply steep marshmallow root in boiling water for 10 minutes, then add honey to taste. Enjoy this delicious tea several times a day until your cold symptoms improve!
Peppermint Tea:
One of the most popular options, peppermint tea is often recommended as a home remedy for colds, headaches, and other respiratory infections. The menthol in peppermint is thought to help relieve congestion, while the warmth of the tea can soothe sore throats. Some research has shown that peppermint may also have antiviral properties as well. It is one of my favorites!
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea:
Red raspberry leaf tea is packed with antioxidants and has been used for centuries to support women’s health. This delicious herbal tea can also be helpful in soothing a cold or flu. The properties of red raspberry leaf tea may help to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and ease congestion (and is also said to help with UT infections as well). Enjoy a cup of this refreshing tea hot or iced, sweetened with honey if desired.
Rooibos Tea:
Rooibos tea is an excellent option for those looking for a soothing and relieving tea for a cold. This tea is naturally caffeine-free, so it won’t keep you up at night, and it’s packed with antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. Rooibos tea is also rich in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve congestion, and reduce inflammation associated with a cold.
Slippery Elm Tea:
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a North American tree that has been used for many years to treat a variety of ailments, including colds. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree is rich in mucilage, a substance that becomes gel-like when mixed with water. This makes it an effective natural remedy for relieving throat irritation and coughs associated with colds. It is also thought to boost the immune system, making it an excellent choice for preventing and treating colds.
Turmeric Tea:
Turmeric tea is a delicious and healthy way to fight off a cold. Turmeric, the main ingredient in this tea, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce congestion and inflammation in the respiratory system. It is also packed with antioxidants that help boost the immune system and protect against colds. This tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great choice for any time of day. I also like to add turmeric to my other teas, along with ginger, honey, and lemon.
Try these Tea Blends for Cold Symptoms
Traditional herbal teas for a cold are great! There are also some tea blends that I really enjoy and recommend for their powerful health benefits, excellent flavor profiles, and their calming and restful properties.
Starbucks Medicine Ball Tea (DIY at home):
There’s nothing quite like a piping hot cup of tea to soothe and relieve a cold. And while there are plenty of great teas out there, this DIY recipe based on Starbucks medicine ball tea is truly excellent. A fragrant medley of herbs, mint, and citrus notes, this tea is made with a blend of lemonade, honey, ginger and spearmint, and is thought to help reduce congestion and soothe a sore throat. It is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Best of all, it tastes great! I recommend these any time of the year.
Throat Coat Tea:
Throat Coat tea is a traditional herbal tea that has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and relieve coughs. It is made with a blend of herbs, including licorice root, marshmallow root, and slippery elm bark. These herbs are thought to be effective in reducing inflammation and irritation in the throat. This tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a great choice for any time of day. This is a go-to in my house!
Tulsi Sweet Rose Tea:
If you’re looking for a delicious and effective way to soothe a cold, look no further than tulsi sweet rose tea. This fragrant and flavorful tea is packed with antioxidants and is known for its ability to help relieve congestion, coughs, and other cold symptoms. Try adding a touch of honey and fresh Rose petals to taste. We buy it in bulk as part of our evening routine – it is fabulous any day of the year.
How to Brew Tea to Relieve your Cold
When you’re going through a cold, there’s no need to make life even harder. Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when brewing your best tea for a cold.
- Select your favorite herbs or herbal blends.
- Boil purified water up to a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare a tea mug with an infuser and add tea.
- Pour water over tea and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea leaves or tea bag.
- Include optional items like lemon or honey.
- Sip and Enjoy! Get well soon!
FAQs and Tips about Best Teas for a Cold
Here are some thoughts on common questions as well as some recommendations I have found to be helpful when brewing a cup of tea to fight your cold, relieve the symptoms and promote restful recovery!
FAQs
- Are green and black teas good for a cold? Green and black tea are powerful antioxidant-rich teas with many health properties. If you are ok with a little caffeine during the day, these are a great option to consider. When I’m really not feeling well, that little boost keeps me going. However, because it does have caffeine, be careful about taking it close to when you are trying to sleep!
- Is chai tea good for a cold? Chai tea is made with a blend of spices like ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, which can all help to clear congestion and ease cold symptoms. When sick, I also suggest avoiding sugar or milk with chai and recommend being mindful of potential caffeine as some chai blends have black tea included, which contains caffeine.
Tips
Maximize the value and healing qualities of your teas for a cold with these tips:
- Be sure to purchase tea bags or loose-leaf tea from a reputable source, as lower-quality teas may not be as effective.
- In the same line of thinking, carefully research your honey and use a quality reputable source.
- Avoid using sugar or milk when fighting a cold as these can inflame sinuses and sore throat even more.
- Use quality, purified water.
Soothe the Symptoms and Promote Healing: Time to Brew a Cup!
As with all matters related to your health, it is always best to first consult with your trusted health professional before making any changes. Whether you’re looking for relief from your cold symptoms or just want to enjoy a delicious cup of tea, all of these are some great options to try.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Hydration is a good item routine for all days of the year, especially when trying to recover. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help you recover from your cold quickly.
Do you have a favorite tea for cold symptom relief? I’d love to hear from you! Leave your favorite teas in the comment section below!
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