Making a tea for colds and flu will help you get through your symptoms easier. If you’re looking for a natural remedy to fight off your cold or flu, then hydrating with best herbal teas known in nature to ease congestion, aches, and malaise is the way to go.
The special blend of herbs in this tea recipe is intended to help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and soothe sore throats.Keep reading if you want to know how to make the best tea for colds and flu and prepare in advance for the next round. And if you dont’ have time, at least make a simple ginger infused water.
Related: Flu Bomb Drink Recipe For Cold & Flu
Usually is not the virus that causes colds/ flu symptoms and infections, it’s the accompanying inflammation associated with them. It is the body’s over-immune reaction attempting to protect itself. Without sufficient strength or time to fight back, it can lead to a rapid shut down.
In order to help our immune system process the viral load replication and inflammation we can add a couple of teas for cold and flu treatment regimen. The liquid hydration and herbal phytochemicals present in teas for colds will help reduce the chance of immune-overreaction, prevent the onset of secondary infections, and help flush the endotoxins out of the body more eficiently.
Related: Immune Boosting Tonic (Ginger Lemon Garlic Honey)
Best Tea For Cold And Flu
Generally, no single herb is a solution to viral respiratory infections, but instead a range of herbs with diverse actions are needed.
Some herbs are able to attack the invading viruses directly and have antimicrobial effects, some will stimulate the immune system and some will act as inflammation modulator.
Therefore, when preparing the tea for colds and flu your goal should be a selection of herbs from three or four different families and with different chemistries (most of them have secondary properties), which will help maximize antiviral synergy.
Related: Homemade Cough Syrup (Great For Sore Throat Too)
How To Make The Best Tea for Colds And Flu
Ingredients you need:
- Fresh ginger root (has properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties due to a high concentration of antiviral compounds.); Fresh, but not dried ginger, is able to block viral attachment to the cell.
- Rosehips (berries) – it’s phytochemical composition has been shown to have immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, and antioxidant effect mainly due to a concetrated combination of vitamin C, E, B and carotenoids, but also a variety of polyphenols.
- Mint leaves – is full of volatile oils that have antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activit as well as decongestant properties.
- Chamomile flowers – are known for multiple therapeutic effects like: antioxidative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic, anti-stress, hepato-protective properties and a mild antiviral activity against HSV-2.
- Yarrow – a very versatile herb, that offers relief for a wide range of cold and flu symptoms due to it’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Even though research is in its early stages, reports of its use are dating back 3,000 years. People use yarrow for digestive issues, chronic inflammation and even for alleviating period pain.
- Thyme – Antioxidant, antimicrobial, expectorant, spasmolytic, mucolytic and antitussive. Dried oregano can be used as a subtitution, they both come from the same plant family.
- Dandelion leaves – generally used as liver tonic by stimulating bile, removing toxins and re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance. But also many scientific studies have confirmed it’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
How To Make A Tea That Helps With Colds
- Heat water to a boiling point and add all the dried ingredients into a teapot or large mug. You’ll need about 1.5 tablespoon of this herb mixture per 400 ml (13.5 oz) hot boiling water.
- Cut a few slices of fresh ginger on top.
- Cover and steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea and discard the herbs.
- Add honey and lemon to taste if desired.
You may drink the tea every 3-4 hours, for the entire length of your cold or flu symptoms. The best time to drink this tea is before meals.
Tip: Make the herbal tea blend in advance and store in an airtight jar. It can be used any time you need it without having to measure the herbs every time.
Related: Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection (Without Antibiotics)
These herbs are generally safe, but if you’re pregnant, nursing or have any pre-existing medical condition it’s best to consult with your doctor before trying this tea blend.
With the right combination of herbs, you can make an effective and natural remedy for colds and flu. This tea is an excellent way to help your immune system fight off the symptoms of colds and flu and restore health. Enjoy!
FAQ
Drink 3 cups per day, ideally every 4 hours when your symtoms are acute.
The results may vary from person to person, but you should start feeling some relief from the symptoms after a few hours.
Yes, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to make fresh tea each time you need it.
Generally, these herbs are safe to use. However, if you’re pregnant, nursing or have any pre-existing medical condition, it’s best to consult with your doctor before trying this tea blend.
Yes, it’s safe to drink this tea for as long as your symptoms last. It may even be beneficial to drink the tea for a few days after you are feeling better, as it can help support your immune system.
More Natural Remedies For Colds
- Natural Home Remedies For Sinus Infection (Without Antibiotics)
- 10 Natural Home Remedies For Baby Cold And Flu
- Natural Decongestants: My Journey to Clear Sinuses
Best Tea For Cold And Flu (Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp rosehips - crushed, deseeded
- 1 tsp chamomile flowers
- 1 tsp yarrow
- ½ tsp dandelion leaves
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp mint leaves
- 2-3 thin slices fresh ginger - (the more the better)
Instructions
- Heat water to a boiling point and add all the dried ingredients into a teapot or large mug. You'll need about 1.5 tablespoon of this herb mixture per 400 ml (13.5 oz) hot boiling water.
- Cut 2-3 thin slices of fresh ginger on top. More is even better.
- Cover and steep for at least 15 minutes.
- Strain the tea and discard the herbs. Add honey and lemon to taste if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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