Top 6 Teas for Congestion Relief

While winter is eagerly awaited after the heat and extreme humidity, it also brings seasonal illnesses – with congestion from a stuffy nose and sore throat being the top irritant. The elixir that works to soothe and alleviate congestion is none other than our favorite tea. The great news is that there are so many varieties of tea that will suit varying tastes and preferences. Let’s take you through the list of the top 6 teas for congestion relief and providing the warmth you need to combat the cold season.

Tea is packed with natural and powerful nutrients and antioxidants that combat illness and help you stay well. Try these teas to combat congestion and those winter ‘blues’, so easily available as tea bags or loose leaves. Remember to buy only from a reputed brand that assuredly contains tea leaves and herbs, and not just tea dust and fannings.

1. Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is a superfood and nature’s very own ‘physician’. It is packed full of anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and loads of antioxidants. A hot cup of Turmeric tea is a natural and healthy remedy to combat congestion, a runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough while providing a feeling of overall wellness. There are several delicious herbal combinations available designed to support and boost immunity and leave you feeling energetic.

2. Ginger Tea

This spicy root is loaded with powerful nutrients and vitamins that energize and strengthen the immune system, while soothing congestion, nausea, and an irritated digestive system. The warmth of Ginger tea helps heal congestion, sore throats, stuffed nose, and more, such that you feel well and sleep better.

3. Lemon Tea

Loaded with Vitamin C, hot Lemon tea is a highly potent immunity booster and is known to bring relief to congestion and sore throats. Lemon tea can be prepared either with black tea or green tea as a base.

4. Peppermint Tea

The refreshing aroma and uplifting taste best describe Peppermint tea. The natural menthol effectively relieves an annoying cough and eases congestion. Additionally, this tea relieves stress, reduces a fever, soothes an upset tummy, and overall leaves one feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is a universally loved tea, given that is packed full of antioxidants such as catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are known for their superlative health benefits. A hot cup of Green tea alleviates inflammation in the nasal and respiratory passages, which loosens congestion, soothes a sore throat, and brings relief from a stuffy/runny nose. Additionally, it is a tasty way to remain hydrated and boost the immune system.

6. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice Root tea has a strong and robust flavor, and given its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, it helps to ease congestion by combating the bacteria/virus that causes it. Licorice Root tea, though, is an acquired taste, and those who find the taste overwhelming can add raw honey and or lemon to balance out the flavor.

Combating Nasal Congestion, Naturally

Seasonal allergies and flu, bring congestion and extreme discomfort, but thankfully you can fight all of these with delicious and nuanced flavors of tea, available from a reputed brand. Tea – any type or flavor – is a great way to heal, feel refreshed, and stay fit, rather than forcing your body to fight illnesses. Tea is a natural immune booster and should be part of your daily diet, whether you are a tea fanatic or not. Do check with your doctor with regard to the kind and quantity of tea, before you begin, especially if you are on medication and or have some kind of health condition.

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Types of Tea, Benefits, and Efficacy

When you’re fighting a cold, it’s essential to load up on caffeine-free liquids that keep you hydrated. A smart choice is a cup of hot tea, as it can soothe a sore throat and break up congestion. Plus, it’s positively comforting to sip a hot beverage when you’re under the weather.

Research hasn’t yet established that any one tea can help clear up the common cold. However, plenty of evidence suggests that some herbal tea ingredients may ease respiratory infection symptoms. This article explores the research on several types of teas you may want to try as a home remedy for the common cold.

Drinking lemon tea, or squeezing lemon into another kind of herbal tea, is a home remedy that people have been using for decades. Despite its popularity, most of the evidence supporting the use of lemon tea for sore throats is anecdotal.

That said, lemons are a citrus fruit, meaning they contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for your body when you’re fighting a cold or virus.

Elderberry is a dark purple berry native to Europe. Many people believe that elderberry extract can help you recover more quickly from infections like flu and the common cold. Some research does support this use of elderberry.

The most common form of elderberry, black elder, has been found to have antiviral and antimicrobial properties.Porter RS, et al. (2017). A review of the antiviral properties of black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) products. DOI:
10.1002/ptr.5782 Several studies have shown that elderberry is effective in reducing the duration of the flu, but there aren’t specific studies into the use of elderberry tea to treat colds.

Echinacea is a popular herb that comes from a plant called the purple coneflower. There’s a lot of conflicting research about the effect of echinacea tea on colds. Some studies suggest that echinacea stimulates immune activity to shorten bacterial infections and viruses. Like green tea, echinacea is high in antioxidants.

A small study from 2000 indicated that drinking echinacea tea could reduce the duration of upper respiratory conditions as well as the flu.Lindenmuth GF, et al. (2000). The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. DOI:
10.1089/10755530050120691 But at least one review points out that the health benefits of echinacea have yet to be proven.Barrett B. (2004). Medicinal properties of echinacea: A clinical review. DOI:
10.1078/094471103321648692

Green tea is popular all over the world for its many purported health benefits. A review of the medical literature on green tea points out its high antioxidant content.Chacko SM, et al. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: A literature review. DOI:
10.1186/1749-8546-5-13 This antioxidant activity helps support your body when it’s under attack by environmental factors or by an intruding infection. Researchers have concluded that green tea provides immune support and helps encourage a healthy metabolism, too.

As far as green tea and colds, more research is needed. While green tea might give you an energy boost while your body is fighting a cold, we don’t know enough to say whether or not it will shorten your cold’s duration.

Herbal teas can be made out of dried fruits, spices, or herbs. Herbal teas are naturally decaffeinated, so they won’t dehydrate you. They often carry a sweet flavor and soothing scent. They taste especially good with a natural sweetener, like honey. Chamomile tea and peppermint tea have long been a favorite of people recovering from the common cold. Keep in mind that chamomile tea is not recommended if you’re pregnant.

Honey can help suppress a cough when you have the common cold. In fact, honey is now recommended as a cough suppressant treatment for children over the age of 1.Goldman R, et al. (2011). Treating cough and cold: Guidance for caregivers of children and youth. DOI:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23115499 This is due to a small study that showed honey was superior to a placebo for children with acute upper respiratory infections. Paul IM, et al. (2007). Effect of honey, dextromethorphan, and no treatment on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. DOI:
10.1001/archpedi.161.12.1140

Stirring a bit of honey into your favorite herbal tea may loosen phlegm, soothe pain and soreness, and suppress a cough.

There are plenty of other home remedies you can try while you recover from a cold or a sore throat.

• Staying hydrated is essential for your health, even when you’re not fighting a cold. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water or other non-caffeinated fluids while you rest and recover from the common cold.
• Zinc supplements may work to reduce the amount of time you’re sick, especially if you can take them within 24 hours of your symptoms appearing.Goldman R, et al. (2011). Treating cough and cold: Guidance for caregivers of children and youth. DOI:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23115499
• Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, may help reduce headache, aching joints, and fever symptoms from a cold.
• Keep cough drops or throat lozenges handy. These help because they encourage your mouth to make saliva, which keeps your throat moist and eases soreness.

It can take some time for a cold to clear up. Most cold are caused by viruses, which means that there’s not much your doctor can offer you besides over-the-counter medication for symptom relief.

However, if your cold symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks, or if you notice your symptoms becoming more severe after 10 days, plan to see your doctor.

A cold that goes on for some time can be an indication of a bacterial infection that needs medical treatment.

Symptoms to look for include:

• pressure or pain around your forehead
• colored nasal discharge (brown, green, or blood-tinged)
• fever of 101 degrees or higher that persists for more than 24 hours
• sweating, shaking, or chills
• difficulty swallowing
• a deep, barking cough
• difficulty breathing

No scientific research points to one type of tea to drink when you have a cold. But in general, drinking herbal tea when you’re not feeling well is a good idea.

Staying hydrated with lots of decaffeinated drinks can help you recover. Just inhaling the steam from a warm beverage in your hand might help loosen congestion, and help you feel more rested.

What is the best tea to drink for colds: tips and tricks

Contents

• 1 What tea to drink for colds: top 5 effective varieties
  • 1.1 How to choose tea for colds?
  • 1.2 Benefits of tea for colds
  • 1.3 Main types of tea
    • 1.3.1 Black tea
    • 1.3.2 Green tea
    • 1.3.3 Herbal tea

    900 08

  • 1.4 Tea recommendations
  • 1.5 Green tea for colds : useful properties and recommendations
  • 1.6 Black tea
  • 1.7 White tea for colds: properties and benefits
  • 1.8 Red tea for colds: rejuvenation and health promotion
    • 1.8.1 Composition of red tea
    • 1.8.2 Useful properties of red tea for colds 9 0008
    • 1. 8.3 Preparation method
  • 1.9 Rosehip tea
  • 1.10 Peppermint tea for colds: benefits and uses
  • 1.11 Ginger tea for colds: tips and tricks
    • 1.11.1 What is ginger tea and how does it help with colds?
    • 1.11.2 How to make ginger tea correctly?
    • 1.11.3 Is it possible to drink ginger tea not only for colds?
  • 1.12 Echinacea in tea
  • 1.13 Lemon tea for colds: properties and benefits
  • 1.14 Honey tea for colds
  • 1.15 Combination teas for colds: benefits and methods of preparation
  • 1.16 Prohibited types of tea for colds
  • 1.17 Tea drinking routine
  • 1.18 Tips for choosing tea at the pharmacy
  • 1.19 Related videos:

Find out which tea is best for a cold. Explore herbal teas that can help boost your immune system and help manage cold symptoms.

The common cold is a very common illness, especially during periods of changeable weather and seasonal changes. Often, at the first symptoms, we try to cope on our own by drinking tea with lemon or honey. However, not all teas are equally effective. It is important to know which type of tea is considered the most useful for colds in order to quickly improve your condition and not exacerbate the disease.

Black, green, herbal – which tea to choose, and what should be considered when choosing? In this article, we will look at the most popular and most effective teas for colds, and also tell you what you should not drink at the first symptoms of the disease. Useful information that will help you stay healthy longer and forget about cold complications.

How to choose tea for colds?

When a cold comes, tea is one of the most popular symptomatic treatments. However, it should be remembered that not all types of tea are suitable for this purpose. It is important to choose a tea that will help with cold symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.

When choosing tea, pay attention to its ingredients. However, it is also important to consider your individual characteristics of the body. For example, if you are allergic to certain herbal ingredients, their use can lead to poor health. Therefore, if you are not sure about your preferences, seek the advice of your doctor or herbalist.

It is also worth remembering that tea is not the only remedy for colds. In addition to drinking herbal tea, it is important to observe the correct daily routine, rest, increase fluid intake and eat well. Only in combination, these measures will help to quickly cope with a cold and avoid possible complications.

The benefits of tea for colds

Tea is one of the most common drinks for colds due to its many healing properties. It helps with fever, reduces inflammation and improves immunity.

One of the main reasons tea is used for colds is its ability to loosen mucus in the airways, which can improve breathing and relieve coughing. Some types of tea also contain antioxidants that help fight viruses and bacteria.

In addition, many teas have sedative properties that can help you sleep when you have a runny nose and headaches that often accompany colds.

• Green tea – rich in antioxidants that help fight infection. It also contains some vitamins that can help boost the immune system.
• Ginger tea – contains substances that can help reduce inflammation and relieve sore throats and coughs. It may also help improve heart and digestive health.
• Honey and lemon tea – This combination can help reduce inflammation and cold symptoms such as headaches, runny nose and cough. Also, this drink can help boost the immune system thanks to vitamin C.

But, as with any treatment, drinking tea does not replace the advice of a doctor. It is always worth consulting with a specialist to remove all restrictions and avoid undesirable consequences.

Main types of tea

Black tea

Black tea is obtained from the leaves of the tea bush. It has a strong aroma and taste, contains caffeine, which promotes wakefulness and improves blood circulation. It is important to know that black tea-based tea is not always the best option for a cold. This is due to the fact that black tea acts as a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration, which, in turn, worsens the condition of a cold.

Green tea

Green tea is made from the same leaves as black tea but undergoes a shorter fermentation process. Green tea contains less caffeine, but is rich in useful substances – vitamins and antioxidants. These properties make green tea an ideal option for quenching thirst and promoting health during colds, because. it moisturizes the mucous membranes of the throat.

Herbal tea

Herbal teas are made from a variety of herbs and plants. They do not contain caffeine and may contain various nutrients that have beneficial effects on health. When we get sick with a cold, our body needs extra care and balance. It is herbs and plants that can be an ideal assistant in this process. For example, ginger and honey tea can be great for soothing your throat and reducing inflammation. It is important to remember that not all herbal teas are safe to drink during an illness. Therefore, before using them, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Tea recommendation

Tea composition: Please check the composition of the tea before purchasing. If you want to boost your immune system and fight off a cold, choose a tea with ginger, honey, lemon, or echinacea.

Decaffeinated: If you have a cold, it’s best to avoid caffeinated teas, which can have negative effects on your body. Look for decaffeinated teas like mint or chamomile.

Water temperature: Do not use boiling water to make tea, as it can irritate the throat. The optimum temperature for brewing tea is 85-90 degrees.

Amount of tea: Don’t go overboard with the amount of tea to discover all its flavors. Higher concentrations of tea can irritate the throat and contribute to dehydration.

Manufacturer: Pay attention to the tea manufacturer. Choose teas produced by large and trusted companies to avoid buying a low-quality product.

Green tea for colds: benefits and recommendations

Green tea is one of the most popular drinks for colds. It has many beneficial properties and helps to strengthen the immune system due to the content of antioxidants and catechins in it.

It is recommended to drink green tea warm, adding honey and lemon to it to enhance its beneficial properties. However, green tea should not be consumed in large quantities to avoid possible side effects such as insomnia.

• Conclusions:
• – Green tea has many benefits for colds
• – It strengthens the immune system and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• – It is recommended to drink green tea warm with honey and lemon
• – Avoid green tea in too much quantity

Black tea

Black tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world and can be very helpful for colds. It contains substances that can help to cope with the symptoms of the disease.

• Caffeine and theobromine – these substances found in black tea can help fight the fatigue and drowsiness that often accompanies a cold.
• Antioxidants – Black tea is a source of antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radical damage and boost the immune system.
• Tannins – These substances can help reduce the inflammation and irritation in the throat that comes with a cold.

Black tea can also help relieve nasal congestion and relieve headaches.

But do not abuse black tea – large doses of caffeine can adversely affect health. Therefore, it is better to drink it in moderation and to supplement it with other fluids, such as warm water with lemon or ginger.

White tea for colds: properties and features

White tea is one of the most valuable and useful types of tea, which is recommended for colds. It gets its name from the white felt covering on the tender buds and first two leaves of the tea plant. White tea is considered the most delicate and light taste among all types of tea.

White tea has antioxidant and immune stimulant properties, making it an ideal choice for colds. Its unique composition contains many useful vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins C, E, A, group B, manganese, potassium, magnesium and many others. They help strengthen the immune system and increase the body’s resistance to infections.

Whether you drink tea to treat a cold or just for fun, white tea is a must try. Its beneficial properties will help you stay healthy and enjoy a light and delicate taste.

Red tea for colds: rejuvenation and health promotion

Ingredients of red tea

Red tea, also known as pu-erh, has a unique composition due to which it has beneficial properties for our health. It contains such elements as:

• flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants;
• B vitamins, vitamin PP;
• minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, fluorine;
• theanine – an amino acid that improves mood and reduces stress;
• caffeine is a strong tonic component.

Useful properties of red tea for colds

Red tea has antiviral properties, which makes it very useful in the treatment of various colds. It strengthens the immune system, stimulates the cardiovascular system, and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Red tea also helps eliminate fatigue and unnecessary stress, rejuvenate the body and provide yourself with a boost of energy for the whole day.

How to prepare

To make red tea, pour boiling water over it and let it brew for 3 to 5 minutes, after which you can add lemon, ginger, honey or milk for a richer taste. The main thing is not to overdo it with its quantity, since red tea contains strong tonic substances.

So, red tea is a wonderful remedy for colds. It strengthens the immune system, gives energy, stimulates the cardiovascular system, improves mood and eliminates fatigue. Try to add it to your diet in the treatment of colds and feel all its beneficial properties for yourself!

Rosehip tea

Rosehip is a shrub that has long been used in folk medicine as a remedy for colds and other diseases. Rosehip tea is rich in vitamin C, which effectively fights infectious diseases and strengthens the immune system.

To prepare rose hip tea, it is enough to pour 1-2 tablespoons of dried or fresh berries into boiling water and steep for several minutes. Tea can be drunk warm or cold, with the addition of honey and lemon to enhance the taste and effect.

• Rosehip tea is an excellent remedy for colds and flu.
• The vitamin C content of rosehip tea helps fight infections and boosts immunity.
• Rosehip tea can relieve inflammation and sore throats and also has a laxative effect.
• Tea can be drunk hot or cold, with honey and lemon added.

Peppermint tea for colds: benefits and uses

Peppermint tea is one of the most popular cold drinks. Its feature is a unique fresh taste and aroma that freshens breath and relieves painful symptoms.

Peppermint tea has a number of benefits, especially for colds. It is an excellent bactericidal agent and helps to strengthen the immune system. Peppermint tea also relieves inflammation and reduces sore throats, improves the gastrointestinal tract and helps resist nasal congestion.

Mint tea for colds can be made with fresh mint or mint tea bags. Pour boiling water over a teaspoon of mint and leave for a few minutes. For the best effect, it is recommended to add lemon and honey to the tea.

Ginger tea for colds: tips and tricks

What is ginger tea and how does it help with colds?

Ginger tea is a drink prepared on the basis of ginger, which contains valuable vitamins and microelements. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it an ideal choice for colds.

How does ginger work? Its roots contain gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. These properties help fight infection and symptoms associated with the common cold, such as a runny nose, cough, and headache.

How to prepare ginger tea?

To make ginger tea, you will need fresh ginger, honey and lemon.

1. Peel the ginger root and cut it into thin circles.
2. Place the ginger slices in a saucepan and cover with boiling water.
3. Add honey and lemon juice.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Is it possible to drink ginger tea not only for colds?

Yes, of course! Ginger tea not only fights cold symptoms, but also strengthens the immune system, helps with digestive disorders and reduces stress levels. Ginger also contains antioxidants that slow down the aging process. Therefore, ginger tea is the perfect choice for every day!

Echinacea in tea

Echinacea tea is very useful for colds and flu. This herbal supplement helps boost the immune system and fight infection. Echinacea has been used medicinally for over 400 years and its effectiveness has been confirmed by many studies.

But be aware that Echinacea can cause an allergic reaction, so you should consult your doctor before using it, especially if you suffer from allergies to plants.

• Echinacea strengthens the immune system
• Adding echinacea to tea helps fight infection
• Consult your doctor before drinking

Lemon tea for colds: properties and benefits

Lemon tea is one of the most popular substitutes for a hot drink when cold. Its popularity is due not only to its pleasant taste, but also to a number of useful properties.

Lemon contains a large amount of vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight colds. In addition, lemon tea has a diuretic effect and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

To get the most out of your lemon tea, it’s best to make it with natural ingredients. Freshly brewed black or green tea with sliced ​​lemon and some honey is ideal.

• Lemon tea relieves cold symptoms (headache, weakness, runny nose).
• The acid contained in lemon has a beneficial effect on the stomach and improves digestion.
• Antioxidants in lemon protect the body from free radicals and prevent the development of cancer.

Despite the beneficial properties of lemon tea, in some cases its use may be contraindicated. In particular, it is worth abandoning the lemon with a stomach ulcer or increased acidity of gastric juice. In other cases, lemon tea can be drunk at any time, especially at the first sign of a cold.

Honey tea to fight colds

Honey tea is one of the most popular ways to fight cold symptoms. Its pleasant taste and aroma gently envelop the body, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. In addition, honey tea naturally has antibacterial properties that help the body fight infection.

To make honey tea, pour boiling water over black tea and let it brew for a few minutes. Then add a spoonful of honey and mix. If desired, you can add lemon juice – vitamin C will enhance the body’s defense against viruses and bacteria.

Honey tea can be drunk hot or cold. If you have a severe cough or sore throat, it is better to drink hot tea – this way it will warm the body faster and reduce discomfort in the throat. If you do not have a temperature and just need to quench your thirst, then you can drink honey tea cold, with the addition of ice and mint.

• Honey tea strengthens the body’s immune system
• Its pleasant taste and aroma envelop the body, reduce inflammation and allow relaxation
• Honey tea can be drunk hot or cold

Combination teas for the treatment of colds: benefits and methods of preparation

Combination teas are drinks that contain several types of herbs, spices and fruits that help fight colds . They may contain antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that help a weakened body fight infection.

Combination teas may contain various ingredients such as ginger, honey, lemon, mint, echinacea, St. John’s wort, cinnamon, etc. These ingredients can enhance each other in their beneficial properties and improve their palatability.

To prepare a combination tea, you can use herbal tea as a base by adding other ingredients to it. You can also brew several types of tea by adding spices or fruits to them. It is important to remember that additional ingredients must be of high quality and freshness for maximum potency and taste.

Combination teas can be a great way to fight a cold, but it’s important not to overdo it. As a rule, one to two cups of combined tea per day is enough to achieve the desired effect. If you have any unpleasant reactions, you should stop using the combination tea and contact your doctor for advice on treating your cold.

• Examples of combined teas:
• Ginger tea with honey and lemon
• St. John’s wort and mint tea
• Cinnamon and ginger tea and raspberries

Prohibited types of tea for colds

The common cold is an unpleasant disease that can lead to serious consequences if not treated appropriately. One way to treat a cold is to drink tea with honey, lemon, or ginger, but not all teas are good for a cold.

The first of the prohibited types of tea is tea with tonic effects, such as mate tea or green tea. These teas can cause an increased heart rate and worsen cold symptoms.

The second prohibited tea is caffeinated tea. Caffeine negatively impacts cold health by causing dehydration and increased urination, which can worsen cold symptoms.

The third prohibited type of tea is tea with alcohol. While alcohol can help you sleep and relax, it also increases your risk of dehydration and worsening cold symptoms.

To avoid the negative consequences of a cold, it is necessary to choose tea without a tonic effect, caffeine and alcohol. It is best to drink herbal tea with honey and lemon, chamomile tea or linden tea. It is important to remember that not only tea plays an important role in the treatment of colds, but also the correct daily routine, nutrition and rest.

Tea drinking regimen

One of the important aspects of treatment for a cold is the correct tea drinking regimen. The human body during this period needs a lot of fluid to cope with the infection and speed up the healing process.

It is recommended to drink warm tea to warm up the body and improve metabolism. It is also useful to add honey, ginger or lemon to tea, which will help fight the inflammatory process and strengthen the immune system.

• Tea can be drunk several times a day in small portions to maintain water balance in the body.
• Do not get carried away with strongly brewed teas, as this can further irritate the throat and aggravate cold symptoms.
• In addition to tea, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, freshly squeezed juices and herbal infusions to improve metabolism and cleanse the body of toxins.

It is important to remember that the regimen of drinking tea for a cold should correspond to the characteristics of a particular organism and be agreed with the doctor in order to avoid undesirable consequences and speed up the healing process.

Tips for choosing tea in a pharmacy

When choosing tea in a pharmacy, you need to pay attention to several important points.

• Composition . When you have a cold, it is good to drink tea that contains vitamins and antioxidants, as they help strengthen the immune system and protect against the effects of a cold. An excellent option would be tea based on ginger, linden, St. John’s wort, mint and nettle.
• Expiry date . When buying tea in a pharmacy, you need to pay attention to the expiration date. Fresh tea contains more nutrients, so it is better to choose those that were packaged no more than 6 months ago.
• Manufacturer . It is necessary to choose products from well-known manufacturers that regularly undergo quality control. This will avoid the negative consequences of drinking tea.

When choosing tea in a pharmacy, try to follow these tips. So you can strengthen your immunity, avoid the unpleasant consequences of a cold and just enjoy the taste of the tea that you like!

Related video:

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When you come to a doctor with a cold, he, prescribing tablets and drops, will definitely add: “And don’t forget to drink plenty of warm water”, first of all, referring, of course, to tea. Why, in general, is it recommended to drink teas with a cold? Therapist and gastroenterologist Alexandra Myznikova recalls: the more liquid a person consumes when he is at home, stricken with a virus, the more it is filtered by the kidneys:

– The virus enters the urine and is excreted with it. On the one hand, this is a purely mechanical process, says the doctor. — But besides that, tea contains flavonoids. These are substances that are part of the tea leaf – powerful antioxidants. The inflammatory process implies a chemical process of oxidation. Just in order to prevent it and the further development of the inflammatory process, we need flavonoids.

What kind of tea can you drink with a cold

The answer is which one do you like more: green, black, herbal. Saving flavonoids are found in any herbal tea – with herbs, leaves, berries. For example, there are a lot of these useful substances in the leaves of raspberry, currant, mint, sage, chamomile. By adding any of the ingredients to a cold drink, we will make it even healthier. However, when choosing which tea to drink to relieve cold symptoms, you need to consider the properties of plants.

“You need to choose herbs and supplements depending on the symptoms,” Alexandra Myznikova suggests. Chamomile, for example, has powerful antiseptic properties. Marshmallow and licorice have an expectorant effect. Ginger tea boosts immunity. Sage and eucalyptus contain essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the throat and nose. It fights well with mint and linden viruses. And, for example, rose hips and strawberries relieve heat.

Raspberry tea for colds

Photo: pixabay.com

Raspberry is a healthy berry. Pantry fiber, tannins, pectin. Raspberries also contain magnesium, selenium, iron, vitamins and a lot of ascorbic acid, which makes this wonderful berry something of a natural antibiotic.

Raspberry tea helps to stop inflammation in the body and reduces fever. Indeed, thanks to salicylic acid, which is in the berry, tea with it is an excellent diaphoretic.

By the way, children with a cold can also be given raspberry tea without fear. True, if they are not allergic to the berry. A tasty and healthy drink can be safely introduced into the baby’s diet from the age of two. Start with a tablespoon, and gradually increase the dose as the child grows older.

For tea, you can use both jam and raspberry leaves and twigs. Add a tablespoon of jam to a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 10 minutes – and you’re done. Another option for cold tea is to insist 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves for 20 minutes. Only boiling water will need a liter.

This drink also has contraindications: people who have an exacerbated gastric and duodenal ulcer should refuse tea with raspberries. Also, doctors do not recommend drinking it for gastritis and kidney diseases.

Lemon tea for colds

Photo: pixabay.com

Lemon tea’s “trick” is ascorbic acid, which helps our immune system resist sores. If you add lemon to green tea, then its effect is enhanced at times. And vitamin C, which in case of a cold needs shock doses, in turn “exacerbates” the antioxidants contained in tea leaves. Their beneficial effect on the body is increased by 7 times. So, if you choose tea with lemon for a cold, then its green “hypostasis” will be more useful than black. You need to brew such tea correctly: do not squeeze the juice into a cup, but use a slice of lemon with zest. After all, it has a lot of useful essential oils that kill germs. By the way, there is three times more vitamin C in the lemon peel than in the pulp.

But ascorbic acid is destroyed in very hot water. Therefore, if you want to keep its benefits to the maximum, do not immediately throw a lemon into boiling water, let the water cool slightly.

Tea with lemon also has some contraindications. In addition to “lemon allergy sufferers”, it is better to refuse this type of anti-cold drink for people with high stomach acidity. And for those who, in principle, experience problems with digestion, tea with lemon should not be drunk every day. Nursing mothers also need to be more careful with it: in a baby who eats mother’s milk, lemon can cause allergies and colic.

Tea with honey for colds

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Honey tea is the best warming drink. You need to drink it often and in small sips. In addition, it is an excellent diaphoretic and diuretic, able to lower the temperature and “wash out” microbes.

This tea enhances the protective properties of the body, relieves inflammation and relieves cold symptoms: chills, sore throat, headache. But it is especially good for dry cough. And thanks to the beneficial substances contained in honey, the drink helps a person recover as soon as possible.

But in order for the drink to bring the greatest effect, you need to remember that honey does not like boiling water. That is, you need to add it only to a drink that has cooled to room temperature. Otherwise, drinking from the healthy can become harmful: if honey is heated to more than 50 degrees, it completely loses its healing properties. But honey contains not only glucose and fructose, it contains almost all known vitamins, a huge amount of minerals, trace elements and enzymes.

The ideal option is to eat honey in a bite with warm tea.

Ginger tea for colds

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Ginger contains many useful substances. Potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese and, of course, vitamin C, as well as vitamins A, B group, zinc and sodium, essential oils make tea with this root one of the best anti-cold drinks. It relieves coughs and clears the upper respiratory tract.

Ginger tea strengthens the immune system and speeds up the metabolism, helping to quickly cleanse the body of toxins. This is also helped by the “sweating” properties of the root.

Today you can buy ginger in any form – fresh, dried and powdered, pickled. But the most useful tea will be with pieces of a “live” root. For a better anti-cold effect, it is added unpeeled to tea, since ginger peel is also useful.

However, you need to be careful with this drink. No matter how badly a person with a cold would like to drink tea with ginger, at a very high temperature this should not be done in any case: a burning root can increase it even more. Other contraindications of ginger tea are, of course, allergic reactions, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, excretory and cardiovascular systems.

Pregnant women, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy, should also be careful with ginger: it can cause bleeding.

Green tea for colds

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Perhaps the main substances that make green tea useful for treating colds are catechins, which have strong antioxidant properties. According to the experiments of Japanese scientists, this organic adsorbs viruses, including influenza, and suppresses their ability to reproduce. (1) Catechins also boost immunity, and together with other antioxidants, they remove accumulated toxins and prevent the formation of new ones.

In China, green tea is called the drink of longevity, and for good reason: it has much more useful than black tea – tannins, trace elements, minerals, amino acids and essential oils. The main vitamins of green tea are A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and P.

Drink a drink from young green tea leaves at the first manifestations of cold symptoms.

Green tea relieves coughs and fevers, due to its diaphoretic properties, it can reduce a slight fever, relieve inflammation.

Herbal tea for colds

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A healing drink for colds can also be prepared with herbs. Their set is huge, and each herb contains special essential oils, lipids, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids and plant hormones that can help cure a cold. In some cases, herbal teas even completely replace over-the-counter medications.

It is necessary to choose the herb for tea based on its properties. For example, thyme and chamomile are a good expectorant and antibacterial agent. These herbs are useful to drink with bronchitis, tracheitis and laryngitis.

Linden fights inflammation and “breaks into sweat” well, reduces fever, reduces sore throat. Brings down the temperature and tea with blackcurrant leaves. Sage relieves swelling from the mucous membranes, oregano soothes coughs and strengthens the immune system.

And, say, tea with echinacea helps with nasal congestion, with mint – destroys microbes, relieves nasal congestion and relieves headaches.

An excellent cold tea is obtained by mixing several herbs at once. The simplest mix is ​​made from dried mint, thyme and lemon balm. Take a pinch of each herb, add to the teapot where green or black tea is brewed, leave for 10 minutes – and you’re done. You can add a teaspoon of honey to the drink.

Chamomile tea for colds

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During the cold season, dried chamomile is a must at home: in filter bags or in bulk – it doesn’t matter. After all, chamomile tea for a person who has caught the virus is practically salvation. And all because the bactericidal components and vitamin C contained in the drink help the sick person to sweat well, bring down the heat, treat cough, sore throat and runny nose. In addition, chamomile tea stimulates the production of mucus, strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to viruses. The bactericidal properties of chamomile are given by apigenin, a bioactive flavonoid that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. (2) Chamomile flowers contain more apigenin than any other plant. In addition to it, this healing “sun” contains the herbal antiseptic chamazulene, ascorbic acid, bisabolol, which has an antimicrobial effect, etc.

Chamomile tea contains a lot of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, fluorine, magnesium, zinc and sodium.

The only contraindication is allergy to essential oils of the flower. And remember, chamomile comes in many varieties. Only the most unprepossessing of them can boast of healing properties – a meadow inhabitant with small and very fragrant flowers, and leaves that look like dill. It is called Matricaria chamomilla.

How to brew tea for a cold

Everything is very simple here: take any tea as a basis, add medicinal herbs, honey or lemon, ginger or raspberries and that’s it – the anti-cold drink is ready. And if you want, you can “spice up” the healing drink with several of the listed ingredients at once. It all depends on your taste and contraindications. If there are no prohibitions, you can safely experiment. And if you are afraid of unexpected tastes – choose classic combinations that will definitely not let you down – for example, ginger and lemon, thyme and rosehip.

When preparing a cold drink, remember that each type of tea has its own brewing temperature. For example, black tea, pu-erh and rooibos are poured with boiling water, water for green and white tea should be about 80 degrees, and for oolong – 90. Mate should be brewed with water at about 75-80 degrees.

You can also brew the herb without a tea base, but in this case, as associate professors of the Southwestern State University Svetlana Mikhailova and Elvira Pyanikova say in their scientific work, the drink will be less useful, since the substances contained in the tea leaf strengthen the immune system, which means , help the body of a cold person to recover as soon as possible. (3)

Herbs should be filled with water at least 100 degrees – only then they will give away all their useful substances. And do not forget that herbal tea needs a little brew.

“If the recipe says “we take so many parts of the herb,” a tablespoon is taken as a part,” says therapist Alexandra Myznikova. – The packaging of the herb indicates how to brew it. Now herbs are available in filter bags, which makes life as easy as possible. If we are preparing rosehip tea, then we take 5 tablespoons of dried fruits per 1 liter of boiling water. Infuse this mixture in a thermos for 6-8 hours. And a warm infusion is consumed 1 cup several times a day.

Cold tea recipe

Step 1

Boil water.

Step 2

Add freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice to a glass or ceramic teapot.

Step 3

Add chopped ginger and mint leaves.

Step 4

Add dried medicinal herbs.

Step 5

Pour hot water over mixture.

Step 6

Let the tea steep for about 5-10 minutes.

How to take tea for colds

It is better to drink anti-cold tea on an empty stomach, and its temperature should not exceed 50 degrees.

“Drinking should be adapted to body temperature as much as possible,” advises Dr. Myznikova. – So the liquid will pass through all the filtration barriers in the body faster.

In addition, too strong tea should not be brewed. It is not recommended to drink it immediately after a meal. Eat, pause for 15 minutes and only then take on a drink.

You shouldn’t drink yesterday’s tea either.

Popular questions and answers

Doctors Alexandra Myznikova and Nina Zinchenko answer frequently asked questions about the benefits of tea for colds.

Is it possible to drink tea with a cold with fever?

It is possible, but not everyone. For example, raspberries and honey are good to use at a temperature. But if the thermometer shows 39 degrees and above, then it is impossible to warm up – and raspberries and honey just warm up – in no case. Otherwise, convulsions may begin.

Tea with raspberries and honey is indicated at a low temperature, up to 38 with a little.

Can pregnant women drink tea during a cold?

A plentiful warm drink has a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman. Useful green tea, tea with lemon, raspberry jam, honey, cranberries, lingonberries. Good teas from chamomile flowers and linden inflorescences. But at short stages of pregnancy, it is better to refuse raspberry leaves in tea. They can cause uterine contractions and premature termination of pregnancy.

It is important for a pregnant woman to replenish the level of ascorbic acid in her body. Its main source is wild rose. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is recommended to take rosehip infusion.

It must also be remembered that in the later stages of pregnancy, heavy drinking can cause swelling.

Can children drink tea when they have a cold?

Children should also drink plenty of warm water for colds, but herbs and honey should be avoided if the child is allergic. In general, tea with honey and lemon, as well as raspberry jam, is a proven classic. But when preparing such tea for a child, be careful not to “oversaturate” the drink. Cold drink for a child should not be too sweet or sour, and the temperature of the drink should be close to body temperature.

In addition, tea based on tea leaves should not be given to children in the evening: the caffeine contained in the leaves can spoil sleep. So in the afternoon, herbal drinks will come to the rescue. Herbal tea for children may include linden blossom, blackcurrant leaves, raspberries, calendula, chamomile, sage, thyme. Herbal infused tea must be strained for a child. Daisuke Furushima, Kazuki I de , Hiroshi Yamada, Mamoru Isemura / Molecules. 2018 Jul; 23(7). URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6100025/

Comparative analysis of antimicrobial activity of infusions of calendula officinalis and chamomile / A.