10 Best Types Of Teas to Relieve Your Cough And Cold

Introduction

Winter is a flu season that hits hard and makes you sick. Having a sore throat, cold, cough, body pain from winter flu can make you curl up on the bed under a warm quilt with an excellent series on Netflix. But, one more thing is essential in this scenario since you are suffering from flu–a hot cup of tea. 

A hot cup of tea is a well-known antiviral throat soother, and that is the reason it is your grandma’s favourite home remedy when you get a cough or cold. Warm tea can soothe your sore throat, clear nasal blockages, and reduce inflammations. The most important thing when you are sick, you should keep yourself hydrated.  

When flu season hits, be prepared with various types of teas that can help you protect yourself. However, not all teas are the same. Some teas contain properties that give the immune system a boost and get rid of harmful germs. There are both herbal teas and true teas that can help to reduce flu symptoms and get you back on your feet. If you add a few drops of honey in your tea, then it may work as a natural cough suppressant.  

How Does Tea Help with Cough and Cold?

Drinking tea has shown to be beneficial when suffering from a cough. Research indicates that tea helps the immune system naturally recover and make it more effective when dealing with problems such as these.

Relieves sore throat- Tea helps to soothe a sore throat and provides immediate relief from coughing. In some cases, it has been more effective than prescription drugs.

Releases mucus- Drinking tea helps the body’s system to remove any mucus buildup that may have been causing discomfort.

Medicinal benefits- Tea is known for its medicinal benefits and anti-inflammatory quality that makes it effective in fighting a cough and cold.

Types of Teas for Cold and Cough Relief

1: Honey tea

Honey tea is nothing but warm water with raw honey. It is a natural way to ease the symptoms of cough and cold. It also provides some relief to your sore throat by reducing internal inflammation. Studies suggest that raw honey can be a natural cough suppressant and reduce the production of mucus. Honey also helps to reduce the severity and duration of cough. Stirring a few drops of honey into your favourite herbal tea may also help to loosen phlegm, soothe pain, and suppress a cough.

2: Lemon-based teas

Lemon-based teas such as lemon balm tea or lemongrass tea all have a high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants. Research shows that vitamin C boosts your immune system and protects you from flu symptoms. For best flavours and results, brew several cups of lemon-based teas and drink for an entire day to enhance your immunity.  

3: Green tea

Green tea is the healthiest type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and features a slightly sweet and earthy flavour. It is full of antioxidants and tea polyphenols that boost your overall health. These antioxidants help to reduce inflammation, eliminate harmful bacteria, and boost immunity. You can add loose leaf green tea to a tea strainer and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea leaves and add a dash of raw honey to increase soothing properties.

4: Ginger tea

Ginger tea is everyone’s favourite tea, particularly in the winter season. It has many health benefits too as it helps to reduce flu symptoms. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help to soothe an irritated throat and airways caused by coughing. Ginger contains some components that help to reduce cough and relax the airway muscles in the throat.

5: Peppermint tea 

A few drops of peppermint tea can make you feel better. Peppermint leaves contain menthol that has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint tea helps to soothe your throat and suppress your cough. They also clear the blocked sinuses and makes your breath easy. You can make a tea from fresh peppermint leaves by adding them to boiling water, then allow to steep for about 5 minutes and strain before drinking.  

6: Chamomile tea 

The dried chamomile flowers contain specific flavonoids that have soothing properties. It works great when consumed at night because of its tranquillizing effects. When you have a cough, cold, and sore throat, chamomile tea helps to decrease inflammation and thus reduces throat pain. It also helps to get enough sleep and reduce depression.  

7: Echinacea tea 

Echinacea is a famous remedy for respiratory tract infections. This purple flower decreases the risk of getting cough and cold by 58% if taken as a supplement. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help your immune system to get stronger and shorten your time spent with a cold or flu. Brewing tea is potentially a tasty way to get all that protective goodness.

8: Licorice root tea

Licorice root tea is a product of the root of the Licorice plant. The flavour is slightly bitter and salty with sweet undertones. It has been used traditionally for various disorders because of its antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to fight against cold and cough. It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses.  

Pregnant women should avoid using licorice roots. Also, keep in mind that consuming large quantities of licorice root might cause high blood pressure or drops in potassium levels.  

9: Elderberry tea 

Dark berries of the elderberry plant are full of antioxidants because of the presence of polyphenol in them. The syrups and extracts from the elderberry have shown an ability to shorten the time spent sick with the cold or flu.

10: Hibiscus tea 

Hibiscus tea is a famous herbal tea packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This tea helps to boost your immune system and helps get rapid recovery from flu symptoms. 

Though there are different teas present in the market with the tag of herbal tea, handpick them carefully. Some popular options are honey tea, peppermint tea and licorice root tea. Drinking the right tea may help you recover fast but consult a doctor if it lasts longer than three weeks.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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