Cold and flu season is here—and on top of that, we’re still working our way through a global pandemic. When you feel awful, a good cup of hot tea can help soothe what ails you. Wondering what tea to drink when you are sick? When it comes to cold season teas, are they a temporary panacea, or will they actually help you get over your cold?
Here’s a guide to the best teas for cold season:
- Blueberry: Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which can fight illness and disease. If you’re feeling under the weather or simply want to prevent coming down with a cold, find a tea with natural blueberry content. It’s full of vitamin C, too, which will get you back on the road to recovery. As the antioxidants soothe your inflammation (the body’s natural response to illness or injury), you’ll feel better faster.
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea famously helps you relax and go to sleep, but it’s also been scientifically proven to improve your immune system and reduce the symptoms of colds and flus. (If you’re allergic to ragweed, beware: Chamomile tea can have the opposite effect on your allergies.) Its sweet, mild flavor makes it a pleasant beverage any time of year.
- Ginger: Ginger has long been used in alternative medicine thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. Ginger is great for balancing your digestive system, fighting off illness and making you feel warm from the inside out. Its spicy, distinctive flavor makes it great for the cold season, whether you have a cold or you’re just feeling cold.
- Hibiscus: Hibiscus flowers are packed full of iron, vitamins and antioxidants. It’s commonly used in many tea blends, thanks to its tart, pleasant flavor and beautiful bright red color. You might see it referred to as jamaica.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a citrusy herb that’s commonly used in Vietnamese cooking, but it makes a great tea, too. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which can address a whole lot of cold and flu season issues. You can drink lemongrass tea on its own, but it’s also found in many blends.
- Licorice root: Licorice root has antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help get rid of your cold faster. It has a light, natural sweetness, which makes it popular in a lot of tea blends.
- Peppermint: Finally, try peppermint tea when you want to soothe a cold or flu. Peppermint has a soothing effect on your digestive system, but its cooling properties can help your sore throat feel better, too. Its antiviral properties will help get you back on the road to recovery.
Don’t forget to add lemon and honey to many of these blends for extra vitamin C and throat-soothing benefits. Whichever tea you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy their many health benefits—not to mention all that delicious flavor.
Now that you know the best cold season teas to drink when you’re sick, stop by Bee Hive Natural Foods to pick some up. Call us today to learn more, or stop by to check out our selection.