By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Infection
Herbal teas for infection are a natural and effective way to combat infections, offering relief from symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and inflammation.
These teas are rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, helping to boost the immune system and fight off pathogens. The best herbal teas for infection include Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Sambucus nigra, Echinacea angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Achillea millefolium, Hydrastis canadensis, Zingiber officinale, Cinchona officinalis, and Taraxacum officinale.
If left untreated, infections can lead to severe consequences, such as prolonged illness, organ damage, and even life-threatening conditions, severely impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with infection because it contains compounds that stimulate the immune system, enhancing its natural defenses against invading pathogens.
The tea's active ingredients, such as alkylamides and caffeic acid, have been shown to increase the production of white blood cells and activate immune cells like natural killer cells, allowing them to more effectively target and eliminate infected cells.
This results in a reduced severity and duration of infections, promoting overall health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with infection.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the growth and spread of pathogens that cause infections.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost the body's natural defenses against infections.
- Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides in Echinacea purpurea stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells and activating natural killer cells to fight off invading pathogens.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for infection.
- Roots: Roots are the primary source of Echinacea's medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds.
- Leaves: Leaves are used to create teas that can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, making them useful in fighting off infections.
- Flowers: Flowers contain flavonoids and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation, fight off infections, and promote wound healing.
2. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with infection because of its unique combination of flavonoids and terpenoids.
These compounds have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to boost the immune system and fight off invading pathogens. Ginkgo biloba extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, while also enhancing the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections.
This makes ginkgo biloba teas a valuable natural remedy for supporting overall health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with infection.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with infections.
- Bilobalide: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to combat infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and reducing inflammation.
- Ginkgolides: These biladienones have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation caused by infections, and also inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Seeds: Ginkgo seeds are rich in ginkgotoxin, a compound that has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial properties, making them effective against infections.
- Barks: The bark of the Ginkgo biloba tree contains salicylic acid, a compound similar to aspirin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat infections.
3. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with infection because of its high concentration of antiviral and antibacterial properties, particularly in its berries.
The tea contains compounds like sambucol and flavonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses and bacteria, ultimately reducing the severity and duration of infections. Additionally, Sambucus nigra's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm the body, promoting a healthy immune response and facilitating the recovery process.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for colds, flu, and other viral infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with infection.
- Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds help reduce inflammation and have antimicrobial properties, making them effective in fighting off infections.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties, which help combat viral and bacterial infections.
- Tannins: These compounds have astringent and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the severity of infections and promote healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: Contain antimicrobial properties that help combat infections.
- Flowers: Rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Fruits: Have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and heal infections.
4. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia teas helps with infection because it possesses potent antimicrobial properties, which aid in fighting off invading pathogens.
The plant's roots are rich in compounds that boost the immune system, enhance the body's natural defense mechanisms, and promote the production of white blood cells, ultimately helping to combat infections. Additionally, Echinacea angustifolia has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms associated with infections, such as sore throats and fever.
Its effectiveness makes it a popular natural remedy for infection prevention and treatment.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with infection.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infection by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
- Alkylamides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in infected tissues.
- Cichoric acid: This compound has potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, helping to prevent the spread of infection and promote the recovery of the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea angustifolia used to make teas for infection.
- Roots: They are used to make teas for infection due to their high concentration of alkylamides and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for infection due to their high content of flavonoids and caffeic acid, which exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for infection due to their ability to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation through the presence of alkylamides and other bioactive compounds.
5. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with infection because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which effectively combat a wide range of pathogens.
The tea's high eucalyptol content inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an excellent natural remedy for respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties also soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and reduce fever, providing quick relief from infection symptoms.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to promote healing and recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with infection.
- Cineole: It has antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infection-causing microorganisms.
- Α-terpinen-4-ol: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the severity of infection symptoms.
- Eucalyptol: It has a potent antimicrobial effect, inhibiting the growth of pathogens responsible for infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: Eucalyptus globulus leaves are commonly used to make teas for infection due to their high concentration of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Buds: Eucalyptus globulus buds are used to make teas for infection due to their high concentration of volatile oils that have decongestant and antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: Eucalyptus globulus leaves are also used to make teas for infection due to their ability to help open airways and reduce inflammation.
6. Achillea millefolium
Achillea millefolium teas helps with infection because of its potent antimicrobial properties.
The tea contains compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones and polyacetylenes, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These compounds work by disrupting the cell membranes of pathogens, ultimately leading to their death. As a result, Achillea millefolium tea can help alleviate symptoms of infections, such as fever, inflammation, and pain, promoting a faster recovery.
It may also aid in wound healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium teas that help with infection.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties that help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infection.
- Essential oils: These volatile oils exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to combat bacterial and fungal infections.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Achillea millefolium used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial properties to help prevent or treat infections such as wounds, cuts, and urinary tract infections.
- Flowers: Utilized for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and calm skin irritations and infections.
- Roots: Employed for their antibacterial and antifungal properties to address internal infections such as digestive issues and respiratory problems.
7. Hydrastis canadensis
Hydrastis canadensis teas helps with infection because of its antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of various bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The plant's alkaloid berberine has been shown to exhibit potent antibacterial and antiviral activity, making it an effective treatment for infections such as urinary tract infections and respiratory infections. Additionally, berberine has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and promote healing in infected tissues, making Hydrastis canadensis a valuable natural remedy for combating infections.
Its antiseptic properties also aid in preventing further infection.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hydrastis canadensis teas that help with infection.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids help fight infection by exhibiting antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of various bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Glycosides: Glycosides contribute to the infection-fighting properties of Hydrastis canadensis by displaying anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities that help combat bacterial and fungal infections.
- Tannins: Tannins help combat infection by exerting antimicrobial and antiviral effects that prevent the spread of pathogens and promote wound healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hydrastis canadensis used to make teas for infection.
- Roots: Roots are the most commonly used part of Hydrastis canadensis for making teas due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound with antimicrobial properties.
- Leaves: Leaves are another important part used in teas, as they contain berberine and hydrastine, which have been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes, or underground stems, are also used in teas, as they contain berberine and hydrastine, contributing to their antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
8. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with infection because of its potent antimicrobial properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These compounds work by disrupting the cell membrane of the microbe, ultimately leading to its death. Additionally, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, creating an environment that is less conducive to infection.
This makes ginger tea a popular natural remedy for various infections.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with infection.
- Gingerols: These compounds have antimicrobial properties that help combat bacterial and fungal infections by disrupting cell membrane integrity and inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
- Volatile oils: These terpenes exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and prevent the spread of infection by targeting and killing bacteria.
- Phenolic compounds: These compounds have potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thereby preventing infection and promoting healing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas because they contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas due to their rich content of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, which can help to combat infections.
9. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with infection because of its unique properties and active compounds.
The bark of the Cinchona tree contains quinine, a natural antimalarial and antibacterial agent, which helps combat bacterial and viral infections. Quinine has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms associated with infection. Additionally, Cinchona officinalis teas have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making it a valuable natural remedy for promoting healing and recovery from various infections.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to help combat infection.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with infection.
- Quinine: It helps with infection by exhibiting antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, particularly against malaria-causing Plasmodium species.
- Quinovic acid glycosides: They aid in infection-fighting by possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with infections.
- Kaempferol: It assists in infection management by demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: Contain quinine, a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic compound that helps to combat infections.
- Barks: Contain alkaloids that have antimicrobial properties, making them effective in treating infections.
- Seeds: Contain compounds that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing infection and promoting healing.
10. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale teas helps with infection because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The dandelion plant contains various bioactive compounds, including taraxasterol and inulin, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These compounds also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the body, making it an effective natural remedy for various infections, from urinary tract infections to respiratory issues.
Its soothing effects also help to calm the body and promote overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with infection.
- Taraxasterol: It has antimicrobial properties, which help prevent the growth and spread of pathogens causing infections.
- Inulin: It has prebiotic properties, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
- Phenolic acids: They exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, which help combat infection-causing pathogens and reduce inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Taraxacum officinale used to make teas for infection.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain a high concentration of taraxasterol and other bioactive compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: The flowers are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, helping to combat infections.
- Roots: The roots are used because they contain saponins and other bioactive compounds that have been traditionally used to treat various infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections.