By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Colds
Herbal teas for colds are a natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms associated with common colds by promoting relaxation, easing congestion, and boosting the immune system.
The best herbal teas for colds include Eucalyptus globulus, Echinacea purpurea, Zingiber officinale, Sambucus nigra, Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, and Lavandula angustifolia.
If left untreated, colds can negatively impact daily life, causing fatigue, decreased productivity, and strained relationships due to prolonged illness and discomfort.
1. Eucalyptus globulus
Eucalyptus globulus teas helps with colds because it contains a high concentration of eucalyptol, a natural decongestant that opens up airways and relieves congestion.
The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also help to soothe a sore throat and calm coughs. Additionally, eucalyptus globulus has antimicrobial properties that fight off the underlying infection causing the cold.
By reducing inflammation and killing bacteria, eucalyptus globulus tea can help to alleviate cold symptoms and promote a speedy recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eucalyptus globulus teas that help with colds.
- Cineole: This compound acts as a bronchodilator, helping to relieve congestion and make breathing easier during colds.
- Eugenol: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the severity of cold symptoms, such as sore throats and coughs.
- Limonene: This terpene has antimicrobial properties that help combat the underlying infection causing the cold, promoting faster recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Eucalyptus globulus used to make teas for colds.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part for making tea due to their high oil content, which provides decongestant and expectorant properties.
- Buds: The buds are also used to make tea as they contain high amounts of eucalyptol, a compound that helps relieve respiratory issues such as congestion and coughs.
- Barks: The barks are used to make tea due to their rich content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in cold relief.
2. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea teas helps with colds because it contains compounds that boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
The tea's active ingredients, such as alkylamides and glycosides, have been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate cold symptoms, such as congestion and sore throats.
Its natural antimicrobial properties also help combat the underlying viral or bacterial causes of colds, promoting faster recovery and relief.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with colds.
- Ishagerins: These constituents possess immunomodulatory properties, helping to boost the body's immune response and reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
- Alkylamides: Alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate congestion, cough, and sore throat associated with colds.
- Cichoric acid: Cichoric acid exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which can help reduce the severity of cold symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and headaches.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for colds.
- Roots: They contain a higher concentration of active compounds, making them a more potent ingredient for cold and flu relief.
- Leaves: They have a milder flavor and aroma compared to other parts, making them a popular choice for teas and infusions.
- Flowers: They contribute a pleasant taste and fragrance to teas, while also retaining some of the plant's medicinal properties.
3. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with colds because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to reduce congestion and relieve coughs by thinning mucus and opening up airways. Additionally, ginger's antibacterial and antiviral properties help combat the underlying infection, while its expectorant properties promote the removal of mucus, providing relief from cold symptoms and promoting a faster recovery.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate cold symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with colds.
- Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce congestion and alleviate cold symptoms.
- Shogaols: Shogaols exhibit antimicrobial activity, which helps combat the underlying infection that causes the common cold.
- Zingerone: Zingerone's ability to thin mucus makes it easier to expel, providing relief from congestion and coughing associated with colds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for colds.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the most commonly used part for teas due to their high gingerol content, which provides anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Roots: Roots are also frequently used for teas, as they contain active compounds that help alleviate cold symptoms such as nausea and congestion.
- Buds: Buds are often used for teas as they are rich in volatile oils, which contribute to their medicinal properties and aid in relieving cold-related discomforts.
4. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra teas helps with colds because it is rich in antiviral compounds that target the root cause of the illness.
The tea is derived from the elderberry plant, which contains flavonoids and anthocyanins that have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help to reduce congestion, ease sore throats, and alleviate body aches associated with colds.
The tea also supports the immune system by stimulating the production of cytokines, which help to fight off viral infections, promoting a faster recovery from colds and flu.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra teas that help with colds.
- Ellagic acid: Exhibits antiviral properties, helping to combat the virus that causes colds.
- Vitisin a: Acts as an antioxidant, reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms associated with colds.
- Deoxyascorbic acid: Contributes to the immune system by providing antioxidant properties and supporting the production of white blood cells to fight off infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Sambucus nigra used to make teas for colds.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of antiviral compounds, such as sambunigrin and sambucine, which help alleviate cold symptoms.
- Leaves: They are used as they contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to combat colds.
- Buds: They are used due to their high content of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which exhibit antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate cold symptoms.
5. Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris teas helps with colds because of its potent antimicrobial properties, which combat the underlying viral and bacterial infections causing congestion and discomfort.
The tea's active compound, thymol, has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens, reducing the severity of symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose.
Additionally, thymus tea's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe the respiratory system, promoting a faster recovery and alleviating congestion, making it a popular natural remedy for colds and flu.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Thymus vulgaris teas that help with colds.
- Thymol: Acts as an antimicrobial agent, helping to combat the underlying bacterial infections that often accompany colds.
- Carvacrol: Exhibits decongestant properties, relieving nasal congestion and sinus pressure associated with colds.
- Rosmarinic acid: Displays anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the severity of cold symptoms such as sore throats and congestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Thymus vulgaris used to make teas for colds.
- Leaves: Used for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties to help combat cold and flu symptoms.
- Buds: Used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to aid in soothing sore throats and relieving congestion.
- Flowers: Used for their antiseptic and expectorant properties to help ease coughs and promote the removal of mucus.
6. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with colds because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
The active compound glycyrrhizin in the tea helps to soothe a sore throat, reduce congestion, and ease coughing. Additionally, the tea's antimicrobial properties help to combat the underlying infection, while its expectorant properties aid in the removal of mucus and phlegm.
Overall, drinking Glycyrrhiza glabra tea can provide relief from cold symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with colds.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with colds by reducing inflammation and congestion in the respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe.
- Licoricidin: It helps with colds by exhibiting antiviral and immunomodulatory properties, which can help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
- Isoflavans: They help with colds by showing anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities, which can help alleviate symptoms such as sore throats and coughs.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for colds.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for colds due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for colds because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help to soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion.
- Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make teas for colds as they contain volatile oils and flavonoids that help to relieve cough and reduce fever.
7. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis teas helps with colds because of its natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea's active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and melissic acid, have been shown to have a soothing effect on the throat and nasal passages, reducing congestion and discomfort. Additionally, Melissa officinalis has antimicrobial properties that help combat the underlying infection, promoting a faster recovery from cold symptoms.
Its calming effects also help alleviate stress and promote a good night's sleep.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with colds.
- Rosmarinic acid: Helps reduce inflammation and alleviate cold symptoms, such as congestion and cough, by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linalool: Exhibits antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help combat cold-causing pathogens and soothe respiratory tract infections.
- Apigenin: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which can help alleviate cold symptoms, such as sore throat and congestion, by reducing inflammation and inhibiting viral replication.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Melissa officinalis used to make teas for colds.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of essential oils, which are responsible for their medicinal properties.
- Flowers: They are used to add flavor and fragrance to teas, and are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: They can be used as a base for teas, providing a subtle flavor and aroma, and are also rich in antioxidants.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with colds because it contains compounds like carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help to combat the underlying bacterial and viral infections that cause colds, reducing symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sore throats. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, promoting faster recovery and relief from cold symptoms.
This natural remedy offers a soothing and effective way to alleviate cold symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with colds.
- Rosmarinic acid: Helps with colds by exhibiting antiviral properties, reducing inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant to combat oxidative stress.
- Carnosic acid: Helps with colds by displaying antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can help combat the underlying pathogens causing the illness.
- Cineole: Helps with colds by acting as a decongestant and expectorant, relieving respiratory symptoms such as congestion and coughing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for colds.
- Leaves: They are the primary part used to make teas for colds due to their high concentration of rosmarinic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for colds because their essential oils and flavonoids have decongestant and expectorant properties, helping to relieve respiratory issues.
- Stems: They are sometimes used to make teas for colds, although less commonly than leaves and flowers, as they contain some of the same beneficial compounds, but in smaller amounts.
9. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia teas helps with colds because it contains powerful immunomodulatory compounds that stimulate the body's natural defenses.
These compounds, including alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, have been shown to enhance immune function, increase white blood cell production, and activate natural killer cells. By boosting the immune system, Echinacea angustifolia teas help the body to fight off invading pathogens more effectively, reducing the severity and duration of cold symptoms.
This results in faster recovery and reduced discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with colds.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate symptoms associated with colds.
- Alkaloids: They possess antimicrobial properties that can help combat the underlying viral or bacterial infections causing colds.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: These compounds have immunomodulatory effects, which can help boost the body's immune system to fight off infections and recover from colds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea angustifolia used to make teas for colds.
- Roots: Echinacea angustifolia roots are commonly used to make teas for colds because they are rich in alkaloids and glycosides that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: Echinacea angustifolia leaves are used in teas due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
- Roots: Echinacea angustifolia roots are also used in teas because they contain echinacoside, a compound that has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects and help combat infections.
10. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with colds because of its antimicrobial properties, which combat the underlying bacterial and viral infections.
The tea's high concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate soothe and calm the respiratory tract, reducing congestion and inflammation. Additionally, the tea's antispasmodic properties ease coughs and relieve tension in the chest, promoting a peaceful night's sleep and aiding the body in fighting off the infection.
This natural remedy promotes a speedy recovery from colds and flu.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with colds.
- Linalool: Acts as an antimicrobial agent, helping to reduce the growth of pathogens responsible for colds and flu, thereby aiding in the recovery process.
- Linalyl acetate: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate congestion and discomfort associated with colds.
- Rosmarinic acid: Demonstrates antioxidant properties, which can help mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation caused by the common cold, promoting a faster recovery.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for colds.
- Leaves: Their essential oils help combat infections and reduce inflammation.
- Flowers: Rich in antiseptic and antiviral properties, they aid in fighting off cold viruses and soothing respiratory issues.
- Stems: They contain bioactive compounds that help reduce congestion and alleviate coughs associated with colds.