8 Herbal Teas For Flu

Herbal teas have been a trusted remedy for flu for centuries.

They work by boosting your immune system, reducing fever, and soothing a sore throat. Echinacea purpurea, for example, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help fight off infections. It also stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are essential in fighting off flu viruses. Eucalyptus globulus is another popular herb used to relieve flu symptoms.

Its decongestant properties help to clear out mucus from your lungs, making it easier to breathe. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, is often used to calm a sore throat and reduce nausea. It's also a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help to alleviate body aches and headaches. Drinking herbal teas made from these herbs can also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which is essential when you're feeling unwell.

They can be enjoyed hot or cold, sweetened with honey or lemon, and can be made into a delicious and comforting drink that not only soothes your body but also lifts your mood.

This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for flu and wh.

1. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas contains active constituents like alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to combat the flu virus. The alkylamides in Echinacea purpurea teas stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. The glycosides and phenolic acids in the tea have antimicrobial properties, which help to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

By stimulating the immune system and fighting off the infection, Echinacea purpurea teas can help to alleviate the symptoms of the flu and promote recovery.

1. Gather 2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea purpurea root and flowers.
2. Add the Echinacea mix to 1 cup of boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Drink 1/2 cup of the tea, 2-3 times a day to help with flu symptoms.

2. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus teas contains compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, which give it antiviral properties.

Flavonoids, specifically quercetin and kaempferol, help reduce inflammation in the body, making it easier to fight off infections like the flu. Phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid and sinapic acid, have antimicrobial properties that help combat the flu virus. Terpenoids, including eucalyptol and limonene, exhibit expectorant properties, making it easier to cough up mucus and clear the airways.

These properties help alleviate flu symptoms by reducing inflammation, fighting off the virus, and making it easier to breathe.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Eucalyptus globulus leaves and 1 cup of boiling water in a heat-resistant cup.
2. Steep the Eucalyptus leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Strain the leaves from the water using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
3. Let the tea cool down for 2-3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten the tea, if desired.
4. Drink 1 cup of the Eucalyptus tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve flu symptoms. You can also store the tea in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
5. Consult with a healthcare professional before using Eucalyptus globulus tea for flu, especially if you have underlying health conditions or allergies.

3. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to the severity of flu symptoms. The antimicrobial properties of gingerols and shogaols also help combat the flu virus, preventing it from spreading and causing further harm. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of zingiber officinale teas help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can exacerbate flu symptoms.

By reducing inflammation, fighting the virus, and protecting the body, zingiber officinale teas can help alleviate flu symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process.

1. Gather 1 tablespoon of dried ginger root, 1 cup of boiling water, and a cup.
2. Add the ginger root to the cup.
3. Pour the boiling water over the ginger root.
4. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the tea.
5. Drink 1-2 cups of the ginger tea 2-3 times a day to help soothe a sore throat and reduce flu symptoms.

4. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra teas contains bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that help reduce the severity of flu symptoms. Flavonoids, particularly rutin and quercetin, have been shown to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. The antiviral properties of phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid, help to inhibit the replication of flu viruses, reducing the duration and severity of the illness.

Additionally, the terpenes in Sambucus nigra teas, like beta-caryophyllene, have anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate symptoms like fever and body aches.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Sambucus nigra flowers and leaves.
2. Place the Sambucus nigra flowers and leaves in a cup and add 1 cup of boiling water.
3. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes, then strain it into another cup.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea, if desired, and stir well.
5. Drink the tea 3-4 times a day to help alleviate flu symptoms.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce fever and soothe a sore throat.

The tea also contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Glycyrrhizin in the tea also helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel, and has a mild expectorant effect that helps to clear congestion. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas has antiviral properties, which help to inhibit the replication of viruses that cause the flu.

By combining these properties, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas can help alleviate symptoms of the flu, such as fever, cough, and congestion.

1. Gather 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root and 1 cup of water.
2. Boil the water in a pot and then reduce heat to low.
3. Add the dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root to the water and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the root. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to sweeten.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve flu symptoms.

6. Cinchona officinalis

Cinchona officinalis teas contains alkaloids like quinine and cinchonine.

These compounds help reduce the fever and alleviate the symptoms of the flu. Quinine, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease muscle and joint pain caused by the flu. Cinchonine has a property called astringency, which helps reduce the severity of flu-related respiratory issues like congestion and coughing.

Drinking Cinchona officinalis teas may provide relief from flu symptoms due to these bioactive constituents.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Cinchona officinalis bark and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Measure 2 cups of cold water and add it to a teapot.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of dried Cinchona officinalis bark to the teapot.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes, then strain it into a cup.
5. Drink the tea 3-4 times a day to help alleviate flu symptoms.

7. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris teas contains thymol and carvacrol, two active constituents that have antimicrobial properties.

These compounds help to fight off the flu virus by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness. Thymol also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the severity of flu symptoms such as fever and congestion. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of thymol and carvacrol work together to help the body recover from the flu more quickly.

Drinking Thymus vulgaris tea regularly may also help to boost the immune system and prevent future illnesses.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and 1 cup of boiling water.
2. Measure 2 tablespoons of honey and set aside.
3. Steep the Thymus vulgaris leaves in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and mix in the honey until it dissolves.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help alleviate flu symptoms.

8. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains carnosic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight off flu-causing viruses.

The rosmarinic acid in this tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the severity of flu symptoms such as congestion and fever. The camphor content in Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps to ease respiratory issues, making it easier to breathe when you have a cold or flu. The antiviral properties of rosmarinic acid also help to prevent the flu virus from multiplying in the body, reducing the duration of the illness.

By consuming Rosmarinus officinalis teas, you can potentially alleviate flu symptoms and support your body's natural defense against infection.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
3. Add the Rosmarinus officinalis leaves to the boiling water.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and drink it hot, 2-3 times a day to help with flu symptoms.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent flu from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help prevent flu, but its effectiveness varies.

Some teas, like peppermint and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe a sore throat and ease congestion. Others, like echinacea and yarrow, are believed to boost the immune system.

However, it's unclear how much of an impact herbal tea can have on preventing the flu.

Is it safe to consume herbal teas for flu every day?

While herbal teas can help ease flu symptoms, drinking them every day isn't recommended.

Some herbs can be too strong or interact with medications, causing problems. It's best to stick to the recommended amounts and not make herbal teas a daily habit.

This way, you can enjoy their benefits without any risks.

How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in flu?

Herbal teas can help with flu symptoms, but it's hard to say exactly how long it takes to feel better.

Some people notice a difference within 24 to 48 hours, while others may feel relief after a few days.

It depends on the individual and the severity of their flu.

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