9 Herbal Teas For Colds

Herbal teas can be a big help when you're feeling under the weather with a cold.

They're made from plants that have special properties that can soothe and calm your body. One reason herbal teas relieve colds is because they help to loosen up mucus and make it easier to cough up. For example, Eucalyptus globulus, also known as eucalyptus, is a common ingredient in many cold-relief teas. It has a natural decongestant that can open up your airways and make it easier to breathe. Another herb that's often used to fight off colds is Echinacea purpurea. This plant has been shown to boost your immune system, which means it can help your body fight off the cold virus more effectively.

This can help you feel better faster and reduce the severity of your symptoms. Ginger, which is made from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant, is also a popular ingredient in many herbal teas. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce congestion and soothe a sore throat. Drinking ginger tea can also help to ease nausea and make you feel more comfortable when you're not feeling well. Drinking herbal teas can bring many benefits to your life when you're fighting off a cold. For one, they can provide a much-needed boost of hydration, which is essential for helping your body recover from illness. They can also be a soothing and calming way to relax and unwind, which can help to reduce stress and promote a good night's sleep.

And, because herbal teas are natural and free from harsh chemicals, you can feel good about what you're putting into your body.

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

1. Eucalyptus globulus

Eucalyptus globulus teas contains several bioactive constituents that make it effective in relieving cold symptoms.

The main compounds found in this tea are eucalyptol, a camphor-like molecule, and flavonoids like diosmetin and eriodictyol. Eucalyptol has decongestant properties that help to open up airways and ease congestion, making it easier to breathe when suffering from a cold. Flavonoids in eucalyptus globulus tea have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, further alleviating cold symptoms.

By combining these properties, eucalyptus globulus tea helps to provide quick relief from cold and flu symptoms.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus globulus) or 1 tablespoon of dried eucalyptus leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
3. Add the eucalyptus leaves to the boiling water.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Strain the mixture.
5. Drink the tea hot or warm, 2-3 times a day, to help relieve cold symptoms.

2. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas contains active constituents like alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and volatile oils.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling in the throat and sinuses. Echinacea purpurea also contains polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system and increase the production of white blood cells to fight off infections. The tea's flavonoids and phenolic acids have antioxidant properties, protecting the body from oxidative stress caused by a cold.

By reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system, Echinacea purpurea teas can help alleviate cold symptoms and support the body's natural healing process.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Echinacea purpurea root and 1 tablespoon of dried flowers.
2. Boil 1 cup of water in a pot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the Echinacea purpurea root and flowers in a cup.
4. Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the liquid into another cup.
5. Drink 1/2 to 1 cup of the tea 3-4 times a day to help with cold symptoms.

3. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas contains active constituents like gingerols and shogaols.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the throat and sinuses. They also have natural decongestant properties that help loosen mucus and promote drainage, making it easier to expel excess fluids. Additionally, the warming properties of ginger help increase blood flow to the affected areas, which can aid in healing and reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Regular consumption of Zingiber officinale teas has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds.

1. Gather 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of dried Zingiber officinale root.
2. Boil the water in a pot and add the dried Zingiber officinale root.
3. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the mixture.
4. Add honey or lemon to taste, and stir well.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve cold symptoms.

4. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris teas contains thymol and carvacrol, which are powerful antioxidants.

These compounds help to reduce inflammation and combat infection, making them effective in fighting off colds and flu. Thymol also has antimicrobial properties, which help to eliminate the bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections. Additionally, the tea's expectorant properties help to loosen and clear mucus from the lungs, making it easier to breathe and recover from illness.

By drinking Thymus vulgaris teas, you can take advantage of its natural, effective ingredients to help your body recover from a cold.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Thymus vulgaris leaves and stems, or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves.
2. Heat 1 cup of water in a pot until it boils.
3. Remove the pot from heat and add the Thymus vulgaris leaves or stems.
4. Let the mixture steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the solids.
5. Drink 1 cup of the Thymus vulgaris tea, 2-3 times a day, to help relieve cold symptoms.

5. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas contains flavonoids, bilobalide, and ginkgolides as its active constituents.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce swelling and fight off free radicals in the body. The flavonoids and bilobalide in Ginkgo biloba teas can also help to thin out mucus and promote its expulsion, making it easier to breathe when congested. Additionally, ginkgolides have been shown to have an antiviral effect, which can help to combat the underlying viral infection that causes colds.

By combining these properties, Ginkgo biloba teas can help to alleviate cold symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process.

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves, and a tea infuser.
2. Place the tea infuser with the dried Ginkgo biloba leaves in a cup.
3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves in the tea infuser.
4. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes, then remove the tea infuser.
5. Strain the tea and drink it while it's warm, up to 3 times a day for cold relief.

6. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra teas contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

These compounds help to soothe a sore throat and reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. The flavonoids in Sambucus nigra teas also have antioxidant properties, which can help to combat oxidative stress caused by a cold. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the phenolic acids and triterpenes in Sambucus nigra teas can help to fight off viral and bacterial infections that cause colds.

The combination of these properties makes Sambucus nigra teas a popular choice for relieving cold symptoms.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh or dried Sambucus nigra flowers, 1 cup of water, and a tea infuser or strainer.
2. Combine the Sambucus nigra flowers and water in a pot. Heat the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture through a tea infuser or strainer into a cup. Discard the solids.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea, if desired, to help soothe a sore throat.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day, as needed, to help alleviate cold symptoms.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas contains licorice root extract, which is rich in bioactive constituents like glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce congestion and relieve coughs caused by colds. Flavonoids and phenolic acids in the tea have antioxidant properties that protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, further aiding in cold recovery. The soothing and anti-inflammatory effects of glycyrrhizin also help ease a sore throat, making it easier to swallow and breathe.

Drinking Glycyrrhiza glabra tea regularly may help alleviate symptoms associated with colds and flu, promoting a faster and more comfortable recovery.

1. Gather 1 cup of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root, and a tea infuser or strainer.
2. Place the dried Glycyrrhiza glabra root in the tea infuser or strainer.
3. Pour the boiling water over the root and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup using the infuser or strainer, and discard the root.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help relieve cold symptoms.

8. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant, and carnosic acid, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation.

These compounds work together to combat the underlying causes of colds, including the presence of free radicals that damage cells and the body's natural defenses. The antimicrobial properties of rosmarinic acid help to fight off invading pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, that can cause cold symptoms. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of carnosic acid help to alleviate congestion and sinus pressure, making it easier to breathe and recover from a cold.

By reducing inflammation and fighting off pathogens, Rosmarinus officinalis teas can help to alleviate the symptoms of a cold and support the body's natural recovery process.

1. Gather 1 cup of fresh Rosmarinus officinalis leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.
2. Boil 1 cup of water and let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Add the Rosmarinus officinalis leaves to the boiling water and let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup and discard the leaves.
5. Drink the tea 2-3 times a day to help alleviate cold symptoms.

9. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia teas contains several bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids.

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the body. The glycosides in Echinacea angustifolia, particularly echinacoside, have been shown to stimulate the immune system, increasing the production of white blood cells that fight off infections. The phenolic acids, such as caffeic and ferulic acid, have antioxidant properties that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

By reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system, Echinacea angustifolia teas can help alleviate symptoms of colds and other upper respiratory infections.

1. Gather 2 tablespoons of dried Echinacea angustifolia roots.
2. Measure 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot.
3. Add the 2 tablespoons of dried roots to the teapot.
4. Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain the mixture.
5. Drink 1/2 cup of the tea, 2-3 times a day to help relieve cold symptoms.

FAQ

Can drinking herbal tea prevent colds from forming?

Drinking herbal tea may help prevent colds, but it's not a guarantee.

Some teas, like echinacea and peppermint, contain ingredients that boost the immune system and fight off infections. These teas can also help soothe a sore throat and reduce congestion, making it easier to fight off a cold.

It's worth trying if you're feeling under the weather.

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

You can safely drink herbal teas for colds every day, but in moderation.

Some teas, like peppermint and ginger, have active ingredients that can be too strong if consumed too often. It's best to limit your daily intake to a cup or two and listen to your body.

If you feel uncomfortable, stop or switch to a different tea.

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

Herbal teas can start to help with cold symptoms within a few hours.

Some people feel relief from congestion and coughs after drinking a warm tea. As the body absorbs the herbs, you may notice your symptoms easing, like a sore throat feeling better or your energy levels increasing.

It's different for everyone, but some people start to feel better after a few hours.

What time of day is best to drink herbal tea for colds?

For a cold, try drinking herbal tea in the morning.

This helps loosen up mucus and gets your day started on the right foot.

As you're most congested in the mornings, a warm cup of tea can ease your breathing and make it easier to cough up phlegm, giving you a bit of relief to tackle the day ahead.

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