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 compounds like eucalyptol, which is known for its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

When you drink this tea, eucalyptol helps to open up airways, making it easier to breathe, and reduces swelling in the nasal passages. This makes it a great remedy for colds, particularly for relieving congestion and sinus pressure. To use Eucalyptus globulus teas for colds, you can try the following: steep one teaspoon of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it warm or add honey to taste.

You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to your bath water or inhale it through a steam inhaler to get relief from congestion. When you take these actions, you can expect to experience a reduction in congestion and sinus pressure, making it easier to breathe. Your cough may also become less severe, and you may start to feel more comfortable. However, keep in mind that Eucalyptus globulus teas is not a substitute for medical treatment.

If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas contains compounds like alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These help to boost the immune system and reduce the severity of cold symptoms. When you're feeling under the weather, consider making a tea from dried Echinacea purpurea flowers and leaves. To use it effectively, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink 2-3 cups a day.

Start taking the tea at the onset of cold symptoms, ideally within 24-48 hours. This may help to reduce the duration and severity of your illness. As your body responds, you may notice a decrease in your fever, a reduction in congestion, and an improvement in your energy levels.

However, Echinacea purpurea teas may not cure a cold, but it can help alleviate symptoms and support your immune system while it fights off the infection.

3. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale teas contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties can help to reduce the severity of cold symptoms like congestion and coughing. The tea also contains antioxidants, which can help to fight off infections and promote healing.

When you have a cold, you can try drinking Zingiber officinale tea to help ease your symptoms. To get the most out of this tea, you can take the following steps: drink 2-3 cups a day, warm and sweetened with honey if needed, and combine it with other herbs like lemon and eucalyptus to enhance its effects. As you take action, you may notice that your congestion starts to clear, your cough becomes less persistent, and your energy levels increase.

Your body may also respond by reducing its production of mucus, which can help to ease breathing and make it easier to recover from your cold.

4. Thymus vulgaris

Thymus vulgaris teas contains compounds like thymol and carvacrol, which have antimicrobial properties that help fight off the underlying bacterial or viral infection causing your cold.

When you drink Thymus vulgaris tea, these compounds work to reduce inflammation and ease congestion, making it easier to breathe. They also have antiseptic properties that help to kill off the germs that are making you feel unwell. To try Thymus vulgaris tea for a cold, start by steeping a teaspoon of dried thyme leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink as a warm tea.

You can add honey or lemon to taste. Drinking 2-3 cups a day may help to reduce the severity and duration of your cold symptoms. Within 24-48 hours, you may notice a decrease in your congestion and cough, and your energy levels may start to return.

As the infection is cleared, your symptoms should subside, and you should start to feel better.

5. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that help fight off free radicals in the body.

These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce swelling and ease congestion in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Ginkgo biloba tea is also rich in bilobalide, a compound that can thin mucus and promote drainage, helping to clear out the nasal passages and sinuses.

To use Ginkgo biloba tea for a cold, you can make a hot tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes. You can add honey or lemon to taste, but be sure to drink it while it's still hot. Taking Ginkgo biloba tea for a cold can help alleviate symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and sinus pressure, and may also help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

Some people may experience relief from their symptoms within 24-48 hours of starting to drink the tea, while others may need to continue drinking it for several days to notice significant improvements.

6. Sambucus nigra

Sambucus nigra teas contains compounds that help ease cold symptoms.

The black elderberry's key constituents, including anthocyanins and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These properties can help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, such as congestion, cough, and sore throat. The tea's antiviral properties may also help combat the underlying viral infection causing the cold. If you're experiencing cold symptoms, try drinking Sambucus nigra tea regularly, ideally 2-3 times a day. You can also combine it with other herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger, to make it more palatable.

Consider taking the tea at the onset of symptoms to potentially reduce their severity. It's also essential to rest, stay hydrated, and use a humidifier to help relieve congestion. When taking Sambucus nigra tea, you may notice a reduction in cold symptoms within 2-3 days. Your congestion may start to clear, and your cough may become less severe. You might also experience relief from sore throat and body aches.

However, keep in mind that Sambucus nigra tea may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, so consult with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

7. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra teas contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it a great natural remedy for colds.

The main constituents, glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, work together to soothe a sore throat, reduce congestion, and combat viral infections. Glycyrrhizin, in particular, has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches.

Flavonoids, on the other hand, possess antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress and promote the healing process. To get the most out of Glycyrrhiza glabra teas for colds, brew a cup using 1 teaspoon of dried roots for every 8 ounces of boiling water, steep for 5-7 minutes, and drink 2-3 times a day. If you experience any discomfort or digestive issues, start with a small dose and gradually increase as needed.

As you continue to drink the tea, you may notice a reduction in congestion, a soothing of your throat, and an overall improvement in your energy levels.

8. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties.

This helps to reduce the swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and relieving congestion. The tea also contains thymol, a compound that has antimicrobial properties, which can help to combat the underlying infection causing the cold. When taken as a hot tea, the steam from the rosemary can help to loosen and clear mucus from the nasal passages. To use Rosmarinus officinalis teas for colds, steep one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.

Strain the tea and drink it as needed, ideally 2-3 times a day. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. As you drink the tea, you may notice a reduction in congestion and sinus pressure within a few hours. Your cough may also become less frequent and severe, and your body may start to feel more energized.

However, it's essential to note that these effects may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the cold.

9. Echinacea angustifolia

Echinacea angustifolia teas contains compounds like alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its ability to boost the immune system.

These constituents help stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off invading pathogens and reduce the severity of cold symptoms. By drinking Echinacea angustifolia teas regularly, especially at the onset of a cold, you can potentially reduce the duration and severity of your cold.

To reap its benefits, it's recommended to consume 1-2 cups of Echinacea angustifolia tea per day, ideally 3-4 times a week, as a preventative measure. However, if you're already experiencing cold symptoms, you can take Echinacea angustifolia tea up to 3 times a day. You can also combine it with other herbal teas like peppermint or ginger to make it more palatable.

By taking these actions, you may experience a reduction in symptoms like congestion, coughing, and sore throat, as well as a faster recovery time.

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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