9 Best Herbal Teas For Cold
Herbal teas for cold are a natural remedy made from various plant extracts that are used to alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, such as congestion, cough, and sore throat.
These teas work by utilizing the antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs to boost the immune system and soothe the respiratory tract, thereby reducing the severity and duration of the cold.
Some examples of effective herbal teas for cold include peppermint, which helps to ease congestion and cough, ginger, which reduces inflammation and soothes the throat, eucalyptus, which opens up airways and relieves congestion, and lemon and honey, which provide antiviral properties and a soothing, antibacterial effect on the throat.
Additionally, herbal teas such as thyme, oregano, and slippery elm can also be used to treat cold, as they possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat the infection and promote healing.
1. Eucalyptus globulus tea
Eucalyptus globulus tea contains bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenes that help to treat the cold ailment by reducing inflammation and fighting off infections.
The decongestant and expectorant properties of this herbal tea help to relieve congestion and promote the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract, providing relief from cough and cold symptoms.
To make eucalyptus globulus tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried eucalyptus leaves with 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain and serve.
To treat the cold ailment, consume 2-3 cups of this tea per day, hot or warm, to help ease congestion and promote recovery.
2. Echinacea purpurea tea
Echinacea purpurea tea contains bioactive constituents such as alkylamides, phenolic acids, and glycosides that have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate symptoms of the common cold and flu.
This herbal tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce oxidative stress.
To make Echinacea purpurea tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea roots and flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and discard the solids.
To treat the cold ailment, consume 1-2 cups of Echinacea purpurea tea per day, either hot or chilled, and consider adding honey or lemon to enhance its soothing and immune-boosting effects.
3. Zingiber officinale tea
Zingiber officinale tea contains bioactive constituents such as gingerols and shogaols, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
The properties of this herbal tea include its warming and decongestant effects, which can help to relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat.
To make this tea, simply steep one-inch piece of fresh ginger in boiling water for five to seven minutes, then strain and add honey to taste.
To treat a cold, consume one to two cups of ginger tea per day, three to four times a day, and also use it as a steam inhalation by covering the head with a towel to help clear the sinuses.
4. Thymus vulgaris tea
Thymus vulgaris tea contains bioactive constituents such as thymol, carvacrol, and rosmarinic acid, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.
The tea's antiseptic and expectorant properties also aid in relieving congestion and cough, while its antioxidant properties help to boost the immune system.
To make Thymus vulgaris tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves with 1 cup of boiling water, let it steep for 5-7 minutes, and then strain the tea.
Consuming 1-2 cups of this tea per day, sweetened with honey if desired, can help to soothe a sore throat and reduce the duration of a cold.
5. Sambucus nigra tea
Sambucus nigra tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins, which contribute to its medicinal properties.
These constituents help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, making Sambucus nigra tea an effective treatment for the common cold.
The antiviral and antimicrobial properties of this herbal tea help to combat viral infections and soothe a sore throat, while its expectorant properties aid in relieving congestion and cough.
To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Sambucus nigra flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and consume 2-3 cups a day, warm or at room temperature.
6. Glycyrrhiza glabra tea
Glycyrrhiza glabra tea contains bioactive constituents such as glycyrrhizin, flavonoids, and triterpenoids that help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system.
This herbal tea exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in soothing sore throats, relieving congestion, and fighting off infections.
To make glycyrrhiza glabra tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried root in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and let it cool before consumption.
To treat the cold ailment, consume 1-2 cups of this tea 2-3 times a day, ideally before meals, to reap its medicinal benefits and alleviate symptoms.
7. Ginkgo biloba tea
Ginkgo biloba tea contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and bilobalide, which are known to help alleviate symptoms of the common cold by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this herbal tea help to soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and combat coughs, making it an effective natural remedy for cold and flu relief.
To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink up to three times a day.
Drinking Ginkgo biloba tea warm, ideally with honey and lemon, can help to loosen mucus, ease a sore throat, and promote overall recovery from the common cold.
8. Rosmarinus officinalis tea
Rosmarinus officinalis tea contains bioactive constituents such as carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and camphor, which possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant properties that help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
The herbal tea's decongestant properties help to relieve nasal congestion, while its antimicrobial properties combat bacterial and viral infections that cause the common cold.
To make this tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried Rosmarinus officinalis leaves in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink when cool.
Consuming 1-2 cups of this tea per day can help to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms, providing relief from congestion, cough, and fever.
9. Lavandula angustifolia tea
Lavandula angustifolia tea contains bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
The soothing and calming properties of this herbal tea also aid in relieving congestion, coughs, and sore throats associated with colds.
To make this tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in a cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain and drink.
To treat a cold, drink 1-2 cups of lavender tea, 2-3 times a day, while also practicing good hygiene, getting plenty of rest, and staying hydrated to aid in recovery.