There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting cup of tea when you’re feeling under the weather. Not only does it soothe your throat and warm your body, but some teas also pack a punch with healing properties that help you recover from colds and flu more quickly. With natural ingredients that have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting qualities, these teas are powerful herbal remedies that can ease symptoms like a sore throat, cough, and congestion.
9 Teas for cold and Flu
If you’re looking for the best teas to help with cold symptoms, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll explore the 9 best teas for cold and flu that you should add to your home remedy arsenal.
1. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is one of the most popular choices for alleviating cold and flu symptoms. It’s known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fantastic tea to help soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion. Ginger also aids in combating nausea and upset stomach, which are common flu symptoms.
The spicy warmth of ginger helps open up nasal passages and clear congestion, allowing you to breathe easier. Plus, ginger tea is rich in antioxidants that help strengthen your immune system.
Best time to drink: Sip ginger tea early in the morning or between meals for an energizing and soothing effect.
2. Chamomile Tea
If your cold symptoms are keeping you up at night, chamomile tea is your best friend. Chamomile is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it the perfect tea to drink before bed. It helps promote relaxation, soothes irritated throat tissues, and even has mild anti-inflammatory effects that can help your body heal faster.
Drinking chamomile tea can also help relieve coughing and soothe sore throats, making it an excellent option for calming both your mind and body when you’re battling a cold.
Best time to drink: Enjoy a warm cup of chamomile tea before bed to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
3. Peppermint Tea
When your nose is stuffy, and your head feels heavy, peppermint tea is an excellent natural decongestant. Peppermint contains menthol, which helps open up your airways and relieves sinus pressure. It also soothes headaches and clears nasal congestion, making it one of the most effective natural teas for flu.
Peppermint tea also has a cooling and refreshing flavor, which can help alleviate some of the discomforts of being unwell. Whether you’re experiencing sinus congestion or an irritating cough, peppermint tea can offer immediate relief.
Ideal for: Drink peppermint tea when you’re feeling congested or dealing with headaches from a cold.
4. Echinacea Tea
Echinacea tea is a powerful immune booster that can reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. Studies show that drinking echinacea tea at the onset of a cold can shorten the duration of symptoms, thanks to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re looking for a way to bolster your immune system and fight off viruses, echinacea tea is one of the best teas for cold relief. It helps your body fend off infections and keeps your symptoms from worsening.
Perfect for: Drink echinacea tea as soon as you feel the onset of a cold to give your immune system a boost.
5. Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, green tea is known for its immune-strengthening properties. Green tea helps your body fight off infections and prevents viruses from taking hold. Drinking green tea regularly can help keep colds and flu at bay by boosting your immune system and reducing inflammation.
The antioxidants in green tea also help combat oxidative stress, which can contribute to illness, making it one of the best teas to have during the cold and flu season.
Recommended for: Sip on green tea in the morning or afternoon to keep your energy levels up and strengthen your immune system.
6. Licorice Root Tea
For those suffering from a persistent cough or a scratchy throat, licorice root tea can offer quick relief. Licorice root has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help ease coughing and throat irritation. It also has mild antiviral effects, which can help reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
Licorice root tea is one of the best teas for sore throat relief and persistent coughing. Its naturally sweet flavor also makes it a pleasant choice for when you’re feeling unwell.
Best for: Drink licorice root tea when you’re dealing with an irritating cough or throat discomfort.
7. Lemon and Honey Tea
A classic cold remedy, lemon and honey tea is packed with antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight off infections. Honey is a natural soothing agent, while lemon is rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient for boosting the immune system. Together, they make a powerful combination to ease a sore throat, relieve congestion, and calm coughing fits.
This simple and effective tea is easy to make and can be enjoyed throughout the day to keep your cold or flu symptoms in check.
Great for: Drink lemon and honey tea throughout the day for consistent relief from cold symptoms.
8. Turmeric Tea
Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, helps reduce inflammation, fight infections, and boost your immune system, making turmeric tea an excellent choice during cold and flu season.
Turmeric tea can help soothe sore throats, reduce coughing, and alleviate body aches, making it a powerful addition to your home remedies for flu.
Best time to drink: Drink turmeric tea midday or early evening to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
9. Elderberry Tea
Last but not least, elderberry tea is a well-known herbal remedy for colds and flu. Elderberries are packed with immune-boosting antioxidants and have antiviral properties that help fight off infections. Elderberry tea can reduce nasal swelling, ease sinus congestion, and shorten the duration of a cold or flu.
For anyone looking to bolster their immune system, elderberry tea is a must-have during the cold and flu season.
Ideal for: Drinking elderberry tea during cold and flu season helps fight off viruses and keeps your immune system strong.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
To get the most out of these herbal teas for flu, it’s important to brew them properly. Use freshly boiled water, and steep the tea for at least 5-10 minutes to allow all the beneficial compounds to infuse. For added flavor and healing benefits, consider adding honey, lemon, or a dash of cinnamon.
The next time you’re feeling under the weather, turn to these best teas for cold relief. From soothing sore throats to boosting your immune system, these teas offer natural, effective remedies to ease cold and flu symptoms. Whether you’re drinking ginger tea for congestion or chamomile tea to relax before bed, each of these teas brings its own unique healing properties to help you recover faster.
At Tea Culture of the World, we offer a wide selection of premium tea blends that are perfect for the cold and flu season. Explore our collection and find the perfect tea to soothe your symptoms and keep you feeling your best.