Herbal teas are of use when you have caught a cold. But, why should one try out herbal teas while medications are available to cure cold and flu? As the times are turning more modern, we seem to be appreciating the inherent goodness of herbs and their healing powers. So, which are the best teas to have while you are down with cold?
The best teas to take when you have a cold are the ones that provide you with antioxidants and other essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, etc. Antioxidants are nature’s gifts to fight against threats from viruses and other harmful agents. Teas can help you flush out invading germs – bacteria and virus alike – while your body is resisting an external attack on its immune system.
Agents that cause infections are encouraged by cold weather conditions. The contrasting dryness and warmth we maintain to stay comfortable in our homes may further encourage a possible attack. A cold or flu attack is known by its usual symptoms including soreness of throat, respiratory problems, coughs, nasal drips, sinusitis, etc. Consumption of herbal teas can help boost your immunity levels. So, what are the best herbal teas? The list below lists the various options available and their benefits.
Linden tea
This tea is known for inducing sweat and also functions as a calming agent. Its sedative properties help you fight anxiety and stress which may often accompany a cold. Sweating is the best possible option to fight an attack of flu. Another added benefit is, it serves as a water pill (diuretic). This property helps you discharge unwanted salts and fluids from your system. Its core function is to enhance circulation of blood which in turn triggers a host of benefits. These benefits include detoxing your body, offering relief from needless tension, stress, etc.
Ginger tea
Ginger is blessed with a host of benefits including promotion of sweat, detoxing your body, etc. It is also a proven expectorant and can treat incessant coughs. Ginger tea is a time-tested drink to consume when you are down with a spell of flu, cold, fever, nausea and other related disorders. Its ability to cure sore throat and cold has made it a standard ingredient in lozenges and other herbal teas served to fight infections.
Thyme tea
The curative properties of thyme were identified several centuries ago. Thyme has a mix of substances to treat your respiratory problems. It is a proven herb to take when you suffer from acute spells of wheezing, gasping or an asthmatic attack. Thyme tea can treat swelling of your airways and can offer relief from a chronic coughing spell. Abundant presence of antioxidants is another good reason to consume it while you are down with a bout of flu and cold.
Elderberry tea
It is widely believed that tea made of elderberry has powers to cure common cold and other flu-like infections. Some of its variants are found to possess outstanding antiviral capabilities. These properties help cure colds. However, there are very limited scientific evidences to establish its power to treat such conditions.
Green tea
This is a very popular tea with many benefits assigned to it. The major benefit ascribed is the presence of antioxidants to boost your immune system. Another leading merit of the green tea is its ability to promote a healthy metabolic rate. More studies are under progress to clearly establish the association between green tea and its curative properties.
Rosehip tea
This herb is a time-tested ingredient to fight deficiencies of essential minerals and nutrients, especially vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for developing resistance against foreign germs as well as safeguarding your body from falling prey to symptoms such as flu, cold, etc. Rosehip tea contains a sizeable proportion of vitamin C to help you in overcoming tiredness, fatigue, weakness as well as lack of energy. This tea helps you detox and keeps harmful germs at bay. Not stopping with these benefits, rosehip tea can also cure high fever and gastrointestinal diseases.
Oregano tea
It is a spice used in kitchens in most parts of the world. It is often treated as an underdog despite some of its unique curative properties. Its unique strengths rest in the abundant presence of antioxidants and antibacterial agents. Added to the above, its antifungal strengths make it an effective tea to treat infections such as fever, cold, flu and other forms of viral attacks.
Echinacea tea
A plant named coneflower (purple) produces this herb. Echinacea is believed to contain a healthy mix of antioxidants to enhance your ability to fight diseases. In short, echinacea tea is purported to make your immune levels more robust and thus make you fit to fight viral attacks. The outcomes of consuming this tea await proper scientific validation. However, a few medical studies have assigned curative properties to this herb and its effectiveness in treating respiratory illnesses.
The right action to counter an attack of cold is to boost your immunity levels. Herbal teas are naturally provided with abundant antioxidants and nutrients that can enhance your immunity levels. Every time you sip one of the above mentioned herbal teas, you are upping the ante by waging an effective battle against invading and infection-causing agents like virus, bacteria, etc.
Always remember that you may have a common cold or flu due to a possible viral attack. If the cold is getting to a chronic state i.e., does not go away after 2 or 3 weeks, and its signs are getting worse, it is high time for you to see a physician. Persistence of colds for longer spell only means that the infection is acute and it may need proper medical attention and treatment.
As far as best tea is concerned, there are no established clinical evidences to support a particular type of herb or teas made of it. It is highly recommended to drink herbal teas when you are down with flu or cold.
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