Herbal teas for colds and flu are an effective and simple natural remedy to help relieve your symptoms.
I am writing this article in Mid October, and the weather is starting to feel distinctly chilly. As we move into the colder winter months and spend more time indoors with the windows closed, viral infections that cause colds and flu are circulating.
Herbal teas are simple to make and help to keep our fluid intake up. Therefore, they are ideal for colds and flu, when we need extra hydration and want a quick and easy natural remedy.
Here are three herb teas for colds and flu. They are comforting, therapeutic, and taste delicious.
Lemon, Ginger & Cinnamon Tea
This delicious tea helps to warm you up during a cold and helps to clear nasal congestion. In addition, the lemon adds vitamin C. Warming, aromatic, and delicious, you can drink this freely at the start of a cold until you feel better.
Ingredients
- Fresh ginger peeled and finely sliced. About 1 inch, or one tablespoon. Ginger is warming and decongesting while also being diaphoretic. Diaphoretics help to lower a fever by encouraging sweating.
- One quill of cinnamon. Rich and aromatic, cinnamon is warming and promotes good circulation. It also helps clear nasal congestion and thins mucous in the lungs relieving coughs.
- Lemon. You’ll need a good squeeze or one dessertspoon of juice. The lemon adds flavour and provides vitamin C. Vitamin C helps support your immune system and may help to shorten the length of your illness (Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold – PubMed (nih.gov))
Method
Place the ginger and cinnamon into a small saucepan with 1 cup of cold water. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the hob. Once simmering, cover with a lid and lower the heat. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat. Add the lemon juice and strain the mixture into a cup. Drink once cooled.
You may sweeten it with honey or brown sugar if desired.
Do not take this tea if you have gastritis, gallstones, or gastro-oesophageal reflux. Avoid during pregnancy or if you take blood-thinning or anti-diabetic medications.
Elderflower, Peppermint, and Yarrow Tea
This traditional herbal tea blend uses three herbal remedies that help to relieve symptoms of colds and flu. The tea will help clear nasal congestion and reduce any fever. Drink freely for the duration of your illness. This herbal blend is excellent at clearing catarrh and is ideal if you are prone to developing a sinus infection with a cold.
Ingredients
- 25g of dried elderflower. Elderflower is an excellent decongestant herb that helps clear nasal catarrh during colds, hay fever, and sinus infections. In addition, elderflower is diaphoretic and cooling, which helps to lower a high temperature.
- 25g of dried peppermint. Peppermint is a decongestant herb that works alongside the elderflower to clear nasal congestion. It is also diaphoretic. Peppermint has a strong and pleasant flavour.
- 25g of dried yarrow. Yarrow is a mildly warming diaphoretic herb that is excellent at helping to reduce a high temperature.
Method
Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of the blend and place it into a teapot. Add 1 cup of freshly boiled water to the teapot. Put the lid on the teapot and leave the herbal tea to infuse for 10 minutes. You can then strain the tea into a cup and drink once cooled. Aim to drink three cups per day.
Avoid using this herbal tea blend if you’re pregnant or taking blood-thinning medications. Do not take it if you are allergic to plants in the daisy (Compositae) family. This tea is unsuitable if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux.
Lime Blossom Tea
This one is super simple and only involves one herbal remedy. Lime blossom comes from the Linden Tree. It is a pleasant-tasting tea that is popular in France. This natural remedy is diaphoretic and helps to lower high temperatures. The tea is also decongesting and clears catarrh. It helps soothe irritating and chesty coughs. A gentle and calming remedy, lime blossom is ideal for both adults and children.
Ingredients
- One teaspoon of dried lime blossom.
Method
Place the lime blossom into a teapot and add one cup of freshly boiled water. Place the lid on the teapot and leave to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and drink once cooled. You can drink 3 or 4 cups of lime blossom herbal tea daily.
If you have heavy nasal congestion or are prone to sinus infections, you can add elderflower to the lime blossom. Elderflower is also suitable for children.
Large doses of lime blossom can make you feel nauseous.
When to Seek Help
You may need to see a medical professional if you develop a sinus infection or a chesty cough. See your GP if you have a very high temperature, feel breathless, or have chest pain. If your symptoms continue for more than three weeks, you should see your GP.
Summary
Here are three herbal teas for colds and flu. Try them to help with fever, nasal congestion, and cough. Quick and easy to make, these herbal remedies are tasty and comforting. Drink them throughout the day until you start to feel better.
Cautions
Consult your Medical Herbalist, GP or pharmacist before using herbs if you:
- Take any medication
- Have a medical condition
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
You can book your free discovery call here to find out more about how herbal medicine can help you
Disclaimer
This article does not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
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