Why does tea help colds

Black tea contains catechins that help to eliminate pathogenic bacteria to prevent you from getting sick in the first place. A hot cup of tea can help soothe sore throats and the aroma may help to open up airways and reduce coughing. Brew black tea using boiling water between and degrees Fahrenheit.

Use two to three grams of loose leaf tea for every eight ounces of water. Steep the tea leaves for three to five minutes. The longer the tea steeps, the stronger it will taste. Add a cinnamon stick for flavor and to boost the anti-inflammatory properties of black tea. White tea is the most delicate of the true teas. It offers a mild flavor with sweet and floral notes. The leaves are the most minimally processed of the true teas, making it a natural choice for sick people suffering from the cold or flu.

Like green tea and black tea, white tea contains antioxidants and compounds that help fight off cold symptoms. It's packed with tea catechins and amino acids such as l-theanine, which help to prevent the replication of harmful pathogens 3.

White tea has a delicate flavor profile that should only be brewed using hot water. Boiling water can ruin the tea's flavor profile. The proper way to brew white tea is to use water that is between and degrees Fahrenheit. Ginger root tea is a healthy elixir that can kick the cold and flu fast.

It's one of the most popular natural remedies thanks to its deliciously spicy flavor and potent health benefits. The spicy kick of the tea helps to open up the sinuses and reduce congestion. Ginger tea is also frequently used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by colds as well as motion sickness. Studies show that ginger tea is more effective than Dramamine and can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with a variety of conditions form the common cold to chemotherapy and morning sickness 4.

Brew a cup of spicy ginger tea using a 1-inch slice of fresh ginger. Add boiling water and steep for five to ten minutes. Add a dash of honey and a slice of lemon to boost the immune supporting properties. Teas such as lemon verbena tea, lemon balm tea, and lemongrass tea all have high concentrations of vitamin C. Research shows that vitamin C can help boost the immune system and kick colds faster 5. To reap these benefits, you'll need to increase your intake of vitamin C during the cold or flu episode.

Brew several cups of lemon-based teas and consume throughout the day to support immune health. Combine the benefits of green tea and ginger in one to brew up a flu fighter that will have you feeling back to normal in no time. The combination of green tea and ginger offers immune boosting properties that can build up the body's defenses. The catechins in green tea help to inhibit the replication of the virus while the ginger helps to soothe any symptoms you may already have.

To brew this tea, it's best to use hot water, not boiling water. Green tea can develop bitter flavors when brewed at high temperatures. Brew using water between and degrees Fahrenheit. Steep the loose leaf tea and fresh ginger in the water for 2 to 5 minutes. Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It has the most caffeine of the true teas, making it a good choice for a morning beverage. The tea leaves are oxidized and dried to create a rich, bold flavor that mimics the taste of coffee.

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine investigated the effects of black tea ingredients on flu viruses. Researchers found that flavonoids in black tea worked in coordination with healthy gut bacteria to prevent influenza infections. Certain types of gut bacteria use flavonoids to boost a molecule known as interferon, which signals the body to boost immune response 7. The study identified a gut microbe called Clostridium orbiscindens as one of the main actors in these health benefits.

The microbe metabolizes flavonoids to produce desaminotyrosine, also known as DAT. When researchers gave mice DAT and the infected them with the flu, they demonstrated less lung damage and flu side effects compared to placebo mice 8. Peppermint tea is a deliciously refreshing tea that boasts a tingling flavor. The tea is made by steeping mint leaves in boiling water.

The refreshing aroma can also help clear airways and improve respiratory infections. Research shows that peppermint extract inhibits oral pathogens including the flu 9.

This can help prevent the replication of the flu virus, stopping infections in their tracks. Peppermint tea can also help soothe flu symptoms including nausea and vomiting.

Pair it with a dash of raw honey to soothe a sore throat and promote better breathing. Echinacea tea is made from the herbaceous flower of the echinacea plant. It includes a collection of our best green and white teas along with recommended herbal blends for colds. It's a great value and an excellent all natural investment in your health. Monthly Tea Box. Blog Best tea for the colds or flu By Kevin B. October 23rd, Best tea for colds and flu You get the first signs of a cold!

Green tea for better immune system function Did you know that simply drinking tea on a daily basis will help boost your immune system? Best herbal tea for colds and flu Besides green tea, there is an arsenal of beneficial herbs that have been associated with helping overcome a cold or flu.

Best tea for colds - combined with Zinc If you sense a cold coming on - start taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours. Guava tea may help prevent the growth of type A flu [12]. This tea may be helpful in inhibiting the viruses in their initial stage of infection, and preventing epidemic, rapid spread of flu [13].

Green tea may boost immune system and help keeping common cold and flu at bay. A randomized controlled trial in Japan showed that catechins and theanine in green tea may be effective in preventing flu [14]. However, to benefit from green tea, one occasional cup might not be enough as the trial lasted for 5 full months. A good substitute is white tea, rich in catechins as well.

Elderberry is a flowering plant is used for making delicious tea and fruit syrups packed with benefits. Among others, is may help relieve the symptoms of flu and cold. One study showed it may be helpful in reducing the duration of symptoms for 4 days [15]. As an additional benefit, elderberry may be effective in treating herpes simplex too, often triggered by a common cold.

This article is for informational purposes only. Every person is different and may react to different herbs and teas differently.