Best Teas to Soothe Colds, Flu, and Feel Better When Sick

Soothing Teas to Help Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

When you're feeling under the weather with a cold, flu, or other illness, a steaming mug of the right herbal tea can provide comfort and relief. Certain teas contain ingredients that help ease miserable symptoms like sore throats, congestion, aches, fever, and chills.

Keep reading to discover some of the best soothing teas to help you get back on your feet when sickness strikes.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is a spicy, invigorating beverage made from fresh or dried ginger root. It offers a number of beneficial compounds and properties that can help relieve cold and flu symptoms:

• Gingerol - This phytochemical provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
• Shogaols - These anti-inflammatory compounds also aid with nausea.
• Gingerdiols - Help suppress coughing and ease sore throats.
• Vitamin C - Ginger tea delivers immune-boosting vitamin C.
• Warming effect - The heat helps break up chest congestion.

Try sipping on ginger tea with lemon and honey to get relief from coughs, sore throat, body aches, fever, chills, and stuffy nose.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root tea contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps thin and loosen mucus secretions. This makes licorice tea an excellent choice for relieving chest congestion from colds and bronchitis. Other potential benefits include:

• Soothing irritated throats
• Quelling coughs
• Providing immune support
• Reducing inflammation

Look for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tea to avoid potential side effects of regular licorice consumption. Enjoy it plain or blended with mint leaves, cinnamon, and honey.

Throat Coat Tea

As you may guess from the name, Throat Coat tea is specifically formulated to help ease sore, scratchy throats. This warming herbal infusion contains:

• Licorice root - Soothes inflamed throats
• Slippery elm - Coats and protects sore throat tissues
• Marshmallow root - Reduces irritation and inflammation

Keep a stash of the individually wrapped Throat Coat tea bags on hand during cold season. It provides quick relief when that dreaded throat tickle strikes.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy used to boost immunity and fend off colds and flu. Echinacea tea may be able to:

• Activate immune cells
• Reduce inflammation
• Have antioxidant effects
• Lessen flu symptoms' duration and intensity

Drink up to three cups of echinacea tea daily at the first signs of sickness. Look for tea made with the entire echinacea flower and leaves, which contains the most active compounds.

Peppermint Tea

A cup of steaming peppermint tea can help clear sinus congestion and suppress coughs through its key components:

• Menthol - Thins mucus and provides a cooling, soothing effect
• Rosmarinic acid - Reduces inflammation and has antioxidant benefits
• Flavonoids - Have anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties

Sweeten the minty tea with a touch of honey for added soothing benefits. The menthol aroma also helps open up clogged airways.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric contains the powerful anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. Drinking turmeric tea can help relieve various cold and flu symptoms through curcumin's effects:

• Reducing nasal congestion and sinus pressure
• Boosting immunity
• Alleviating body aches and pains
• Quickening recovery time

Blend turmeric, lemon, honey, cinnamon, and ginger for a zesty immune-boosting tea.

Elderberry Tea

Elderberry tea is made from the berries of the elderberry bush. These deep purple berries deliver vital immune-modulating nutrients such as:

• Anthocyanins - Boost immune function and have antiviral effects
• Vitamin C - Wards off illness and supports immune cells
• Flavonoids - Provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory benefits

Research indicates that regularly drinking elderberry tea may reduce flu symptoms and duration. Enjoy it hot or iced.

Sage Tea

Sage's antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties make sage tea an excellent choice when you're dealing with a sore throat or cough. Drinking sage tea may help:

• Kill bacteria
• Reduce throat inflammation
• Ease coughs
• Relieve gastrointestinal issues

Its menthol content gives it a soothing effect for sore throats. Sweeten with honey or pair it with lemon for additional benefits.

Lemon Tea

Hot lemon tea offers a burst of vitamin C, fluids, and antioxidants to help you fight off an illness. Some key benefits include:

• Vitamin C boosts immunity
• Fluids keep you hydrated
• Antioxidants reduce inflammation
• Lemon juice aids digestion

Try adding lemon slices or juice to black or green tea along with honey, ginger, or mint for a soothing beverage when you're under the weather.

Tips for Drinking Tea When Sick

Keep these tips in mind to maximize the benefits of drinking tea when you have a cold, flu, sore throat, or other illness:

• Drink it hot. Opt for hot tea over iced to get the full soothing effects.
• Sweeten with honey. Honey has antimicrobial and soothing properties.
• Try herbal blends. Look for teas with multiple immune-boosting herbs.
• Steep it strong. Don't be shy with tea bags or loose leaves.
• Stay hydrated. Drink tea liberally as part of your daily fluid intake.
• Watch the caffeine. Limit black tea if it affects your sleep.

Sipping away at hot, soothing teas throughout the day and night is one of the most enjoyable ways to find relief when you're feeling under the weather.

The Bottom Line

Herbal teas like ginger, licorice root, echinacea, peppermint, lemon, and others can help provide relief from miserable cold and flu symptoms. They contain compounds that target inflammation, sore throats, congestion, coughs, immune function, and more.

Keep your favorite teas on hand so you can quickly whip up a hot mug at the first sign of sickness. Pair them with honey, lemon, spices, and other herbs for extra healing benefits.

Drink tea liberally when you're under the weather, along with plenty of fluids. The natural properties found in these special herbal brews can help you feel healthier and recover faster.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.