Best Teas to Drink When Sick with Cold or Flu

The Best Teas to Drink When You're Sick

When you're feeling under the weather, a steaming mug of tea can be a soothing and revitalizing comfort. Certain teas may even help relieve some of the symptoms of your illness. The best teas to drink when sick can provide antioxidants to support your immune system, fluids to stay hydrated, and ingredients to ease your specific symptoms.

Benefits of Tea When Sick

Drinking tea when you're sick, especially warm tea, can provide several beneficial effects:

• Warmth - Warm liquids can help relieve coughs and sore throats while also making you feel cosy.
• Hydration - Staying hydrated is key when sick, and teas provide fluids.
• Antioxidants - Teas contain plant polyphenols and antioxidants that support immune function.
• Phytochemicals - Compounds in teas may have anti-inflammatory, antiviral and other therapeutic effects.
• Comfort - The ritual of sipping tea is relaxing and calming when you're feeling ill.

Best Teas for Colds and Flu

Teas with ingredients that can help ease the symptoms of colds and flu include:

Ginger Tea

Ginger has long been used to aid digestion, soothe nausea, and reduce inflammation. It may help relieve:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Colds and flu aches
• Sore throat

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is an herbal ingredient often used to treat colds and upper respiratory infections. It may help:

• Boost immune system function
• Decrease inflammation
• Fight viral infections
• Shorten symptom duration

Peppermint Tea

Menthol in peppermint acts as an expectorant to help clear congestion. Peppermint tea may aid with:

• Chest congestion
• Coughs
• Sore throat
• Headaches

Black Tea with Lemon and Honey

This classic combination provides benefits like:

• Vitamin C from lemon to support immunity
• Sore throat relief from lemon and honey
• Catechins in black tea that are anti-inflammatory
• Fluids and warmth from the hot tea

Best Teas for Soothing a Sore Throat

Sore, scratchy throats are a common symptom of colds and flu. The following teas can help provide relief:

Sage Tea

Sage contains compounds like rosmarinic acid that act as natural anti-inflammatories. The anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe sore throat pain and irritation.

Licorice Root Tea

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory effects and can help coat and calm a sore irritated throat.

Marshmallow Root Tea

The mucilage in marshmallow root forms a soothing gel-like coating on the throat to relieve pain and irritation. It may also help reduce coughs.

Slippery Elm Tea

Like marshmallow root, slippery elm contains mucilage that forms a slick coating on the throat to ease soreness and coughs.

Best Teas for Cough and Congestion

Chest congestion and coughs often come hand-in-hand with colds and flu. These teas can help provide relief:

Thyme Tea

Thyme contains compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins that have antiviral, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties to help fight infection and clear congestion.

Oregano Tea

Oregano also has antimicrobial and expectorant effects. Hot oregano tea can help loosen mucus, fight infection, and suppress coughs.

Turmeric Tea

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits that can help ease coughs and congestion symptoms.

Eucalyptus Tea

Eucalyptus contains the compound cineole which acts as a natural decongestant and suppressant to help clear mucus and soothe coughs.

Best Teas for Nausea and Indigestion

Nausea, vomiting, and indigestion are common when fighting flu and other illnesses. These teas can settle an upset stomach:

Ginger Tea

Ginger's anti-nausea effects can calm nausea. It also aids digestion to ease indigestion and bloating.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint helps relax stomach muscles to relieve nausea symptoms. It also improves bile flow for better digestion.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has antispasmodic effects that relieve stomach cramps and discomfort. It also reduces nausea and facilitates digestion.

Fennel Tea

Fennel assists digestion by promoting secretion of gastric juices and easing intestinal muscle spasms causing cramps and nausea.

Best Teas for Colds with Headaches

Headaches are common during colds and sinus congestion. These herbal teas can help provide relief:

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint and menthol have analgesic effects that can help relieve tension headaches.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease headaches. It also has a mild sedative effect to relax headaches away.

Willow Bark Tea

Willow bark acts like a natural aspirin containing salicin to reduce headache inflammation and pain.

Rosemary Tea

Carnosic acid and other compounds in rosemary are anti-inflammatory helping reduce headache pain and pressure.

Best Teas for Colds with Fatigue

Feeling run down and fatigued often comes with fighting viral illness. These energizing teas can help boost alertness and energy when you're wiped out from a cold:

Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba mate contains caffeine to stimulate the mind. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to combat illness.

Black Tea

The natural caffeine in black tea helps overcome tiredness. Amino acids like L-theanine also improve alertness.

Oolong Tea

Oolong similarly provides caffeine to boost energy along with antioxidant benefits to support the immune system.

Green Tea

Green tea's catechins and L-theanine promote alertness and focus. Its antioxidants keep up immune defenses against illness as well.

Tips for Tea When Sick

To maximize the benefits of tea when you're under the weather, here are some useful tips:

• Drink tea warm, but not piping hot to avoid irritation.
• Add ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger or mint to soothe symptoms.
• Sip slowly to allow throat and mouth to benefit from the tea.
• Stay hydrated by drinking copious fluids in addition to tea.
• Select high quality loose leaf or organic tea when possible.
• Drink a variety of teas to get an array of beneficial compounds.
• Consult your doctor about any teas that could interact with medications.

In Summary

Drinking certain teas when you're under the weather with a cold, flu or other illness can help relieve symptoms and make you feel a bit better. Ingredients like ginger, peppermint, chamomile, and echinacea can ease sore throats, cough, nausea, headaches and more. Sipping warm, soothing tea is a comforting ritual that, along with adequate rest and medicine, can help you recover and get back on your feet.

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.