Zap your cold symptoms with a warm cup of tea this cold and flu season. And don't forget to add honey!
Nothing provides relief from the winter blues quite like a warm cup of tea. And if you're fighting off a little something this cold and flu season, tea can be used in addition to traditional medicine to help ease symptoms like a sore throat.
Aside from the warmth and comfort you get from a cup of tea, there are some blends of tea that can actually help your body fight off illness. But not just any ol' cup of tea will do. Ahead are 10 types of tea to help soothe your sore throat, in addition to top-rated tea recipes to try this cold and flu season.
Drinking fluids in general is especially important when you're sick (as you've probably heard your doctor say). Fluids help to keep your throat moist, which reduces pain and irritation in your throat.
Why Drink Tea When You Have a Sore Throat?
Drinking fluids in general is especially important when you're sick (as you've probably heard your doctor say). Fluids help to keep your throat moist, which reduces pain and irritation in your throat.
Warm liquids like tea and broth are especially soothing to an irritated throat — all the more reason to enjoy a warm cup of tea! But aside from hydration, some teas can provide real health benefits and fight off illness.
While tea isn't going to be able to treat serious illness on its own, it can help ease certain symptoms like a sore throat. Many teas contain antioxidants, which are compounds that can help your body fight illnesses like colds and other viruses. Some teas and herbal blends are anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with colds.
And of course, what's tea without a little honey? Honey is naturally antibacterial, and helps to coat the throat and soothe irritation. So next time you're feeling under the weather, sip a few mugs of warm, soothing tea.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce swelling and repair tissue. It's also an antispasmodic, meaning it can help to reduce any coughing as well. And inhaling chamomile steam is a popular home remedy for treating respiratory issues associated with the common cold.
Try this loose-leaf blossom tea option:
Green Tea
You've probably heard green tea is good for you, but why? This light tea is packed with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. But the true illness-fighting power comes from its high antioxidant content. Studies suggest that gargling green tea at a comfortable temperature can help ward off sore throat symptoms. #mintgunpowder #greentea #japenesecherry
Try these Green Tea options:
Peppermint Tea
Because peppermint contains menthol, it asks an effective decongestant and soothing agent. It's a great choice before bedtime, as it helps aid in digestion, too. The antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory components of green tea all help in dealing with cold symptoms. #peppermintleaves
Try this Peppermint Tea option:
Black Tea
When you're feeling under the weather, skip your morning cup of coffee for a caffeinated cup of black tea. Not only will it wake you up, but it also has compounds called tannins that will help reduce inflammation and relieve sore throat pain. You can also gargle black tea at a comfortable temperature to help reduce inflammation. #blacktea #englishbreakfasttea
Try these Black Tea options:
Ginger Tea
Ginger root is loaded with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help fight off sickness at its root. Ginger may also help with lowering body temperature and reducing fever. Add a dash of cinnamon to increase the antibacterial effects. #gingerrooibos
Try this Rooibos option: