What herbal teas are good for colds

The text is presented for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor. Recommended reading: “Why not self-medicate?”. Of course, it is impossible to cure a cold with tea, but it is quite possible to alleviate its symptoms. Some herbal drinks can relieve a sore throat and lessen other unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

Tea during a cold: what are the benefits

The cause of ARVI is the entry into the body and the reproduction in it of viruses that parasitize in the respiratory tract. The common cold, as a rule, does not pose a danger to humans. In most cases, recovery comes within 7-14 days.

The most common signs of SARS:

• sneezing;
• coryza;
• nasal congestion;
• headache;

• a sore throat;
• cough;
• muscle pain;
• elevated temperature.

A hot drink will help the patient warm up and slightly alleviate his condition. Contrary to popular belief, drinking hot liquids does not speed up recovery. ^[1]. Nevertheless, tea with ARVI can not be called useless either. Under the influence of hot mucus in the respiratory organs becomes less viscous and easier to remove. In addition, tea is a great way to protect yourself from dehydration. Dehydration reduces the body’s ability to resist viruses.

What teas to drink to relieve the symptoms of a cold

The list of herbal teas useful for SARS is very extensive. We list only those whose beneficial effects have been scientifically proven.

Camomile

The use of chamomile tea helps to strengthen the immune system, in particular, increases the body’s resistance to viruses that cause SARS. Scientists have established this fact for a long time. In the dried flowers of the plant, the researchers found a large amount of terpenes and flavonoids, which have medicinal properties. ^[2].

Ginger

In oriental medicine, ginger is one of the most popular natural medicines. The root of this plant contains more than a dozen different useful substances that give it healing properties. Ginger tea is also useful during a cold. It relieves sore throat and nasal congestion. Not so long ago, researchers were able to find scientific confirmation of this. ^[3].

The effectiveness of ginger in the treatment of various forms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis of viral and bacterial etiology has been proven. All this is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant. ^[4].

Green tea

This drink is known by many as one of the best sources of antioxidants. But with SARS, it is also very useful. It turned out that a drink made from green tea leaves relieves coughs. In addition, experimental studies have shown that catechins contained in the plant are effective against certain viruses that cause colds. ^[5]. But when using this drink for treatment, you should not forget that it contains caffeine, so drinking it before bed is a bad idea.

Echinacea

Echinacea-based natural remedies have long been known in folk medicine in Europe and North America. Today, the plant is of particular interest to researchers. Like any other hot drink, echinacea tea helps with nasal congestion, and also contains substances with antiviral effects.

Elder

Drinking elderberry teas will help shorten the duration of a cold and also relieve respiratory symptoms. And this assertion is not unfounded. In 2019, while studying the beneficial properties of berries, experts found substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in them. Their use will strengthen the immune system, and therefore increase resistance to viruses. ^[6].

Peppermint

The chemical composition of mint is very diverse, due to which this plant has many beneficial properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant. They make mint a good choice for supporting a cold-fighting immune system. ^[7].

Experts continue to study how peppermint affects the human body. But there is reason to believe that it helps to strengthen the immune system, prevents cell mutation and is good for the cardiovascular system. ^[8]. Drinking hot peppermint tea for nasal congestion can help ease breathing.

Tea with milk: is it worth drinking with SARS

Most herbal teas during a cold are only beneficial, as they can alleviate the symptoms of the disease. However, for many years there have been discussions in the scientific community about whether it is worth drinking tea with milk when you have a cold. Some experts categorically opposed such drinks, arguing that milk activates the production of mucus, thus aggravating the symptoms of SARS. But not so long ago, this theory was refuted and tea with milk also made it to the list of drinks recommended during a cold. ^[9].

What else will help relieve the symptoms of SARS

Natural remedies are not able to fully replace drug treatment, but it is possible to alleviate the symptoms with their help. For example, lemon juice mixed with warm water relieves a sore throat. Drinks with honey are a good way to soothe a bad cough. But it is worth considering that honey is contraindicated for children under 1 year old. Steam inhalation thins the mucus in the lungs and nose, making them easier to clear.

Studies have shown that taking probiotics during a cold can reduce its duration by about a day. ^[10]. Contribute to a more rapid course of SARS and irrigation of the nasal mucosa using salt water ^[11].

If a cold is accompanied by severe muscle pain, you can take ibuprofen or paracetamol, and nasal drops will relieve swelling and thereby make breathing easier. But nasal drops should not be used for longer than a week, as they can be addictive and have the opposite effect in the form of permanent nasal congestion. ^[12].

When to call a doctor

In most cases, a cold goes away on its own and you can do without a visit to the doctor. But if symptoms worsen or are unusual, seek medical attention.

Warning signs that it’s time to see a doctor:

• ARVI symptoms persist for 3 weeks or longer;
• symptoms do not improve;
• there was chest pain and difficulty breathing;
• sputum from the throat or nose has an uncharacteristic color;
• elevated temperature for a long time.

But still, in most cases, a cold does not require complex treatment, and herbal teas will help alleviate its symptoms.

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