For centuries, people from all cultures and across civilizations,have used herbal remedies to treat common everyday illnesses. In this post we offer 5 alternative health teas for cold and flu symptoms. Herbal remedies have long been used to treat many common illnesses and ailments such as colds, upset stomachs and toothaches.
In modern times the search for natural methods continues. In fact it is believed that in the US alone 6 out of 10 adults regularly use one, or more, forms of complementary or alternative remedies. So when you feel the onset of colds and flu, the arrival of those tell tale sickly symptoms, there are alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
In this post we provide the recipes for 5 Herbal Teas which are incredibly effective. Each is an excellent elixir for treating seasonal illness such as flu and colds.
Alternative Health Tea Base Mix.
But, before we look at each specific tea blend let’s talk prepping the tea mix. The idea of having to make all this tea once you are ill probably doesn’t sound great. That’s why in our house we mix up the tea before anyone is ill and have them stored like any other tea… in a dry, airtight container in the pantry. Then when someone needs one of the teas, simply match the recipe to the symptoms, place a spoonful or two of the mix in a teapot to steep, and your herbal healer will be ready in minutes!
The directions for making and storing each tea is simple. Add all the dry ingredients to a storage container. If the recipe calls for a wet or fresh ingredient such, as ginger root – you’ll add that on the day!
Dry Tea Storage:
- Combine each of the medicinal herb ingredients from your selected remedy into a container.
- Mix well and ensure the container lid is properly airtight
- The tea will be ready whenever needed.
To brew use the infusion method below.
Infusion Method:
- In a heat proof glass container, or saucepan, pour 3 cups of freshly boiled water over 4 – 6 Tablespoons of your preferred herbal tea mixture.
- Cover the mix and leave to steep for 30 – 45 minutes.
- Once you have allowed the tea to steep, simply pour through a strainer to remove the spent herbs and enjoy!
To benefit from their properties as they steep, use the mix as a vapor steam bath. Place your head over the steeping herbs and breathe in deeply. The steaming vapors from your medicinal beverage will clear stuffy noses and ease sore throats. Note: Steam from boiling water can burn your skin so before placing your face in the steam let the mix cool for 2 -3 minutes.
You can also make larger batches of the tea and refrigerate. When needed you can heat a glass up in a saucepan, over a gentle heat!
5 Alternative Health Teas For Cold And Flu.
1. Immunity Booster Herbal.
This herbal tea contains two of the very well known herbal immunity boosters: Elderberries and Rosehips.
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, that can assist in reducing inflammation and boosting your immunity. Research suggests elderberry extract can both reduce the length of cold and flu symptoms as well as make them less severe. This is due to its ability to prevent viral replication and increase cytokine production, which are important for the immune response.
Rosehips are the fruit of the wild rose plant and are bursting with vitamin C—one of the most important nutrients in supporting a strong immune system. This vitamin helps stimulate the production of white blood cells but more importantly, it is a powerful antioxidant, shielding cells from damage. Not to mention that rosehips have other great compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids that promote good health.
Elderberries and rosehips are a powerhouse duo when combined in herbal teas — delicious AND healthy! As an actual tea, it’s good for strengthening your body against seasonal illnesses, which is why it’s so popular around cold and flu season.
Packed with Vitamin C, in fact 40 times more Vitamin C than oranges and lemons, this is the perfect remedy when symptoms start to make themselves known.
1/2 Cup Dried Elderberries;
1/2 Cup Dried Rosehip;
1/4 Cup Broken Cinnamon Stick;
4 Tablespoons Chopped Root Ginger.
2. Maxed Up Vitamin C Booster
This tea is a perfect Alternative Health Vitamin C Booster to treat cold and flu symptoms! The wonderful thing about it is that it is great at anytime of the year. Serve hot or chilled and over ice!
Hibiscus, rosehips, lemongrass and lemon peel all contribute their own health benefits to herbal teas, especially when it comes to vitamin C.
Hibiscus, with its vibrant crimson color — which doesn’t just make it a visual delight — is loaded with antioxidants and has been found to be a particularly high source of vitamin C. Known for its tart flavor, this flower has the ability to boost the immune system and is a perfect pick during cold and flu season. Hibiscus can promote better heart health by helping both reduce blood pressure, offering a two-pronged attack on wellness.
Rosehips, the fruit of the wild rose, are another vitamin C powerhouse. Actually, they hold more vitamin C than oranges! Which is why they’re so great in cold-fighting herbal teas. Aside from being an immune-booster, rosehips are an abundant source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which can reduce the symptoms of colds and respiratory infections.
Lemongrass provides a citrusy addition to herbal blends as well as a boost of vitamin C. Renowned for its antimicrobial properties, lemongrass can help fight off infections and support the body’s natural defenses. It promotes digestion and can help lower a fever, so it’s a soothing pick-me-up when you’re under the weather.
Finally, lemon peel, which is usually forgotten, is a goldmine of nutrients. Not only does it contain vitamin C, but it includes flavonoids that augment the absorption of this vital vitamin. Lemon zest punches up teas with a bright flavor and can be a great detoxifier. Its natural oils contain antiviral properties, which can help bolster your natural immunity.
Put them together in a herbal tea and – not only do you have a delicious and refreshing drink – but you’re getting a powerful punch of vitamin C and other health benefits to power you through cold and flu season.
- 2 cups dried hibiscus;
- 2 cups dried rosehip;
- 1 cup lemongrass;
- 1 cup lemon peel;
- 1/2 cup black dried tea;
- 1/2 cup broken cinnamon sticks.
3. Headache Healer Alternative Health.
This herbal mixture is fantastic for helping relieve cold and flu symptoms especially if you are suffering from headache.It eases tension, calms feelings of nausea and helps to aid sleep.
Basil leaf, lemon balm, chamomile, lavender and green tea all have their own special health properties that can ease headaches and tension when steeped into a calming tea.
Basil leaf, which is great for its anti-inflammatory effects, helps ease headache pain by relaxing your body and releasing tension in tight muscles. Its fragrant oils can soothe, rendering it a wonderful complement to a restorative tea blend.
Lemon balm, a type of mint, is known for its capacity to reduce tension as well as nervousness. Its slight sedative properties will help to relax your mind and ease tension, making it a great option for stress headaches. Plus, lemon balm helps you sleep better, which can contribute to headache relief.
Chamomile is yet another calming super-hitter. Not only does it serve as a natural relaxant, but it also assists with muscle spasms, which is effective for tension headaches. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist in minimizing pain and induce relaxation.
Lavender, that highly fragrant herb, is not only highly aromatic, it’s also powerfully therapeutic. Famous for its anxiety-disarming qualities and relaxation enhancement, lavender is especially useful in combating tension headaches. Its soothing aroma may assist in establishing a restorative atmosphere.
Last but not least, green tea is loaded with antioxidants and has L-theanine, an amino acid that helps you relax without causing drowsiness. This renders green tea the perfect beverage for anything requiring stress relief and concentration. The caffeine in green tea can offer a mild energizing effect that may help to combat fatigue-induced headaches.
Mixing these herbs together into one tea can provide a powerful headache and tension remedy, delivering both instant relief and sustained stress management.
- 2 cups basil leaf;
- 2 cups lemon balm;
- 1/2 cup chamomile;
- 1/2 cup dried lavender;
- 1/2 cup green tea.
4. Sore Throat Soother Herbal Tea.
Sore throats are commonly associated with the symptoms of flus and colds.
Sore throat soother tea is a comforting brew that utilizes the healing nature of a few key ingredients, all of which soothe inflammation, provide relief and support your immune system during cold and flu season.
Sage Leaf: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, sage leaf can help soothe irritation in the throat. It’s got rosmarinic acid, which is proven to reduce swelling and pain. Plus, sage can help combat illness-causing agents — a great friend during flu & cold season.
Liquorice Root (or Slippery Elm): Liquorice root is renowned for its demulcent properties, meaning it forms a protective layer over mucous membranes, helping to alleviate soreness and irritation. It’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory which can help fight infection.
Slippery elm: Is loaded with mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes, making it a wonderful choice for alleviating discomfort.
Black Tea: Rich in antioxidants, black tea contains compounds like flavonoids that can strengthen the immune system. The warm liquid soothes and hydrates the throat and offers virtually instant relief. Among other things, the tannins in black tea are astringent and can aid in reducing swelling and irritation.
Cinnamon Stick: This aromatic spice not only adds flavor but also offers health benefits. Cinnamon is antimicrobial, and it can fight off bacteria and viruses. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm a sore throat, while warming you with comforting heat.
Ginger Root: Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce throat swelling and pain. It’s warming, which can boost circulation and thereby aid healing. What’s more, it functions as an expectorant, dislodging mucus in your throat and respiratory tract and easing your breathing.
Once you have brewed this you can add 1 Tablespoon of natural honey and the juice of half a lemon! Use dependent on your preferred taste.
Together these ingredients make a delicious tea that not only relieves a sore throat, but supports your body through cold and flu season. Enjoy this blend warm, sip slowly and let the healing magic happen.
You will also benefit, believe it or not, by adding a dash of cayenne pepper. Cayenne helps to soothe your sore throat and opens up the sinuses.
- 2 cups sage leaf;
- 1 cup licorice root (or slippery elm);
- 1/2 cup black tea leaves;
- 1/2 cup broken cinnamon stick;
- 1/2 cup ginger root.
5. Cure That Cough Herbally.
Chamomile is a well known and popular choice of alternative health tea for a sore throat. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe swelling and irritation, and its gentle sedative effects encourage relaxation — all especially valuable in the midst of a cold or flu. Drinking chamomile improves sleep, which helps the body heal itself.
Marshmallow leaf and flower are abundant in mucilage, a soothing, gel-like substance that coats the throat. This is why it’s such a great treatment for dry coughs and sore throats, as it shields it from irritation. Plus, marshmallow can assist in reducing inflammation and support overall respiratory health, which is a wonderful friend to have during cold and flu season.
Mullein leaf is renowned as an antispasmodic and expectorant. Not only does it soothe throat muscles, calming coughing spells, it encourages the removal of phlegm from the lungs. This double punch is what makes mullein especially powerful against dry coughs and congestion from colds and flus. Its natural compounds may boost lung function and calm irritated airways.
Green and black teas are rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, which can strengthen immunity. Both teas are anti-inflammatory and help relieve sore throat pain. Not only can the warmth of the tea itself be comforting, but the caffeine in black tea can give you a bit of a lift when you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Green tea’s health and wellness boost adds additional support to those recuperating from colds and flu. These alternative health teas will warm your soul and give your body the natural arsenal it needs to combat infection and calm an irritated throat.
- 1 cup chamomile;
- 1 cup marshmallow leaf and flower;
- 1 cup mullein leaf;
- 1 cup green, or black, tea.
Chamomile tea benefits
Another tea that is perfect for easing seasonal illness is Chamomile. It’s a popular herbal tea known for its soothing effects brewed from dried flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla plant. We tend to associate it with relaxation, but its usefulness extends past unwinding. Around the world, folks consume chamomile to softly encourage sleep, digestion, and overall well-being.
The primary advantage of chamomile tea is that it’s naturally soothing. For those with stress or sleep issues, a warm cup before bed can help establish a relaxing tone. This effect arises from some plant compounds, such as apigenin, which can bind to particular receptors in the brain. Apigenin’s action is believed to aid in slowing brain activity and preparing the body for sleep. It is important to note some research has observed consistent consumption could aid in stabilizing sleep patterns. This varies based on individuals.
Chamomile tea can aid mild stomach upset. All throughout cultures, it’s a staple for smoothing out cramps, bloating, or that post-meal heaviness. Its mild anti-inflammatory and muscle-calming properties may relax the lining of the gut, making it a very gentle choice for sensitive stomachs. Those who eschew harsh medicines tend to flock to the mild, homeopathic profile of chamomile.
The other is chamomile’s role in general wellness. The tea contains antioxidants, which assist the body in combating cell harm from such sources as pollution or stress. It’s not a magic bullet, incorporating chamomile into a healthy diet can provide additional immune system support. For those of us who prefer to steer clear of sugar-loaded drinks, chamomile tea is a great naturally caffeine-free unsweetened alternative – perfect for hot or cold weather.
Chamomile tea is readily available in stores and online, and it’s a breeze to prepare at home! A standard cup consists of approximately 2 grams of dried flowers steeped in hot water for 5 – 10 minutes. It’s a good idea to consult a doctor if you’re allergic to plants in the daisy family or if you’re on medication, as chamomile can cause mild reactions.
Other Types of Herbal Teas
Herbal teas originate from a variety of plants, roots, seeds, and flowers. Unlike black or green tea, the majority do not contain caffeine. We drink them for flavor, tradition, or to support our well-being. Numerous varieties are utilized in households and clinics around the globe.
- Ginger tea is derived from fresh or dried ginger root. It’s tart, peppery flavor is commonly employed for queasiness or to warm the body.
- Hibiscus tea, a deep red color, is prepared from dried hibiscus flowers. It’s tangy & a favorite in hot spots. Others sip it to reduce blood pressure.
- Rooibos tea, from South Africa, has a rich, earthy taste but no caffeine. Typically consumed straight or with some milk, it’s believed by some to calm the spirit.
- Lemon balm tea, from the mint family, is light and lemony. Use lemon balm tea for stress or when you need to sleep for hours!
- Dandelion root tea is earthy and slightly bitter. Some use it for liver health or just as a daily warm beverage.
- Fennel tea is a gentle, sweet liquorice-flavoured tea. Others think it aids digestion.
Herbal blends are popular. These often mix a lot of herbs together to form new flavors and effects. For instance, a popular blend is lavender, lemon balm and rose petals for a soothing tisane. Another is cinnamon, cardamom and cloves which can be used to warm the body or aid digestion.
Herbal teas span cultures, from Asia’s chrysanthemum tea to South America’s yerba mate. Each kind has its place in everyday life, health, or ceremony. I hope you have enjoyed this post and that you will try one, or more, of these alternative health teas for when you feel the onset of cold and flu symptoms.
Do you know other recipes and natural remedies? Have you tried these? How were the results? Please leave a comment below, or contact us directly here.
