Best Teas for Coughs and Colds: Natural Remedy 

 

When the cold season hits, a warm cup of tea can be just the soothing remedy you need. Teas have been used for centuries to combat the common cold, coughs, and to boost overall health. Let's explore some popular teas and their benefits that can help you feel better during those sniffly seasons. Teas are also a great alternative to taking cold medications made by big pharma.

Here is our staff's pick on Top 8 Tea For a Cough:

 

Ginger Tea

• Pros: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief, aids digestion.
• Why It Helps: Ginger tea is a powerhouse for fighting inflammation and easing pain, making it a go-to for sore throats and nausea. Its warming effect is perfect for those chilly, under-the-weather days.
• Proof it works: A randomized controlled trial found that ginger extract was effective in reducing the severity and duration of acute cough in patients with upper respiratory tract infections

Peppermint Tea

• Pros: Eases headaches, improves sleep, antioxidant-rich.
• Why It Helps: With its muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving properties, peppermint tea is a breath of fresh air for congested chests and stuffy noses, providing a natural way to clear sinuses and soothe headaches.
• How it works: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that peppermint oil was superior to placebo in improving symptoms of chronic bronchitis, including cough.

Echinacea Tea

• Pros: Boosts immunity, fights infections.
• Why It Helps: Echinacea tea is celebrated for its immune-boosting capabilities, offering a shield against colds by enhancing the body's defense system and speeding up recovery.
• Source of efficacy: A randomized controlled trial found that echinacea extract was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of colds and coughs in healthy adults.

Turmeric Tea

• Pros: Reduces pain, combats free radicals, lowers heart disease risk.
• Why It Helps: The anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric tea extend to reducing the discomfort from coughs and colds, while its antioxidant properties support overall health.

Chamomile Tea

• Pros: Supports digestion, hydrates, calms nerves.
• Why It Helps: Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea can help ease you into a restful sleep, an essential part of recovering from a cold. It's also gentle on the stomach, helping to soothe away any digestive discomfort.

Thyme Tea

• Pros: Treats respiratory illnesses, supports the immune system.
• Why It Helps: Thyme tea, with its bronchodilating properties, is a traditional remedy for coughs, helping to clear the airways and relieve symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Green Tea

• Pros: Enhances metabolism, rich in antioxidants.
• Why It Helps: The catechins in green tea not only protect cells from damage but also can help fend off viruses, making it a strong ally during cold season.

Honey Tea

• Pros: Soothes sore throats, offers natural energy.
• Why It Helps: The antimicrobial properties of honey make honey tea a comforting remedy for sore throats, while its sweetness and energy-boosting qualities can help lift your spirits when you're feeling down.

Incorporating these teas into your routine can provide relief and comfort when you're battling a cold or cough. Remember, while teas can help soothe symptoms and support your body's healing, they should complement, not replace, medical advice and treatments. Enjoy a warm cup of healing as part of your wellness practice during cold and flu season.