Spring is a time of lush growth and the change of the season. With the beauty that comes in that change, there also comes a plethora of flu and colds that you don’t want to deal with. Tea is a great treat to indulge in that also offers immune-boosting properties that can help your preventative wellness regimen, and keep you healthier through even the most vicious flu seasons. Let’s dive into some of the most delicious flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy, minimizing your risk of sickness.
What does the body need to stay healthy?
When evaluating if your favorite tea will do the trick and keep you well and boost your immune system, it’s important to understand what our body needs to stay healthy during cold and flu season. Most notably, you’ll want to look for options that help your body naturally maintain your levels of vitamin C and D, which can defend against flu viruses. You can also get Vitamin D naturally by getting out in the sunshine, and soaking in those deliciously warm spring days.
Additionally, you can look for teas that offer benefits that promote your total-body health. For example, choosing blends that have a rich antioxidant profile or supportive measures for your other bodily systems can help reduce your body’s strain in that area and redirect its resources to keeping you well. This type of wellness framework is known as a more holistic approach to wellness. Teas can fit very well into this type of routine.
5 flu-fighting teas to enjoy
No one enjoys being sick — and teas are a great way to preserve and protect your natural health and immunity. Below, we’ve listed five top flu-fighting teas that you can enjoy all year long!
1. Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is delicious, classic, and a great tea to enjoy if you’re wanting to nip an oncoming flu in the bud. Often, viruses come with a variety of unpleasant symptoms that range from your average cold including GI upset and body aches and pains. Peppermint is a great tea that addresses both of these concerns, acting as a muscle relaxant that is gentle on your body and soothing to inflammation anywhere in your muscular system: either the smooth muscles in your GI tract or the body-wide skeletal muscles throughout your aching body. Peppermint can also soothe a sore throat quickly, offering a clean-tasting, comforting wash over your palate and throat.
2. Green tea
If you’re beginning to feel under the weather or want to mitigate the risk of getting sick, reach for your nearest box of green tea. This type of tea has been found to have high concentrations of vitamin C, and is known to be a powerful antiviral against the common cold and flu. More recent studies have also shown promise toward green tea is a natural combatant against certain strains of coronaviruses as well, but more research needs to be done before anything conclusive is found. The tea is also known to be anti-inflammatory and is packed with antioxidants for a powerful immune boost.
3. Black tea
That’s right — something as common as black tea can be a powerful tool against the common bacterial and viral infections during flu season. Flavonoids in black tea have been found to have flu-fighting properties. These types of antioxidants are known to be powerful antimicrobials that are highly effective and bioavailable in the body when ingested in tea form. Black tea is easy to enjoy as well and can be purchased at your local grocery store. For an added antiviral punch, consider blending it with citrus and cinnamon to get the most benefit from every cup.
4. Cinnamon tea
This type of tea is great for helping you to deal with the symptoms that can run rampant with brutal cases of the flu, including sore throats and congestion. When you drink cinnamon tea, you’re also ingesting its antioxidant polyphenols and proanthocyanidins that can reduce inflammation in irritated areas (such as the throat,) and offer temporary pain relief with each sip. It also gives your immune system a temporary boost and can be taken in tandem with other flu-fighting teas such as black tea.
5. Lemonbalm tea
Lemonbalm tea is ideal if you’re struggling with GI upset but still need a symptom-relieving, comforting tea to sip on. The flavor of lemonbalm is very mild, and it still delivers a potent blend of necessary antioxidants and antiviral properties that can help to shorten the length of your sickness. It’s also great to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infection, congestion, sinus pain and inflammation, and chronic coughs. Simply inhaling the steam before each sip can help to bring some instant relief.
We hope that these teas help you to prepare to weather cold and flu season. If you find yourself feeling under the weather, reach for these teas to get some relief. Stay healthy and well!
