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What are the usual doctor’s orders when you have a cold? Rest, drink plenty of liquids, and use Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help with aches. In addition, this physician (me) also recommends hot tea or tisane as a wonderful natural remedy for cold and flu that helps relieve the scratchy throat while keeping you well hydrated. Herbal teas for cold and flu also have additional benefits based on the herbs and spices they contain.
Writing this blog brings back memories from childhood and also makes me smile. How I nurse my daughters when they cough or cold is much like how my mother and grandmother cared for me. An integral part of this was homemade remedies, including haldi doodh (turmeric milk) and kadha (a traditional Indian drink).
Discover the soothing power of herbal teas for cough relief. Explore a variety of herbal teas for sore throat, colds, and flu that can help ease coughs and congestion, providing natural comfort during cold and flu seasons.
Our Golden Turmeric Latte is infused with turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties, relieving cold symptoms, soothing coughs, and easing congestion.
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I use our Herbs & Kettles Calming or Cleansing Golden Turmeric Latte instant tea mixes and sweeten it with delicious local honey. This is one of our best hot teas for cold and flu season. If you wish to sweeten it, add honey, a wonderful demulcent that helps coat the inflamed throat and reduce the pain.
Let me take you to my childhood memories; when I had a temperature of 103 F, sniffles, and body aches, my grandmother, the matriarch of our house, immediately made some haldi doodh or turmeric milk for me. If you have Indian roots, this is probably the go-to unique concoction for flu season.
Interestingly, turmeric or golden milk for colds and coughs has been passed down to our family for generations, and I also make this herbal remedy herbal tea for colds and flu for my children. However, I promise it tastes much better than the OG flu tea recipe, and my girls can vouch! Instead of dairy, I use oat milk as I enjoy its creamy, nutty flavor. Our golden lattes are excellent mixes with probably the purest and most potent Lakadong Turmeric and just a pinch of black pepper to help its absorption.
Unlike the original turmeric milk that was given as a cold and tea flu medicine to everyone in my family, our Herbs & Kettles Calming Golden Latte has not only wonderful earthy Lakadong turmeric and black pepper, but also has aromatic, sweet wild cinnamon and calming ashwagandha. Our Cleansing Golden Latte, on the other hand, has ginger instead of ashwagandha with other ingredients - Lakadong turmeric, black pepper, and wild cinnamon being the same. My grandmother uses ghee and milk, as fat increases turmeric absorption, but nut milk provides the same benefit.
Chamomile tea for colds and flu is also an excellent soothing remedy. Chamomile is a good herbal tea for sore throat and helps with symptoms like sore throat, congestion, and relaxation.
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While unwell, some of you might have difficulty falling into a deep slumber that will speed recovery, and chamomile tea might be just the solution. Steep 2-3 g of our whole single origin chamomile flowers in 6 fl-oz of water at 180 F for 1-2 minutes. Strain, pour, and enjoy. Our beautiful, high quality whole chamomile flowers can be re-steeped multiple times to give you at least 3-4 delicious cups. Enjoy maximum relaxation and hydration!
Picture this: a refreshing cup that cleanses and embraces your taste buds, perfect for sipping if you are down with cold and congestion! This magical tisane isn't just a tea; it's a lifestyle choice. One of the good teas for cough, the Ginger Lemongrass tea is packed with ginger and lemongrass's anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and immune-boosting powers. It's your go-to cup for soothing those pesky coughs and congestion.
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Other tea that I would recommend when you have flu-like symptoms are our Turmeric Green Tea for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Ginger Lemongrass Tea with its antiviral properties, or be creative and find your concoction of homemade tea recipe for cold or flu that you think would help most. Let me also tell you that curcumin in turmeric has known antibacterial effects, aiding in relieving cough and cold symptoms. Additionally, the antioxidants may support overall respiratory health, making this combination a soothing and effective remedy for respiratory discomfort during colds and coughs.
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Our Immune booster is based on my grandmother’s recipe; she will be so proud of it. Not only is it delicious, but it is easy to steep in tea bags (that are plastic-free); it’s just what you need when you have flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, sore throat, body aches, or fevers. Or a pick-me-up when you are feeling under the weather!
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Another thing my grandmother ensured we got was kadha, a hot liquid concoction or herbal tea based on the principles of Ayurveda made from herbs and spices. Kadha is also made in Indian homes and has been offered as a cold and flu tea medicine for many generations. Common ingredients include turmeric, ginger, holy basil, and cinnamon. Our Immune Booster Tea, one of the best teas for cold symptoms, contains wonderful single origin ingredients like green tea, turmeric, giloy (tinospora cordifolia), ginger, licorice, holy basil, cinnamon, and rose petals, each with a meaningful and healthy purpose.
Having Green tea for sore throat gives back its wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties; giloy (tinospora cordifolia) helps boost immunity and has antibacterial and anti-viral properties ginger, the spice known for digestive properties, also has anti-viral properties, licorice which is also found in lozenges has anti-viral properties and reduces sore throat, cinnamon also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, rose petals add a wonderful aroma and help you relax. This superb combination of adaptogenic herbs and spices in our Immune Booster Tea is just the best tea for cold and flu you need the next time you feel sick.
If you are unsure what tea you would like to or want to have a whole array to choose from or gift a loved one who is not feeling well, I recommend our Wellness Tea Combo or Wellness Tea Gift Set, with Cleansing Golden Latte, Spiced Adaptogen Latte, Golden Tranquility Tea, and Turmeric Green Tea.
Shop Now: Wellness Teas Combo
Shop Now: Wellness Teas Gift Set
Adaptogenic herbal teas are a powerful tool against the flu as they support the adrenal and immune systems, helping the body adapt to stressors and illnesses like the flu. Cleansing Golden Latte with Lakadong turmeric, ginger, wild cinnamon, and black pepper helps reduce inflammation and enhances detoxification as ginger is a digestive. Spiced Adaptogen Latte with ghost chilli, ashwagandha, black cardamom, and stevia has adaptogenic properties. It helps combat fatigue, and the capsaicin from the ghost chilli will also help reduce nasal blockage and sinus congestion. Golden Tranquility with turmeric, ashwagandha, and black pepper has anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic properties with calming and soothing effects, reducing flu-related stress.
Finally, Turmeric Green Tea has wonderful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits. This Wellness Tea Combo with adaptogenic, immune boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties is wonderful to help you relax, hydrate, and naturally heal while unwell.
Read more: The Potential Health Benefits of Tea
For the curious minds, here’s more on teas for cold and flu…
Yes, tea can be a soothing and beneficial remedy when you're sick with a cold or flu. Herbal teas, such as ginger, lemongrass, and chamomile, possess anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms like sore throat and congestion. The warmth of the tea provides comfort, and certain herbal blends, like those containing honey, can ease throat irritation. Additionally, herbal teas often carry antioxidants that support the immune system, aiding recovery. Sipping hot tea also helps keep you hydrated, which is crucial during illness. While tea may not cure a cold or flu, incorporating it into your routine can relieve and contribute to a sense of well-being during sickness.
Yes, tea can be beneficial for alleviating flu symptoms. Certain teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger, and elderberry, have properties that may help ease the discomfort associated with the flu. The warm liquid of tea can relieve a sore throat, and ingredients like ginger can aid in reducing flu symptoms. Staying hydrated is essential, and sipping on these teas may offer comfort and potential health benefits during a bout of the flu.
Tea aids in relieving congestion through various mechanisms. The warmth of tea helps soothe the throat and respiratory passages, providing immediate relief from symptoms like coughing and a runny nose. Certain herbal teas, such as peppermint, contain menthol, which can open airways and alleviate congestion. Additionally, the steam from hot tea can help loosen mucus, making breathing easier. The anti-inflammatory properties of some teas contribute to reducing irritation and promoting overall respiratory comfort, offering a natural remedy for congestion during colds or flu.
In summary, dear friend, teas, especially herbal tisanes, are an age-old remedy for cold and flu in many traditions, with recipes passed from generation to generation. I hope you explore our Herbs & Kettles adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory teas for flu relief.
