Tea for colds?

Autumn is peak season for colds, and many of us feel the need to take a little extra care of our bodies as the temperatures outside drop. Maybe your throat is a bit scratchy or the person next to you on the tram coughed this morning? A hot cup of tea can be more than just a cuddle; many tea varieties are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can support the immune system. Tea is of course not a miracle cure that guarantees that you will avoid getting sick, but it can help relieve discomfort and strengthen your body's defenses along the way. Here we share our favorite cold-fighting teas – from ginger tea to green tea – and how they might make autumn a little easier for you.

Ginger tea – warming relief from colds

Ginger tea is often considered one of the best teas for colds. The spicy root has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits, and especially when your throat is sore and your nose is blocked, ginger can work wonders. A cup of ginger tea can help loosen mucus, soothe a sore throat, and warm a runny nose. Ginger contains active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which not only give it its characteristic flavor but also potential anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, ginger stimulates saliva production, which can help with a sore throat by keeping the mucous membranes moist.

We like to combine ginger with citrus for extra effect. Lemon & Ginger Tea is a natural choice when a cold is raging – lemon adds a refreshing tartness and a boost of vitamin C, while ginger warms and soothes. Remember that ginger tea itself won’t cure a cold, but it can offer much-needed comfort and well-being when you’re feeling down.

(We also dedicated a separate blog post to ginger tea: Check out “ Ginger Tea: Not Just for Colds? ” for a deep dive into ginger’s many benefits!)

Lemon tea

When you have a cold, there are few things that beat the classic combination of lemon, hot water and honey – preferably in the form of a good lemon tea. Lemon is known for its high content of vitamin C and natural antioxidants that can help the immune system fight infections. A lemon tea (or tea with fresh lemon) provides a tart and refreshing break from all the heavy stuff, while also providing important nutrients. Vitamin C is no guarantee against a cold, but it supports the normal function of the immune system and can shorten the duration of symptoms for many. We have several citrus-based teas that are suitable during the cold season.

Our Lemon & Ginger tea combines the best of both worlds – the invigorating tartness of lemon and the warm comfort of ginger. If you prefer something completely caffeine-free, a cup of Lemon Rooibos could be just the thing for you. Rooibos is a caffeine-free herbal tea rich in antioxidants, and combined with lemon, you get a soothing drink that can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening. Either way, a lemon tea will soothe a sore throat and give you a little vitamin boost when you need it most.

Green tea – rich in antioxidants

No list of immune-boosting teas is complete without green tea . Green tea is chock full of
antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which protect cells in the body from harmful free radicals. These antioxidants also have anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe sore mucous membranes . In fact, research suggests that green tea may have a direct positive effect on the immune system: One review study found that the bioactive compounds in green tea can inhibit influenza and cold viruses, as well as strengthen the body's defenses against such infections. Several epidemiological studies have even suggested that those who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of getting sick and milder symptoms if they do catch a cold.

For me, green tea is a year-round favorite, but especially great in the fall. The mild, vegetal flavor can be soothing when you're sick, and science supports that green tea contributes to overall health and immune function. At least the placebo effect is something to take with you! For example, try a cup of organic Sencha for a classic green tea, or go for a stronger flavor from Matcha if you want a concentrated shot of antioxidants and
nutrients. Regardless of the variant, you get a healthy break in your tea cup – green tea doesn't just feel healthy, it is healthy! And if you want a slightly milder taste, you can make matcha latte :

Chamomile tea – soothing and soothing

Did you catch it on the tram? Yes, that's what happens. When a cold first takes hold of your body, rest is just as important as nutrition. Chamomile tea is a classic we turn to to find peace and relieve discomfort. The chamomile flower is widely known for its natural calming effect, and the caffeine-free herbal tea has been used for generations as a home remedy for both sleep problems and colds. The reason? Chamomile contains a number of useful plant substances – including apigenin – that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mild analgesic properties. A hot cup of chamomile tea can thus reduce irritation in the throat by reducing swelling and redness in the tissue. In addition, chamomile has a mild antispasmodic effect, which can calm the cough reflex.

With us you get organic Chamomile in bulk – fine, golden chamomile flowers that make a floral and sweet tea. Many people find that drinking chamomile tea before bed relieves cold symptoms and makes it easier to get a good night's sleep (which in turn helps the immune system do its job!). A little tip is to inhale the steam from the chamomile tea while you drink – the fragrant steam can open up clogged airways.
and has a calming effect in itself. Chamomile tea is simply a caring cup of calm, perfect when the body needs rest to fight off a cold.

We also have other teas to find peace and relaxation .

Turmeric tea – nature's anti-inflammatory

In recent years, turmeric has risen to prominence as a star in immune-boosting drinks, and for good reason. The turmeric root contains the active ingredient curcumin , which is known to be a strong anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. A turmeric tea can therefore help reduce sore throats and irritation during colds by reducing inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract. In addition, studies suggest that curcumin can stimulate the body's immune cells and fight infections. In other words: A cup of turmeric tea provides both warmth and a little "tenderloin" of immune boost! We like to mix turmeric with other ingredients for maximum effect and taste, as turmeric itself is not that exciting.

One example is our new organic Turmeric & Ginger blend – here you get the power of curcumin combined with the strengthening properties of ginger in one cup. Both of these ingredients are considered anti-inflammatory super herbs, so together they are an extra boost for the body when you are feeling down. Another exciting variation is Turmeric & Mango, where the sharp turmeric flavor is balanced by sweet, exotic fruit – perfect for those of you who want something healthier and more delicious than a typical health tea. Remember again: Tea is not a cure, but an anti-inflammatory tea like Turmeric & Ginger can provide relief and strengthen your immune system from inside the cup.

Small tips when brewing tea for colds

A good cup of tea can be made even better with a few simple steps. Here are some tips on what you can add or do to get the most out of tea for colds:

Honey: Add a spoonful of honey to your tea. Honey has natural antibacterial and
anti-inflammatory properties, and can soothe sore throats and coughs. In addition, it gives the tea a delicious sweetness. (Note: Do not give honey to children under 1 year of age.)

Lemon: A slice of fresh lemon or a little lemon juice will spice up the flavor and boost the vitamin C content. Lemon provides antioxidants and can increase saliva production, which lubricates an irritated throat. Citrus in tea can also have a mild antiseptic effect.

Peppermint: Herbs like peppermint can also be great for colds. Peppermint tea
contains menthol which provides a cooling, clearing effect in the nose and throat. In addition,
Peppermint is rich in polyphenols (antioxidants) that can reduce inflammation. A hint of
Mint in the cup can thus open the airways and have an invigorating effect when you feel stuffy.

Experiment with these additions – you may find your own favorite combination that relieves your symptoms. Just the aroma of lemon, honey, ginger or mint can in itself provide a small feeling of improvement when you are sick.

Tea – comfort and health in every drop

In closing, we want to emphasize that a good cup of tea is about overall well-being. Sitting down with a warming cup when the autumn winds are raging outside not only provides physical warmth, but also a mental break. Tea itself is no substitute for a doctor's visit or medication for a serious cold, but it can be part of your toolbox to stay healthy. Research suggests that tea drinkers as a group may experience milder illness than others, so why not make tea drinking an enjoyable daily routine this fall?