Wondering which teas are best for fighting cold or flu? Good news: there are plenty. As temperatures plummet and winter settles in, we all brace ourselves for that time of year when germs seem more aggressive than ever. While tried-and-true decongestants and antihistamines may take the edge off when we’re under the weather, there’s something comforting about a hot cup of tea to help nurse us back to good health.
Calling on nature's ability to fortify our overstressed systems and enjoy restorative moments of tranquility, Tea Forté's new Wellbeing Collection introduces a quintet of teas to benefit the body and mind.
IMMUNE-BOOSTING TEA INGREDIENTS
Our Defense blend brings together some of the strongest defenders against cold and flu the natural world has to offer. Echinacea, a medicinal herb also known as coneflower, has a long history of naturopathic use during cold and flu season, thought to offer subtle regenerative support for the white blood cells we need to protect us from pathogens. Ginger contains a bioactive compound famed for calming the digestive system, soothing headaches, fighting inflammation, and behaving in much the same way aspirin does to ease pain. Elderberry boasts an abundance of vitamin C, which plays an important role in warding off germs, especially in colder weather.
GREEN TEA
The health-forward properties of green tea are so plentiful, some might say they border on magical. This superfood may be enjoyed as sencha, in which dried tea leaves are steeped in hot water and discarded before consuming the drink.
Green tea is full of antioxidants, L-theanine (a compound that takes the edge off of the tea’s caffeine content without sacrificing the energy it imparts). If you’re caffeine-sensitive, feeling unwell from a cold or the flu, and wish to take a nap or go to bed within a couple of hours, it may be wise to wait to enjoy a cup of green tea, since its gentle energy boost is best reserved for waking hours. If you’re powering through a task while ill, green tea may be the perfect solution to help you stay alert and focused even while under the weather.
GINGER
If you’re looking for a cup of tea brimming with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, try a cup of ginger tea. This ancient root boasts a bioactive compound known for fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, and even calming the type of stomach upset that often goes hand-in-hand with a cold or flu virus. It may also act as a mild anticoagulant, thinning the blood in much the same way aspirin does, which could ease the headaches that arise from congestion and coughing. This unique, earthy tea ingredient also imparts a gentle sense of revitalisation and warmth.
Whichever tea you choose to help you prevent or fight off a cold or flu, Tea Forté’s luxury tea blends have something to please every palate. From gentle herbal tisanes to energy-boosting and invigorating black tea blends, there’s a perfect blend waiting to help you feel better.
