Herbal Teas for Coughs and Colds

Almost everyone is familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms of a cold. These include coughs and sneezes, headaches, an aching body, runny or congested nose and generally feeling out of sorts. Although there are no known cures for colds, herbal tea remedies have been found to be helpful in helping to reduce cold symptoms. Different remedies can be chosen depending on the symptoms.

Herbal Teas for Colds

Ginger is a good home remedy for coughs and colds. It is recommended that the patient drink ginger tea at least three times a day. Allow 1 heaped teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root to seep for ten minutes in a cup of boiling water before drinking.

For a herbal tea to help reduce the aches and pains and congestion associated with colds, mix equal amounts of peppermint, yarrow and elder. Add 1 to 2 tsp to a cup of hot water. To help soothe a sore throat, add a llittle honey.

A great way to get warm after coming in from the cold is to break a cinnamon stick into a mix of ginger. Add a little Cayenne too, to stimulate the circulation.

To reduce fevers, mix equal amounts of dried Elder Flowers with dried Peppermint Leaves in distilled boiling water. Cover and allow to steep for fifteen minutes. Strain into a saucepan and add a tsp of honey before drinking.

Try this tangy and tasty herbal tea for coughs and sneezes: Boil 2 slices of fresh ginger root in a pint of water for ten minutes. Add some tangerine peel and continue to boil for five more minutes. Pour into teapot and add a teabag of green tea. Steep for two minutes, then add honey to taste.

To relieve the general symptoms of a cold, steep 2 teaspoons of dried sage in boiling water. Strain and drink slowly.

While suffering from coughs and colds, you might benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea. A study published in the journal Antiviral Research in 1995 suggested that green tea contained catechins that are strong inhibitors of the influenza virus. If you're wondering about the differences between green tea and black tea, although both come from the same plant, Camelia Sinensis, green tea is dried and not fermented. This gives green tea a lighter flavour and keeps all the beneficial qualities unharmed which is why green tea is a very healthy alternative.

Sources

"The Doctor's Book of Herbal Rome Remedies." The Editors of Prevention health Books. 2000.

First Published: Yahoo Voices 2010