When you're fighting a cold, finding relief can be difficult. Although you may feel run down and exhausted, congestion and coughing can make sleeping seem impossible. The best thing to do for a cold is to rest and drink a lot of fluids. You can fill these doctor's orders by drinking herbal tea. Not only does the warmth of the tea help you to feel calm and relaxed, but some herbal teas also have antioxidants and other benefits to help you fight your cold.
Ginger Tea
In terms of common herbal ingredients, ginger is a powerhouse that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments including stomach aches. The National Center for Biotechnology Institute offers a wealth of information on alternative medicine, including herbs and supplements. According to the institute, "One of the many health claims attributed to ginger is its purported ability to decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain." Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties can help ease body aches and sore throats.
Eucalyptus Tea
There are many teas on the market that offer relief from severe congestion, and many of them have eucalyptus. This tea is made from the leaves of the tree, and it is a popular ingredient in cold remedies, including creams and lozenges. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "[Eucalyptus] contains chemicals that might have activity against bacteria and fungi. Eucalyptus oil contains chemicals that might help pain and inflammation." Tea containing eucalyptus is thought to have expectorant properties to help clear up your congestion.
Citrus Tea
One vitamin that is commonly used to help boost immunity is vitamin C, and citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are packed with it. Adding lemon juice to your green tea not only enhances the flavor, but it can also boost the antioxidant properties of your tea. A 2007 study conducted at Purdue University found that "citrus juices enable more of green tea's unique antioxidants to remain after simulated digestion, making the pairing even healthier than previously thought."
Licorice Tea
The thought of licorice tea might make you turn up your nose, but this tea is made of the root, and it doesn't have the distinctive, polarizing flavor of black licorice. This tea, however, does have a variety of properties to help stave off your cold. Like ginger tea, licorice tea helps to soothe stomach aches, and it also works as an expectorant, helping to loosen congestion.
Herbal tea can go a long way toward making you feel better when you're sick. Its warmth can be soothing, while the herbs can help kick your body into gear to fight off the virus. Stock up on herbal tea this cold season, so you can have some on hand when you're feeling run down.
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