8 types of tea help prevent colds

Colds cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, watery eyes and postnasal drip… Drinking tea or other warm liquids often helps ease cold symptoms: It helps the body stay hydrated, reduces nasal congestion and soothes the throat.

Here are the 8 best teas to prevent and treat colds:

1. Peppermint tea for colds

Peppermint tea acts as a natural expectorant, helping to clear mucus from the airways. The essential oils in peppermint tea not only help relieve nasal congestion, but also help soothe a sore throat. Preliminary research suggests that it may also have antiviral and antioxidant properties.

Also, if you are feeling nauseous, peppermint tea is a good option to relieve nausea and is good for digestion.

2. Lemon tea

Lemon tea contains vitamin C, which is great for cold and flu season. Vitamin C won't prevent colds, but it can reduce the duration and severity of colds.

To get these potential benefits, make sure you get enough vitamin C regularly. Taking vitamin C after you have a cold does not improve symptoms.

To get a boost of vitamin C from lemon, you can drink lemon tea or add lemon to your favorite tea. It is especially good when combined with ginger tea or green tea.

Chamomile tea soothes sore throats caused by colds.

3. Chamomile tea

Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today, many people still drink chamomile tea to relax. However, research on the benefits of chamomile is still limited. Some studies suggest that chamomile may help reduce anxiety and soothe upset stomachs.

A 2019 review found that chamomile may improve sleep quality in people without insomnia. Inhaling steam with chamomile extract may help relieve cold symptoms.

The ingredients in chamomile tea may not relieve specific cold symptoms, but they may improve sleep so you recover faster. Additionally, drinking warm liquids can soothe a sore throat.

4. Echinacea tea

Echinacea is a flower native to North America that is believed to benefit immune health. You can find it in a variety of preparations, including tea.

Overall, research on the benefits of Echinacea is mixed, but some studies have found benefits for the common cold and flu, suggesting that echinacea may reduce your risk of catching a cold. So this is a tea you should drink during the cold season rather than waiting until you have a cold.

A study of nearly 500 participants found that echinacea tea was effective in reducing the risk of complications and side effects from the flu virus.

5. Ginger tea

Ginger is often used to relieve cold symptoms, helping to relieve congestion caused by colds. Additionally, ginger is rich in the phytonutrient gingerols. Along with other phenolic compounds such as quercetin and zingerone, ginger is often used to relieve digestive discomfort such as nausea.

So if you're feeling nauseous or have nasal symptoms, ginger may help.

Ginger tea helps relieve cold symptoms.

6. Green tea

Green tea is also great for colds and flu. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that the catechins in green tea are effective in preventing influenza infections. Each cup of green tea contains about 150 mg of phytochemicals (which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects). Consuming 1–5 cups of green tea per day seems to be the ideal amount to help prevent colds and flu.

Note that green tea contains caffeine (about 30 - 50 mg per cup). Therefore, caffeine should be consumed in moderation when having a cold because it can cause diuresis.

Stay well hydrated because hydration is important for the health of your mucous membranes and your body's ability to defend against viruses.

7. Guava tea

Guava tea may not be the first thing you think of when you think of a common cold. However, this tea is made from guava leaves, which are high in vitamin C, which supports immune health.

Guava leaves are also rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and quercetin, which can also boost the body's immune system. Test-tube studies have found that guava tea can help control the spread of influenza.

8. Licorice root tea

Licorice root is an ingredient used in traditional medicine. It is sometimes used in lozenge form to help relieve sore throats.

Modern research has shown that licorice contains flavonoids and triterpenoids that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. The main active ingredient is glycyrrhizin, which can help prevent and treat influenza viruses. Licorice root can also help relieve digestive symptoms.

To make tea at home, boil water and steep the tea. For most teas, 3-5 minutes is enough, but follow the instructions on the packaging as optimal steeping time may vary depending on the type of tea you are drinking.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), honey can help relieve coughs in adults and children over one year old, so you can add honey to your tea for added flavor and increased effectiveness.

When you have a cold, hot tea can help clear your nasal passages and soothe your throat. Adding lemon and honey to any tea can benefit your immune health and reduce your cough.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/8-loai-tra-giup-phong-ngua-cam-lanh-172240218140925274.htm