In addition to traditional influenza, there are other illnesses that can produce flu-like symptoms. For many of these conditions, antibiotics or over the counter medications won’t produce much relief, leaving you to turn to other methods to treat your symptoms and feel better. Loose leaf tea has a wide range of benefits, but one of them is that it can help alleviate many flu-like issues that you may be having, including a sore throat, body aches, a runny nose, and a cough. Keep reading to learn more about which tea bags and loose leaf tea you should stock up on.
Peppermint Tea
One of the best tea bags to choose for flu-like symptoms is peppermint. The menthol in peppermint has a pain-relieving benefit that’s ideal for a sore throat. It also helps suppress a cough. In addition to those benefits, research shows that peppermint, whether you buy loose leaf tea or a traditional version, has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that may alleviate and shorten the course of your symptoms. Peppermint tea is easy to find in supermarkets, but you can also find loose tea or tea bags online so you can stock up at home.
Olive Leaf Tea
This type of tea isn’t as common as other varieties and you might have to use a tea bag online shop to find it. However, once you get your hands on some olive leaf tea, you won’t be sorry. Properties in this tea, called oleanolic acid and oleuropein, which have been shown to help prevent the spread of viruses. Olive leaf tea also contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which both have a positive effect on alleviating symptoms and preventing illness. This is a great option when it comes to loose leaf tea and tastes wonderful with a spoonful of honey, which can help control a cough.
Chamomile
When you shop for tea bags, chamomile may be one of the most prevalent choices you see on store shelves or in a tea bag online shop. Chamomile tea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and one of its most popular uses to induce sleepiness. When you’re sick, getting as much rest as possible is important so chamomile is an ideal choice for helping you get the sleep you need to recover quickly.
Ginger Tea
If you have a sore throat, ginger tea is an optimal choice as it helps soothe the pain. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, so it can reduce the swelling and redness that go along with a sore throat. It may also have properties that help it fight infections, which is ideal if you’re suffering from the flu. Finally, ginger tea is great for controlling nausea and keeping your upset stomach at bay. Combining ginger with cayenne and garlic boosts the benefits by adding antimicrobial properties to the loose leaf tea. If you want tea bags that combine all three in one, look for special tea bag offers from specialty shops.
Lemon Tea
Lemon is a great choice for the flu because it’s packed with vitamin C, which has a positive effect on many flu-like symptoms. According to research, loading up on vitamin C can help boost your immune system, cutting back on the severity of symptoms and even preventing them from occurring in the first place. You can certainly enjoy lemon as loose tea, but you can also simply add a squirt of fresh lemon juice to your favorite type of tea bags to get the same benefits.
Echinacea Tea
This kind of tea has been used for centuries by Native Americans as a cure for many symptoms. Not only have studies found that echinacea can dramatically reduce your risk of getting sick in the first place, but it also shortens the length of time you experience symptoms you already have. While you can ingest echinacea in several forms, buy loose leaf tea for a great taste. It has a soothing and comforting effect at the same time.
White Tea
It might not be as popular as black tea or green tea, but white tea makes a great choice if you have flu-like symptoms. Why? Because white tea can destroy pathogens and bacteria inside your body, which makes it ideal for fighting off the flu, as well as the common cold. In addition, white tea contains antioxidants that help boost your immune system and alleviate symptoms like a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
Elderberry Tea
Much like other berries, elderberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight off cold and flu symptoms. It’s also a great choice for soothing a sore throat and controlling a cough. Many people like elderberry tea when they’re sick because it tastes good and can be combined with other tea flavors as well. Try it with lemon or chamomile tea for a double dose of health benefits. Elderberry tea isn’t as easy to find as other kinds so you might have to buy the tea bags online.
Brewing Tea for the Best Benefits
One of the best ways to get the most out of your loose leaf tea when you have flu-like symptoms is to prepare it properly. When you’re preparing tea for medicinal purposes, experts recommend using a French press and allowing the tea to steep for at least 20 minutes. You can also allow it to steep overnight, which turns it into an infusion. Drinking the tea hot can help break up mucus and soothe a sore throat, but you can also reap the same benefits if you prefer to drink it cold. Adding honey or lemon juice to your tea boosts the benefits and adds a great dose of flavor.
Shopping for tea is as easy as going to the supermarket or hunting down tea bag offers online. Keep your pantry stocked with these great tasting and health-boosting teas and you’ll always be prepared with illness strikes. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about the right tea for your health. Then sip and savor your way to feeling better in no time.
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