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Cold Fighting Teas & Remedies BLOG

Age Old Cold Remedies

We’re well into February and – boy, does it feel like February! After the holiday cheer, the second half of winter always leaves me feeling crummy and worn out. I bet you feel that, too, especially with that nasty flu going around. During this season, I reach for my assortment of herbal teas and kitchen cures to alleviate my February suffering.

Honey, lemon, and ginger are my favorites when my throat starts to tickle. I start with a teaspoon of granulated ginger, and a wedge of fresh lemon. Steep in boiled water for about five minutes and strain. Then add a spoonful of honey, a pinch of cinnamon and drink it while it’s still hot. Sometimes I’ll brew it with some black tea and make a sort of chai, which I find more palatable.

If you’re not interested in blending your own cold remedy, consider purchasing one. Our Cold Comfort tea is a great place to start. It contains a number of herbs that may fight a cold and ease symptoms. Most of the herbs in this tea are considered anti-microbial, especially the rosemary. Chamomile and catnip are anti-inflammatory, which can help open up those irritated sinus passageways, while sage is known to help dry up that excess nasal drip and mucus. Peppermint soothes the respiratory tract and it can numb a sore throat. Lastly, comfrey may speed up healing, helping your body recover after the sniffles have passed.

Another potent tea is our Breathe Deep. You’ll immediately notice the scent of eucalyptus as you brew this tea. Combined with peppermint and spearmint, it packs quite the punch for congested sinuses. I like to steam my lungs and nasal passages by brewing this tea in a large bowl and tenting my head with a dishtowel. Other ingredients in this tea include rosehips, which are a fantastic source of vitamin C and licorice root, which provides sweetness and certain slipperiness to coat a sore throat. All of this is in a base of honeybush tea, a relative of Rooibos, which is a mild calmative to help you rest.

And as always, practice good hygiene. Most of us know to wash our hands and sneeze into our elbows, but good hygiene also means staying home when you’re sick. Keep your friends and coworkers healthy and give yourself the room to recover that you deserve.

Caution: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using herbal teas and supplements.

BREATHE DEEP & CHAMOMILE TEAS PICTURED ABOVE

Credits:

Created with an image by HoliHo - "fruit thermometer vitamin c"