Falling sick is part and parcel of life, an experience that everyone has gone through at one point or another. The primary aim while sick, thus, is to find a way to get better as quickly as possible and minimize any discomfort during the period of sickness. Across the world, a warm cup of tea has been one of the most popular remedies that have been proposed, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the best teas to have when you fall sick. Here’s one list you should always keep handy:
- Green tea
While already a regular drink among many, green tea reveals its medicinal properties best when drunk during an illness. Rich in antioxidants, this tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that are believed to help your body recover faster. It can also help boost your mood by giving you the energy to keep going through the day, ultimately helping you stay bright even when your cold has got you down. Thus, many consider green tea to be the best tea for a cold and a cough. - Hibiscus tea
We have all heard of the importance of having Vitamin C to help combat colds. While citrus fruits like lemon usually come to mind at this point, hibiscus tea is lesser known yet equally viable option for that extra dash of Vitamin C. In fact, one serving of this tea is thought to give you one-third of your daily Vitamin C requirement! Hibiscus tea is believed to have another major advantage over other teas and even other sick-day beverages: it has no caffeine! So, you can essentially have as many cups as you need to feel better without having to worry about not being able to sleep. With the ability to be drunk hot or cold, this tea is definitely one to have when you’re under the weather. - Echinacea tea
Native to North America, this flower-based tea has been a traditional cure for colds used by indigenous tribes for centuries. Regular use of this tea is reported to cut the chance of catching a cold by half, and if you already have one, it can cut the duration of the cold by almost a day. The tea does all this through its high antioxidant content as well as its antibacterial properties. When the tea is this powerful, it’s best to drink it in moderation: two to eight weeks is the maximum duration that the tea is necessary to work its magic. - Ginger tea
Ginger and honey is seen as a classic combination throughout the world to treat sore throats and a range of other minor problems. So when many of these issues occur together during an illness, ginger tea can work wonders! The tea generally has a spicy taste that tends to warm the body to combat the chills of an illness while also soothing various inflammations. This warmth extends to aching muscles, providing you with much-needed relief and allowing you to sleep peacefully. Another advantage that ginger tea is believed to hold is the ability to relieve nausea by settling the stomach. So the next time you have the sniffles, mix up a cup of ginger tea and revel in its healthy burn! - Chamomile tea
If ginger tea uses heat to treat the body, chamomile tea takes the softer, gentler approach. Popularly known for its calming effect on the body, this tea has shown the ability to relax tired and tense muscles using its tranquilizing flavonoids, making it the ultimate comfort beverage. It is also thought to be particularly useful to help you get a good night’s sleep so that the immune system can take care of the infection at its own pace. This relaxing effect is also helpful in situations where migraines and cramps are common, providing some much needed relief from your aches and making this one of the best teas to have when sick. - Peppermint tea
One of the most persistent aspects of an illness is the cough, lasting as long as a month after the actual illness has passed. At times, like this, peppermint tea may be the best solution. With its invigorating aroma and cooling taste, this tea is thought to help soothe throat inflammations and thereby supress coughs for long periods of time. Not only the throat, this calming effect is believed to extend to other parts of the body as well, making peppermint tea a good option for those who wish to combat their symptoms and feel refreshed at the same time.
There you have it, a list of medicinal teas that will help you make your way through the trials of a sickness. Remember, you need to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest even after drinking all these teas for the best results. So get the kettle going, find a warm blanket and get ready to wait the sickness out!
