Healthful Teas for the Cold and Flu Season: Part 2 Symptom Relievers

In part two of my article on herbal teas for colds and flu, we will focus on symptom management. Many times, the common cold and other viruses required time and rest for a cure. The symptoms associated with colds, flu, and flu-like virus are uncomfortable and tend to keep us from our daily activities and work. Annoying symptoms include fever, congestion, cough, sore throat and stomach upset. Herbal teas are wonderful to relieve symptoms, hydrate, and promote comfort. Common herbs for these symptoms include:

Ginger- stomach upset and nausea

Garlic- well known for antiseptic properties

Cayenne pepper- warms the body and acts as a tonic

Honey- also a well-known antiseptic and throat soother

Peppermint- clears congestion, sooths stomach upset and relieves nausea

Lemon- boosts healing with vitamin C and soothes a sore throat

Anti-Nausea Tea

Boil 4 cups of pure water and steep the following ingredients for 20 min. Strain and drink warm.

Lemon- 2 slices with rind

Ginger- 2 TBS of sliced fresh root

Lemon balm- ½ c

Chamomile-  ½ c

Congestion Reliever

Boil 2 cups of pure water and steep the following ingredients for 20 min. Strain and drink warm.

Peppermint- 1 C fresh leaves

Cinnamon- 1 cinnamon stick

Ginger- 1 TBS sliced fresh root

Cayenne Pepper- 1-2 tsp—adjust to your preference

Honey to taste

These teas can were adapted from The Herbal Academy.

In addition to teas, juices can be used to improve cold and flu symptoms. Here a couple of my favorites.

Grape-Cayenne

2 quarts unsweetened grape juice

4 TBS cayenne pepper

Combine in closed container and shake. Refrigerate and shake prior to serving. Drink 8 ounces two times per day until symptoms improve. This is also a wonderful daily tonic.

Bold Orange-Garlic Juice

Combine in a Nutribullet or similar blender

1 Orange peeled and sectioned

Natural orange juice- enough to reach the fill line on the Nutribullet cup

1/2 frozen mango

Handful of baby spinach leaves

4 slices cucumber

3 cloves garlic

1 slice onion

1 tsp cayenne pepper

3 TBS honey

Whiz up in your Nutribullet and drink. Adjust the garlic and onion to your taste. This juice can also be made in a juicer rather than a Nutribullet. Substitute the orange juice for a couple more oranges and the frozen mango for fresh mango. Add the honey and pepper after juicing the other ingredients.

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