January is hot tea month! It is also really-cold-weather month in most parts of the country, as well as prone-to-getting-a-cold month for most people. So in honor of these three things, we decided to bring you a list of simple hot herbal teas that you can brew to relieve certain common cold symptoms:
Ginger Tea
Ginger has been found to have anti-viral properties, meaning consuming it can help prevent and even treat a common cold. Drinking ginger tea can also ease a sore throat, reduce sinus pressure and pain, and clear a stuffy nose because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, ginger tea contains a mild sedative that encourages rest.
Sage Tea
Sage is often known as the “mouth and throat” plant because of it helps reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Sage tea will help soothe your sore throat and cough, as well as relieve your sinus congestion.
If you are not a fan of the taste, you can also gargle the tea instead of drinking it.
WARNING: Sage tea should not be consumed when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thyme Tea
Thyme is a natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral plant, which makes it great to treat respiratory infections. It is also a natural expectorant, which means that it will help clear out your lungs faster so you can feel better sooner.
Licorice Root Tea
Studies have found that licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which has potent antiviral effects against the flu, among other illneses. Licorice tea can also help clear your lungs more efficiently.
WARNING: Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription medication before drinking licorice root tea as licorice has been found to interfere with some medications.
Peppermint Tea
Peppermint helps by bringing up mucus that would be otherwise stuck in your lungs, bronchi, and trachea when you have a cold, relieving your throat pain with a refreshing effect. It also helps by reducing your fever.
Add Honey and Lemon
For bonus taste and healthy properties, add honey and lemon to your tea! Honey is a natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic, while lemon is high on Vitamin C, which reduces phlegm and helps decrease the strength of the cold virus.
