Wellness Tea Pairings for Cold and Flu
August is National Wellness Month and we are starting it off right! If you haven't seen our social posts, they will be linked below for you!
This blog is about our Wellness Tea Pairings for Cold and Flu! We are going to look into which teas and herbs are best to relieve cold and flu symptoms as well as some tips and tricks that will help simplify and improve your wellness journey!
How can Herbs help me with Cold and Flu symptoms?
Herbs have long been used to help alleviate cold and flu symptoms due to their various medicinal properties. Echinacea and elderberry, for instance, are known for their immune-boosting abilities, helping to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Peppermint, which contains menthol, and eucalyptus, often used in steam inhalations, can be particularly effective for congestion relief. To soothe sore throats, licorice root, and slippery elm are beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Yarrow and ginger can aid in reducing fevers, with yarrow traditionally used to induce sweating and ginger providing a warming effect. Herbs like thyme and marshmallow root can help alleviate coughs, with thyme having antispasmodic properties and marshmallow root forming a soothing coating on the throat. Additionally, garlic and ginger offer antiviral and antibacterial benefits, aiding in the fight against respiratory infections.
Chamomile and peppermint can ease digestive upset often accompanying colds and flu, while cinnamon and clove provide warmth and comfort. A blend of elderberry, echinacea, peppermint, and ginger in an herbal tea can offer comprehensive relief by boosting the immune system, relieving congestion, soothing the throat, and reducing fever.
Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm effectively alleviates cold and flu symptoms due to its mucilage content, which forms a soothing film over mucous membranes. This is particularly beneficial for sore throats, as it coats and protects irritated tissues. It also relieves coughs by reducing the urge to cough, especially in dry, unproductive cases. Additionally, slippery elm eases digestive upset by soothing the digestive tract and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the throat and respiratory tract, promoting overall comfort and recovery.
Echinacea
Echinacea effectively alleviates cold and flu symptoms by boosting the immune system. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which help fight infections. This reduces the severity and duration of colds and flu. Echinacea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms like sore throats and congestion. Additionally, it may alleviate respiratory issues by reducing mucus production and easing breathing. Consuming echinacea as a tea, tincture, or supplement can provide these benefits, supporting overall comfort and recovery during cold and flu season.
Tips and Tricks for Cold and Flu
When cold and flu season arrives, it comes with full force. Eating foods with high amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc will help boost your immune system and maintain it!
Vitamin C
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons)
- Strawberries, kiwi
- Bell peppers, broccoli
Vitamin D
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
- Cod liver oil, egg yolks
- Fortified milk, cereals
Zinc
- Oysters, red meat
- Beans, nuts, seeds
- Dairy, whole grains
Another quick way to boost your immune system is our Organic Flu Remedy, a minty and refreshing herbal blend that helps protect you from cold and flu symptoms!
Aromatherapy
For cold and flu relief, 5 essential oils are particularly beneficial. Eucalyptus oil relieves congestion and clears respiratory passages with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Peppermint oil, with menthol, cools, reduces fever, and eases headaches while acting as a decongestant. Tea tree oil, with antiviral and antibacterial benefits, combats germs and reduces symptoms when diffused or applied topically.
Lavender oil promotes sleep and relaxation, aiding recovery with its calming and mild antiviral effects. Lastly, lemon oil boosts the immune system, reduces fevers, and clears mucus, while its refreshing scent uplifts mood and alleviates fatigue. Using these oils can significantly relieve symptoms and support a quicker recovery.
You can use these at home with an essential oil diffuser, that releases the oils into the air! You can even add them into the bath, or on your shower floor (Just be careful not to slip)!
Relaxation and Yoga
Yoga can help ease cold and flu symptoms by boosting immunity, improving breathing, and reducing stress. Deep breathing and gentle stretches can open nasal passages, enhance lung function, and relieve muscle tension. Yoga also promotes relaxation and better sleep, supporting the body's natural recovery process.
Find natural comfort with our Organic Cough Relief tea. This soothing herbal blend is designed to gently calm coughs and provide relief for irritated throats.
Cat Cow Pose:
This gentle movement helps open the chest and stimulates the lymphatic system. Alternate between arching your back and rounding it while on all fours.
Legs up the wall pose:
This restorative pose improves circulation and reduces stress. Lie on your back with your legs extended up against a wall for 5-10 minutes.
Relaxation helps with cold and flu by reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels, which supports the immune system and promotes healing. Improved sleep quality from relaxation boosts recovery, while enhanced lymphatic circulation and balanced immune responses fight infections more effectively. Relaxation also relieves muscle tension, eases breathing, and improves mood, leading to a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Start with a guided body scan meditation. Lie comfortably and focus on relaxing each body part, beginning at your toes and gradually moving upward to your head. This practice helps lower stress levels and can boost your immune system.
Stress Management
Stress weakens the immune system by increasing cortisol levels, reducing the body's ability to fight off infections like colds and flu. It also triggers inflammation, disrupts sleep, and impairs the production of white blood cells. Additionally, stress often leads to unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, further weakening immunity. Managing stress through relaxation, exercise, and healthy habits helps maintain a strong immune system and reduce the impact of colds and flu.
Try our Organic Cold Remedy Tea which is a nice and soothing herbal blend perfect for any time of day!
Wash your Hands!
Washing your hands is crucial for preventing colds and flu because it removes germs that you may have picked up from surfaces or through contact with infected individuals. These viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, and touching your face with contaminated hands can easily transfer the germs into your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Regular handwashing with soap and water reduces the likelihood of infection by eliminating these pathogens before they can enter your system, thus helping to break the chain of transmission and protect both yourself and others from illness.
