Top 6 Teas for Flu: Proven Remedies & More!

Have you ever been told that drinking tea can do wonders when you’re not feeling well? While the art of tea drinking has been cherished across civilizations for its soothing properties, it also packs a punch in fighting ailments.

In this article, we’ll be focusing on teas for flu, specifically discussing the types that are most beneficial. We’ll look at factors that influence flu, weigh the pros and cons of consuming teas good for flu, identify who should consider these teas, and even provide some handy recipes.

So, prepare your cup of tea and get ready for some readin’ & sippin’ time.

List of the Teas for Flu

Before we delve into the details, let’s go through a brief list of teas good for flu. Each of these has its own unique properties and benefits backed by science.

1. Green Tea

Green tea leaves are rich in antioxidants and offer a myriad of health benefits. Known for their calming effects, green tea has been consumed for centuries in Asia to enhance well-being. Research has found that green tea catechins and theanine can prevent influenza infection among healthcare workers (Matsumoto et al., 2011).

For best results, brew a cup of green tea leaves for 3-5 minutes and consume 2-3 cups daily.
If you want to know more about the other health benefits of Green tea leaves, check out our article on green tea benefits!

2. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas, made from a variety of medicinal plants, offer high antioxidant capacities. Herbal teas have been traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of cold, flu, and cough. Bitter herbal infusions have been found to have high antioxidant capacities beneficial for the flu (Fu et al., 2011).

Depending on the herbal tea, steep for 5-7 minutes and aim for 2-3 cups daily.

3. Citrus Tea

Citrus tea is a refreshing beverage made from citrus peels, often including lemon or orange. Citrus tea has been used to clear up sinuses and as an expectorant to help alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments. Citrus tea is known for its expectorant properties that can help treat flu and viruses that cause the accumulation of secretions in the lungs (Gomes et al., 2022).

To make citrus tea, steep dried lemon peels, and dried orange peels for about 10 minutes. Drink 2 cups a day for best results.

4. Pu’erh Tea

Pu’erh tea is a type of fermented tea that originates from China. Known for its earthy flavor, Pu’erh tea has been consumed for its digestive benefits and to boost the immune system. Strictinin found in Pu’er tea has been empirically consumed as an effective herbal tea for colds and flu (Tu et al., 2023).

Pu’erh tea is best enjoyed when brewing 1-2 teaspoons of pu-erh tea leaves for 5-10 minutes. A cup a day is usually recommended. If you are curious about the other health benefits of pu-erh tea, check out our article on the health benefits of pu-erh tea!

5. Rosehip Tea

Rosehip tea is made from the fruit of the rose plant and is rich in vitamin C. This herbal infusion has been used for boosting the immune system and for treating colds and flu. Rosehip tea is among the herbal teas that have been used for flu prevention and treatment (Sargin, 2021).

Steep dried rosehips for about 10 minutes and aim for 2 cups daily. If you want to know more about more benefits of rosehip tea, check out our article on rose tea benefits!

6. Peppermint-Lemon Tea

This is a hybrid herbal tea that combines the soothing qualities of peppermint with the refreshing kick of lemon. Peppermint-lemon tea is often consumed to alleviate headaches, digestive issues, and respiratory discomfort. Among herbal teas for flu, peppermint-lemon tea has been noted for its use in flu prevention and treatment (Sargin, 2021).

Steep 1 teaspoon of pure organic peppermint tea and 1 or 2 lemon slices for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy 2-3 cups a day. If you want to learn more about the benefits of those two tea types, check out our blog article on peppermint tea benefits and lemon tea benefits.

By incorporating any of these teas into your routine, you have a better chance of tackling flu symptoms or even preventing the flu altogether. Whether you’re intrigued by the rich history of Pu’er tea, the refreshing aroma of citrus tea, or the comfort provided by a cup of peppermint-lemon or dried rosehip tea, the best teas for flu offer a variety of options to help you through the flu season.

What is Tea and How is it Influenced?

Tea is a beverage made by steeping cured or fresh tea leaves in hot water. It has been consumed for its various health benefits, including its potential to help with the flu.

Factors Affecting Flu

• Seasonal Changes
• Immune System Strength
• Exposure to Infected Individuals

People may turn to natural remedies like tea to help with the flu due to concerns about pharmaceutical side effects or a preference for natural treatments.

Who Should Drink Tea for Flu

If you are experiencing mild symptoms or looking for preventive measures, drinking these teas can be beneficial.

Recipes and Blends

Here’s how you can make a powerful blend designed to help you combat flu symptoms:

Flu-Fighting Tea Blend Recipe:

• 1 tsp of Green tea leaves
• 1 tsp of dried rosehips
• 1 tsp of pure organic peppermint tea
• 2 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add all the herbs.
2. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain, pour into a cup, and enjoy!

This blend combines the preventive properties of Green tea leaves with the immune-boosting benefits of dried rosehips and the soothing effects of peppermint, making it one of the best teas for flu.

Incorporating Teas for Flu Into Your Daily Routine

Incorporate these teas into your daily routine by replacing your regular beverages with a cup or two. Additionally, consider other natural remedies like proper hydration and rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tea should I drink if I have the flu?

If you’re dealing with flu symptoms, consider drinking green tea or herbal teas like dried rosehips and peppermint-lemon. These are popular choices when people are looking for teas for flu relief. Herbal teas and Green tea leaves can be a comforting addition to your flu recovery regimen, making them some of the best teas for flu.

Does tea reduce flu?

While tea should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment, certain teas have compounds that can potentially aid in flu prevention. For example, Green tea leaves contains catechins and theanine that have shown promise in preventing influenza infection. It’s crucial to note that while these teas for flu may reduce the risk, they are not a guaranteed cure.

Does chamomile tea fight flu?

Chamomile tea has not been directly studied for its effects on the flu, but it is rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. These properties can help when you’re searching for teas for flu relief. While chamomile might not be specifically one of the teas for flu, it could be beneficial in alleviating some flu-like symptoms such as sore throat or congestion.

Which tea is best for cold and cough?

When you’re looking for teas for flu or cold symptoms, herbal teas containing peppermint and lemon are often recommended. Peppermint can act as a natural decongestant, helping to break down mucus, while lemon boosts the immune system. These teas can offer comforting relief and can be considered among the best teas for flu and cough symptoms.

What herb kills the flu?

It’s essential to clarify that no herb can “kill” the flu virus. However, certain herbs used in teas can alleviate flu symptoms or potentially lessen the duration of the illness. Herbs like peppermint offer respiratory benefits, making them useful ingredients in teas for flu. Dried rosehips, which is rich in vitamin C, can support the immune system and is another option when considering teas for flu.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, difficulty breathing, or prolonged illness, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

• High Fever
• Difficulty Breathing
• Prolonged Illness

Conclusion

We’ve explored various options for teas good for flu, from Green tea leaves to herbal concoctions. So go ahead, brew yourself a cup of one of these best teas for flu, and share your experience with us. Your well-being could be just a sip away.

Reference

• Fu, L., Xu, B., Gan, R., Zhang, Y., Xu, X., Xia, E., … & Li, H. (2011). Total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacities of herbal and tea infusions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 12(4), 2112-2124. Link Here
• Gomes, P., Martins, L., Gomes, E., Muribeca, A., Pamplona, S., Komesu, A., … & Silva, M. (2022). Antiviral plants from marajó island, brazilian amazon: a narrative review. Molecules, 27(5), 1542. Link Here
• Matsumoto, K., Yamada, H., Takuma, N., Niino, H., & Sagesaka, Y. (2011). Effects of green tea catechins and theanine on preventing influenza infection among healthcare workers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 11(1). Link Here
• Sargin, S. (2021). Potential anti-influenza effective plants used in turkish folk medicine: a review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 265, 113319. Link Here
• Tu, E., Hsu, W., & Tzen, J. (2023). Strictinin, a major ingredient in yunnan kucha tea possessing inhibitory activity on the infection of mouse hepatitis virus to mouse l cells. Molecules, 28(3), 1080. Link Here
• Ververis, A., Ioannou, K., Kyriakou, S., Violaki, N., Panayiotidis, M., Plioukas, M., … & Christodoulou, K. (2023). Sideritis scardica extracts demonstrate neuroprotective activity against aβ25–35 toxicity. Plants, 12(8), 1716. Link Here