Moisturising the airways: Rising steam can soothe irritated mucous membranes and hydrate the sinuses.
Promoting blood circulation: Heat relaxes tense muscles, stimulates blood circulation and can relieve sore throats and inflammation.
The healing power of natural plant substances in tea:
- Polyphenols: have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential oils: Have an effective expectorant effect – particularly useful for congested bronchi.
- Antimicrobial agents: Specifically support the immune system in fighting cold pathogens.
- Soothing components: Prioritise sleep quality – an essential factor in recovery.
Soothing ritual: Preparing tea itself creates a calming routine that reduces stress, an important factor as stress has been shown to put strain on the immune system. The ritual of mindful enjoyment also has a relaxing effect on the body and mind.
If you want to specifically strengthen your immune system, you can use special tea blends for immune defence. They support the body with functional ingredients to defend against pathogens.
The best teas for colds
When a cold strikes, choosing the right tea can make all the difference. Various medicinal plants have targeted effects and help naturally relieve typical cold symptoms.
Powerful medicinal plants for cold symptoms:
Thyme : For herbalists, it is the number one tea for colds. Its powerful anti-inflammatory effect is particularly effective against coughs. The essential oils it contains help the body loosen bronchial mucus and make coughing easier.
Preparation : Pour boiling water over one teaspoon of dried thyme , cover and leave to steep for around 5 minutes.
Ginger: A real all-rounder at the first signs of a cold! Ginger stimulates blood circulation, warms you from within and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Freshly infused, it is not only invigorating but also strengthens the body's defences.
Green tea:
With its gentle antioxidant effect, green tea is ideal as an everyday drink when you have a cold. It gently supports the body and helps ease the burden on the immune system.
Elderflower and lime blossom: These plants are particularly effective against fever or flu-like infections. They have a diaphoretic effect, relieve coughs and help loosen mucus during a cold. At the same time, they naturally support the immune system.
Sage:
Sage is considered a classic among medicinal plants. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated mucous membranes and effectively relieve sore throats. For many, it is an indispensable companion during the cold season.
Herbal teas and their healing effects
The healing power of herbal teas lies in their specific active ingredients, which act precisely against cold symptoms. Each plant has a unique active-ingredient profile that activates different healing processes in the body.
Active-ingredient profiles of important medicinal plants:
Thyme: Thyme owes its impressive effect on coughs to its essential oils, whose main components are thymol and carvacrol. These compounds act as follows:
- Expectorant and antispasmodic for a persistent cough
- Strongly anti-inflammatory for irritated bronchi
- Antimicrobial and antiviral against cold pathogens
Elderflower: Contains diaphoretic glycosides, promotes mucus clearance and stimulates the immune system
Lime blossom: Provides antipyretic flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, and contains antispasmodic and cough-suppressing mucilages
Chamomile: The essential oils it contains have a versatile effect.
- Anti-inflammatory, germicidal and relaxing
- Specifically helps with cold symptoms such as nasal congestion or throat irritation.
If you prefer it stronger, choose a classic black tea, which has a soothing and stabilising effect thanks to its stimulating tannins, especially in the morning.
Reviews from an expert on peppermint: “I would not recommend peppermint. It is very spicy and cooling. It is a tea for summer, but not for winter.”
Optimal preparation technique for maximum concentration of active ingredients:
Proper preparation is crucial to the effectiveness of a herbal tea. Always pour boiling water over the herbs and leave the tea to steep for around 10 minutes, covered. Covering it preserves the essential oils and active ingredients optimally. These are key to its healing effect.
Practical tip:
Use the rising steam for a short mini inhalation. Before the first sip, lean over the steaming cup and take three deep breaths through your nose. This simple practice also moisturises the airways and enhances the beneficial effects of tea.
Which tea for a cold during pregnancy?
Colds during pregnancy require special attention. Many conventional medicines are not recommended during this period. This makes tried-and-tested home remedies such as tea all the more valuable. Selected herbal teas offer gentle, natural support to relieve typical cold symptoms
Recommended teas for expectant mothers:
- Chamomile tea: Has an anti-inflammatory effect, soothes irritated mucous membranes and helps relieve sore throats and inner restlessness.
- Elderflower tea: Targeted support for the immune system and the body's defences
- Lime blossom: promotes gentle sweating in case of fever and has a soothing effect on the body
- Lemon balm : Relaxes body and mind, promotes restorative sleep and is gentle on the stomach
Types of tea to avoid:
Draining herbal teas: These may have an unfavourable effect on fluid balance.
Teas containing liquorice: Risk of increased blood pressure, especially in the last trimester.
Herbal blends of unknown composition: Possibly hidden and questionable ingredients.
Sage tea ingredients: Effective for sore throats, but avoid shortly before birth and during breastfeeding as it inhibits milk production.