The world is a different place than it was a few months ago. At this writing, the coronavirus is prancing across the globe, wreaking havoc and destroying health and lives. The hospital system is overwhelmed, so the best many of us can do is maintain our immune systems and overall well-being.
Herbal tea plants can be key to some of that. Teas to fight viruses may be your first line of defense in a time of such widespread illness.
Herbal Teas for Health
Taking care of yourself is always at the core of a well lived life. Using herbal teas for health is an ancient practice that should see a resurgence. If it was good enough for our ancestors, there must be something to the exercise. The best tea for virus busting varies by symptom, but most have high antioxidant properties which can help enhance your immune system.
I think we are all trying to do our best to stay healthy these days. Keeping a social distance, washing hands frequently, and avoiding touching your face can all help prevent the transmission of virus. But one of the best ways to avoid, or at least minimize, the effects is to boost your immune system.
Many tea plants, especially the green varieties, are high in L-theanine, which can enhance the production of T cells, little disease fighters in your body. A number of herbs also contain immune boosting properties. Echinacea is a fairly common seasonal cold preventative and reduces symptoms. Other herbal tea plants to try that will increase your body's ability to fight off a virus are:
Tea to Drink When You are Sick
If you drank your tea and tried to stay healthy but you still get a virus, don't panic. Most cases are as mild as a bad cold. The type of tea to drink when you are sick can actually make you feel better though.
Adding supplements to any tea, like ginger, honey, or lemon will help soothe the symptoms of the virus. The heat will warm you from the inside and tea drinking increases your fluid intake, something necessary when you are sick.
Different teas are good for alleviating certain symptoms. Tea to drink when you are sick may include:
- Peppermint - loosens chest and sooths throat
- Ginger - good for tummy troubles but also has anti-inflammatory properties
- Isatis - Chinese remedy for viral infection and fever
- Astragalus - Another Chinese herbal medicine for pain reduction and to boost the immune system
- Elderberry - Reduces the overall symptoms of colds and flu
- Chamomile - Helps promote sleep
Using Teas to Fight Viruses
There is no scientific proof that there is a best tea for virus protection; however, ancient countries like China and India have used herbal teas for centuries with good effect. Some effective teas, like Echinacea, taste rather terrible alone and would benefit from the also helpful peppermint tea.
Create your own custom blends to treat different symptoms and to increase your immune responses. A great recipe is elderberry, green tea, rose hips, sage, and Echinacea. In addition to tea, fight the virus by sleeping well, exercising, increasing your Vitamin D intake, and eating a balanced diet. All these steps can work wonders to preventing, or at least minimizing, any viral symptoms.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist or other suitable professional for advice.