Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of TeaMilk in TeaOther RemediesDuration
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Tea
Milk in Tea
Other Remedies
Duration
Sipping on a warm cup of tea can be a soothing home remedy when you have a cold. There are many caffeine-free teas to choose from to keep you hydrated and support your recovery.While research has not established that a specific tea can cure a common cold, certain teas may help alleviate symptoms like congestion, cough, and sore throat.1. LemonThe vitamin C inlemontea is key for cold symptoms. Studies suggest that this vitamin can help reduce the duration and severity ofa cold, though it won’t prevent one from developing.Consider brewing a cup oflemon balmtea or adding a squeeze of lemon to another type of tea toboost vitamin Cduring a cold.2. Green TeaSome research shows thatgreen tea’snatural catechin (antioxidant) compounds may help prevent and easeupper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza (the flu).In one study, people who consumed green tea had fewer cold symptoms than those who drank a placebo (an ineffective substance given to trial participants in control groups).However, keep in mind thatgreen tea does contain some caffeine.3. Herbal Tea With HoneyHerbal teais typically caffeine-free and consists of different herbs, fruits, leaves, and flowers. These teas may ease an upset stomach, reduce inflammation in the body, and support relaxation, which is ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.Addinghoneyto herbal tea can help further ease cold symptoms. Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that might help fight off viruses. Plus, it works to soothe a sore throat.Experts believe honey may be as effective for suppressing a cough as certain cough medicines, though more evidence is needed.4. EchinaceaSome people take echinacea in tea form as anherbal supplementto help treat or prevent colds. While scientific evidence hasn’t fully backed this claim, some research suggests thatechinaceamight limit your chances of catching a cold and reduce the risk of complications from some viruses (like the flu).Other studies suggest echinacea could help treat the common cold and cut down on its duration, though additional research is needed.5. ElderberryElderberryis a dark purple berry used as a home remedy for colds, sinus infections, and the flu.Elderberry products (like tea) are marketed forimmune system support.Some studies suggest that elderberry helps reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms like the common cold.It’s possible that drinking a warm cup of elderberry tea may help manage symptoms associated with a cold virus and boost the immune system.6. ChamomileChamomiletea is often touted for its potential ability to induce sleep.Sleep is key for recovery and healing when you have a cold or another illness, as it allows theimmune systemto produce antibodies that help fight off infections.Antioxidants found in chamomile support the immune system, reducing throat irritation,congestion, and inflammation.7. GingerGingeris rich in nutrients and compounds that could support healing from a cold. Research has found it can alleviatenauseaand other digestive symptoms.Plus, it’s traditionally been used to ease cold andbronchitis congestion.One study showed that ginger improved nasal symptoms related toallergic rhinitis(hay fever) just as well as the allergy medicationClaritin (loratadine).8. PeppermintPeppermint teamay be helpful as an expectorant, clearing mucus from your airways. In addition to alleviating congestion, the menthol inpeppermintmight also help soothe a sore throat and cough.Peppermint tea might also be a bonus for people experiencing an upset stomach during a respiratory illness, as research suggests it reduces nausea and vomiting.Can You Put Milk in Your TeaThe theory thatdairy increases mucus productionhas not been proven. It was thought that drinking milk stimulated mucus production, ultimately worsening congestion in people with a cold orsore throat. However, studies haven’t been able to confirm a link between the amount of nasal mucus in people with a cold or asthma who consumed milk.If you experience mucus-related effects from consuming dairy during a respiratory illness, consider temporarily switching to nondairy milk, such asalmond milkorcoconut milk.Other Tips to Find ReliefIn addition to drinking tea, othercommon cold home remediesmay help ease your symptoms, including:Increase hydration: To keep your throat moistInhale steam (from your tea or a shower): To help hydrate and soothe dry nasal passagesAddcinnamonto your tea: To provide antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory propertiesTrycough drops: Particularly those that contain menthol or honey, tosoothe a dry coughand sore throatGet plenty of rest: This supports your immune system in fighting off the virusUsea humidifier: To add moisture to the air, which can help break up mucus and congestionTakeover-the-counter (OTC) cold medications: To relieve pain, fever, cough, and other symptomsHow Long Should a Cold Last?The common cold typically lasts less than a week but can persist for up to 10 days.Some symptoms may linger for two weeks or more.The exactlifespan of a coldcan vary based on factors like age, health status, and the type of cold virus you’ve gotten.Children, older adults, and people with a chronic underlying health condition may experience a longer cold duration.While the common cold can usually be managed with home remedies, rest, and OTC medications, see a healthcare provider ifyour cold symptoms are severe, persistent, or returned after going away.Manysigns of a viral infection(like the common cold) are similar to signs of a bacterial infection. However, a bacterial infection has the potential to be more severe and may require medical care (likeantibiotics) to treat. Look for symptoms such as:ChillsFatigueFeverProductive (wet) coughwith thick mucusShortness of breathSigns of dehydration (extreme thirst, dizziness, dry mouth)Before taking herbal supplements for a cold, speak with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying conditions.SummaryA warm cup of tea may help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat when you have a cold. Specifically, peppermint and ginger tea appear beneficial for digestive symptoms, while elderberry, lemon, and green tea are thought to support immune health and potentially alleviate cold-related symptoms.While home remedies are often effective for helping you get through a cold, see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or last longer than 10 days.
Sipping on a warm cup of tea can be a soothing home remedy when you have a cold. There are many caffeine-free teas to choose from to keep you hydrated and support your recovery.
While research has not established that a specific tea can cure a common cold, certain teas may help alleviate symptoms like congestion, cough, and sore throat.
1. Lemon
The vitamin C inlemontea is key for cold symptoms. Studies suggest that this vitamin can help reduce the duration and severity ofa cold, though it won’t prevent one from developing.
Consider brewing a cup oflemon balmtea or adding a squeeze of lemon to another type of tea toboost vitamin Cduring a cold.
2. Green Tea
Some research shows thatgreen tea’snatural catechin (antioxidant) compounds may help prevent and easeupper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza (the flu).
In one study, people who consumed green tea had fewer cold symptoms than those who drank a placebo (an ineffective substance given to trial participants in control groups).However, keep in mind thatgreen tea does contain some caffeine.
3. Herbal Tea With Honey
Herbal teais typically caffeine-free and consists of different herbs, fruits, leaves, and flowers. These teas may ease an upset stomach, reduce inflammation in the body, and support relaxation, which is ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.
Addinghoneyto herbal tea can help further ease cold symptoms. Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that might help fight off viruses. Plus, it works to soothe a sore throat.Experts believe honey may be as effective for suppressing a cough as certain cough medicines, though more evidence is needed.
4. Echinacea
Some people take echinacea in tea form as anherbal supplementto help treat or prevent colds. While scientific evidence hasn’t fully backed this claim, some research suggests thatechinaceamight limit your chances of catching a cold and reduce the risk of complications from some viruses (like the flu).
Other studies suggest echinacea could help treat the common cold and cut down on its duration, though additional research is needed.
5. Elderberry
Elderberryis a dark purple berry used as a home remedy for colds, sinus infections, and the flu.Elderberry products (like tea) are marketed forimmune system support.Some studies suggest that elderberry helps reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory symptoms like the common cold.
It’s possible that drinking a warm cup of elderberry tea may help manage symptoms associated with a cold virus and boost the immune system.
6. Chamomile
Chamomiletea is often touted for its potential ability to induce sleep.Sleep is key for recovery and healing when you have a cold or another illness, as it allows theimmune systemto produce antibodies that help fight off infections.
Antioxidants found in chamomile support the immune system, reducing throat irritation,congestion, and inflammation.
7. Ginger
Gingeris rich in nutrients and compounds that could support healing from a cold. Research has found it can alleviatenauseaand other digestive symptoms.Plus, it’s traditionally been used to ease cold andbronchitis congestion.
One study showed that ginger improved nasal symptoms related toallergic rhinitis(hay fever) just as well as the allergy medicationClaritin (loratadine).
8. Peppermint
Peppermint teamay be helpful as an expectorant, clearing mucus from your airways. In addition to alleviating congestion, the menthol inpeppermintmight also help soothe a sore throat and cough.
Peppermint tea might also be a bonus for people experiencing an upset stomach during a respiratory illness, as research suggests it reduces nausea and vomiting.
Can You Put Milk in Your Tea
The theory thatdairy increases mucus productionhas not been proven. It was thought that drinking milk stimulated mucus production, ultimately worsening congestion in people with a cold orsore throat. However, studies haven’t been able to confirm a link between the amount of nasal mucus in people with a cold or asthma who consumed milk.
If you experience mucus-related effects from consuming dairy during a respiratory illness, consider temporarily switching to nondairy milk, such asalmond milkorcoconut milk.
Other Tips to Find Relief
In addition to drinking tea, othercommon cold home remediesmay help ease your symptoms, including:
How Long Should a Cold Last?
The common cold typically lasts less than a week but can persist for up to 10 days.Some symptoms may linger for two weeks or more.
The exactlifespan of a coldcan vary based on factors like age, health status, and the type of cold virus you’ve gotten.Children, older adults, and people with a chronic underlying health condition may experience a longer cold duration.
While the common cold can usually be managed with home remedies, rest, and OTC medications, see a healthcare provider ifyour cold symptoms are severe, persistent, or returned after going away.
Manysigns of a viral infection(like the common cold) are similar to signs of a bacterial infection. However, a bacterial infection has the potential to be more severe and may require medical care (likeantibiotics) to treat. Look for symptoms such as:
Before taking herbal supplements for a cold, speak with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying conditions.
Summary
A warm cup of tea may help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat when you have a cold. Specifically, peppermint and ginger tea appear beneficial for digestive symptoms, while elderberry, lemon, and green tea are thought to support immune health and potentially alleviate cold-related symptoms.
While home remedies are often effective for helping you get through a cold, see a healthcare provider if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or last longer than 10 days.
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