Medicinal Teas to Drink When You Feel a Cold Coming On

For centuries, tea has been known for its medicinal properties used to soothe various health issues, including the common cold. Most herbal teas are full of virus-fighting antioxidants and high levels of Vitamin C. These traits boost your immune system, help decongest sinuses, and reduce pain and swelling. With such a wide variety of options available, it can be challenging to decide which medicinal tea is best for treating your symptoms. Use our guide to help make the right choice for you.

Ginger Tea

Due to its high levels of Vitamin C and magnesium, tea made from ginger root can naturally help the body combat a virus. Ginger tea contains gingerol, known to reduce nausea and strengthen immunity, and acts as a diaphoretic, or a fever reducer. Because of these beneficial properties, drinking a cup of warm ginger tea in a heated coffee mug will help alleviate cold and flu symptoms from within. Add a splash of peppermint, lemon, or honey to not only mask the flavor of the ginger root but also add an extra Vitamin C boost to your beverage.

Licorice Tea

Licorice root is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine because of its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. This herb is mucilaginous, meaning it promotes the production of healthy phlegm that soothes esophageal tissue with a protective coating. It also reduces cold symptoms, such as a sore throat and a heavy cough.

Licorice tea can be made from prepackaged tea blends or dried licorice root. To make your own at-home brew, add 1 tablespoon of chopped licorice root to 1 cup of water. Let the mixture boil for about 10 minutes before straining it into your Ember Mug². 

*Large quantities of licorice root can cause high blood pressure or sudden drops in potassium levels. It's not recommended to consume more than 8 ounces of licorice tea per day.*

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is the most notable among popular medicinal teas due to its ability to treat various physical ailments.  Menthol, a natural chemical found in peppermint, gives this tea its icy-hot sensation and delicious flavor and is responsible for many of its soothing benefits.

A cup of hot peppermint tea is one of the best natural remedies for treating cold and flu symptoms. It's proven to improve mental clarity, lessen nausea, and clear sinuses. Moreover, this anti-inflammatory herb is also used to relax blood vessels and constricted muscles to reduce stress-induced headaches, sore throats, and cramps. 

It’s recommended to drink peppermint tea while it is hot. Merely breathing in the steam from this tea can break up phlegm, leaving you feeling refreshed. For maximum benefits, keep your beverage at a steamy 135 degrees using a temperature-controlled smart mug.

Eucalyptus Tea

First used by aboriginal groups in Australia, this tea can treat fevers, colds, and respiratory illnesses. When inhaled, the fragrant vapors of eucalyptus tea are known to decongest nasal passages. In addition to relieving symptoms of the common cold, eucalyptus is also used to treat other conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and bad breath.

We often rush to the medicine cabinet when we feel a cold coming on without considering natural remedies. Herbal tea is packed with immune-boosting benefits. However, just the comforting heat of a warm cup of herbal tea provides almost immediate relief. With a smart mug from Ember, you can keep your tea heated to your preferred temperature for hours on end and cure your cold from within.