Although tea may not even eliminate a cold, it may ease cold symptoms, such as a sore throat. Chamomile, ginger, and elderberry provide teas that people may find calming.
When they have a cold, several individuals think drinking hot tea offers symptom relief and a sense of warmth.
We explore the potential benefits of drinking tea while enduring a cold in this article. We also outline how symptoms can be helped by such herbal teas.
What are the benefits of drinking tea for a cold?
The common cold is a viral infection that is typically harmless. Most people recover within one to two weeks of the first symptoms.
A cold person may have the following symptoms:
- blocked or runny nose
- headache
- sore throat
- cough
- sneezing
- pressure in ears and face
- muscle aches
If an individual has a cold, comfort may be provided by a warm drink.
Many people find it helps to relieve pain in the throat, minimize coughing, unblock the nose, and relieve headaches.
An older research shows the effects of drinking fluids with a cold do not change or worsen. Consuming beverages, including tea, however, can assist with thin mucus, making it easier to clear out.
Tea and other liquids may help keep an individual hydrated. It is important to remain hydrated when combating a cold to ensure that the body can properly protect itself against the virus.
Which teas are good for soothing cold symptoms?
Many herbal teas are available that may assist a person with a cold.
Chamomile
A 2010 review states that chamomile tea can help boost the immune system and attack infections that cause colds, although further studies are required to create a conclusive link.
Ginger
A ginger research in 2019 indicates that some cold symptoms, such as sore throat and congestion, can help.
A 2017 study also highlights that, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, the ingredient could minimize throat infection or pharyngitis.
Green tea
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a 2018 report investigated the impact of green tea on individuals with coughing and hoarseness.
Although it did not minimize hoarseness, coughing could be reduced by the glycoproteins and catechins found in green tea.
People should remember that there is caffeine in green tea, so before sleeping, they may not want to eat this drink.
Echinacea
A systematic analysis investigating the possible benefits of echinacea for the treatment of colds indicates that some evidence might be sufficient to suggest that it is marginally more successful than placebo. This proof, however, is poor, and more research is required.
Elderberry
Elderberry supplements can decrease the length of a cold and help relieve the symptoms of the respiratory system.
A 2019 research study found that elderberry shows promise to the human immune system for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
While this research did not directly look at the effects of tea, it is likely that the benefits of this drink could also exist.
Peppermint
Research shows that the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of peppermint are present. This will allow the body to protect the immune system as it battles the cold.
Scientists are still researching how this works with peppermint, but it seems to enhance overall immune function, decrease cell mutations, and boost cardiovascular health.
People can also find that menthol may help alleviate clogged sinuses in peppermint tea and make it easier for them to breathe.
Are there teas to avoid?
Most herbal teas can provide comfort and relieve some cold symptoms.
Some debate has previously indicated that dairy beverages, such as milk, may increase the production of mucus and should be avoided by people with colds.
A 2018 study, however, debunks this hypothesis, suggesting that excessive mucus is not caused by dairy.
If they choose to fight off a cold, individuals may still drink milky teas.
Other treatment options
The common cold does not have a cure. Several other therapies will, however, relieve symptoms.
Herbal and residential remedies
A person can try the following home remedies:
Warm lemon
A soothing drink that can help with a sore throat is made by combining lemon juice with warm water.
Honey
In children, honey can ease coughs. People can also combine honey with lemon for a soothing drink.
A person should, however, not give honey to infants younger than 12 months of age. This is because Clostridium botulinum, which can turn into bacteria that cause infantile botulism, could be found in honey. Honey can be eaten safely by people over 12 months of age.
Steam inhalation
Inhaling water vapor, which can help release mucus in the nose and lungs, involves this process.
Probiotics
A systematic review indicates that taking probiotics could reduce by up to 1 day the average duration of a disease, such as a cold.
Salt water
A small study indicates that gargling and using salt water for nasal irrigation may have a beneficial effect on cold symptoms and minimize their duration.
Over-the-counter ( OTC) medications
OTC medicine, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can relieve the pain that a person may experience with a cold and muscle aches.
To help reduce decongestion, people may also use nasal sprays. However, for more than a week at a time , a person can stop using them. This is because the opposite effect may be triggered and a permanently stuffy nose, known as rebound congestion, may be induced.
When to see a doctor
An individual with a cold will usually not need to see a doctor. Nevertheless, individuals should consider obtaining medical advice if they have:
- a cold that persists for 3 weeks or more
- symptoms get worse or do not improve
- breathing difficulties or chest pains
- colored phlegm from the nose or throat.
- high fever
Summary
People who experience a cold can find that herbal teas provide their symptoms with relief and soothe them.
Drinking tea and trying other treatments, such as steam inhalation, probiotics, and honey, while there is no remedy for a cold, will make people feel better and decrease the duration of their cold.