When you’re feeling under the weather, a piping hot cup of herbal tea can do wonders to soothe your symptoms. But did you know that some herbal teas have powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties that can actually help your body fight off infection? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of the best herbal teas for fighting off colds, flus, and other respiratory infections.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is an herb that has long been used in traditional medicine for its immune-boosting properties. Studies have shown that echinacea can help shorten the duration of colds and other respiratory infections by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Echinacea tea is readily available in most health food stores.

Elderberry Tea

Elderberry is another herb with potent antiviral and antibacterial properties. Elderberry has been shown to be effective against many different types of viruses, including influenza A and B. If you’re feeling under the weather, try sipping on some elderberry tea to help fight off your infection.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is well-known for its stomach-settling properties, but it also has potent antiviral and antibacterial effects. Ginger has been shown to be effective against both influenza A and B viruses, as well as against the stomach flu virus. To make a ginger tea, simply steep fresh ginger root in boiling water for 10 minutes. You can find fresh ginger at most grocery stores in the produce section.

Green Tea

Green tea is high in a type of antiviral compound called catechins, which have been shown to be effective against influenza viruses. Green tea is also rich in antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. To make green tea, steep 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 3 minutes. Be sure to remove the leaves before drinking to avoid bitterness.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a common ingredient in over-the-counter Cold & Flu medications because of its ability to help clear sinuses and ease congestion. Peppermint also has potent antibacterial effects against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it an effective weapon against respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

To make peppermint tea, simply steep 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5 minutes. You can find peppermint leaves at most health food stores or online retailers specializing in herbs and spices.

Herbal teas are a delicious way to stay hydrated and fight off infection all at the same time! The next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for one of these five herbal teas with potent antiviral and antibacterial properties: echinacea, elderberry, ginger, green tea, or peppermint.

Want to know what the best teas are for supporting immune system health? Check out our guide here!

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