Tea and infusions are very often the first home remedy we turn to when we begin to notice the symptoms of a cold.
A very hot drink is always comforting in this situation and helps to stop those first symptoms of congestion and sore throats.
However, not all infusions are created equal. Some have powerful properties that you can take advantage of to beat colds. Discover our ranking of infusions for colds.
What is the common cold or catarrh?
Adults suffer on average between two and five colds per year, while children are affected by between 4 and 8 on average. Now, what causes colds? What are its symptoms and how can we relieve them? We tell you everything in this article.
The cold is common throughout the world, it is a contagious disease and can be caused by a wide variety of viruses, normally belonging to the genus of rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and, with less incidence, influenza A or B viruses, the parainfluenza or adenovirus, among others.
Although the cold is a mild infectious disease, it is often one of the main reasons for school and work absenteeism as well as for medical consultation. Despite being a mild infection, it is necessary to point out that colds caused by rotavirus could evolve with complications. For this reason, it is important that you know how to combat cold symptoms and if you do not get better, consult your doctor.
Cold symptoms
Many times we confuse a simple cold with the flu. In fact, it is quite common for us to refer to our illness by saying that “we have the flu”. Well, it is true that some symptoms coincide in both infections, however it is not so difficult to differentiate them. Let’s see to start the symptoms of the cold:
- Incubation: between 24 and 72 hours
- Symptom duration: approximately one week, although it can last two.
- Slow onset of symptoms
- Presence of watery rhinorrhea, that is, “water” that runs through the nostrils and that can irritate the skin in the area
- sneezing
- Nasal obstruction that prevents breathing correctly and smelling and even affects the sense of taste
- Sore or sore throat
- Irritative cough, which is exacerbated at moments of rest when lying down
- Headache, increased temperature and poor general condition: these symptoms are more common in children but can also occur in adults, especially at the beginning of the disease.
In case of suffering from the flu, the onset of symptoms is usually abrupt and is accompanied by fever, muscle pain and great muscular discomfort.
The best herbal teas for colds
Did you know that there are natural remedies that can help you reduce and/or improve the symptoms of the common cold? The infusions of certain plants can be a delicious and effective remedy to escape annoying colds. Let’s see some of them:
Ginger infusion
Ginger is one of the most valued spices both in gastronomy and in natural medicine. Its expectorant effect makes it a great option to relieve mucus produced by colds. In addition, various studies have pointed out its anti-inflammatory and antitussive effect that could help improve the discomfort caused by coughing.
Elaboration
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add a teaspoon of grated ginger and cover the cup. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Drink hot. If you wish, you can add a teaspoon of honey to sweeten it.
Mint infusion
The menthol present in mint relieves nasal congestion, one of the most common and bothersome symptoms of a cold. In addition, recent studies maintain that mint also has an anti-inflammatory effect that would help improve throat discomfort and the general condition of the person with a cold.
In addition, its antiviral properties, which prevent pathogenic elements from spreading, make mint one of the best infusions for colds.
Elaboration:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Place three mint leaves inside and let infuse for 10 minutes.
- Drink very hot.
Nettle infusion
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, some studies have linked the intake of nettle infusion with a decrease in runny nose and sneezing. In this way, this infusion is excellent for those cases in which the cold seems to concentrate in your nose. The plant is also rich in carotenoids and vitamin C, an essential element to improve your immune system.
Avoid drinking this infusion if you are pregnant, regularly take antibiotics, have any allergies or chronic conditions, or if you are breastfeeding.
Elaboration:
- Boil a cup of water along with 5 or 6 nettle leaves for 15 minutes.
- Drink the hot tea.
Cinnamon infusion
Cinnamon is known in natural medicine for its relaxing effects, but did you know that it also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties? A good cup of cinnamon infusion can act as a mild analgesic, helping to improve the general condition caused by a cold.
Elaboration:
- Boil a cup of water and pour it into a cup, where you have previously placed 3 grams of cinnamon bark.
- Let infuse for 15 minutes and then drink.
Elderberry infusion
Elderberry is popularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A study has indicated that these properties, added to its vitamin C content, could help relieve cold symptoms, specifically helping to decrease mucus production and clear the airways.
Elaboration:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Place a teaspoon of dried elderflowers inside the cup and let it infuse for 10 minutes, with a lid to preserve the heat.
- Strain and drink.
Hibiscus infusion
Hibiscus is a natural source of vitamin C, a component that helps our immune system stay strong and healthy. In addition, it has an antibacterial and antihistamine effect. For this reason, it could improve the symptoms of the cold.
Elaboration:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add 2 dried hibiscus flowers and let infuse for 20 minutes.
- Drink immediately.
As you can see, there are numerous herbal teas for colds that can help you feel better when the cough, sore throat and discomfort are making your day worse. Now, if the cold does not improve or the symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to go to the doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.