The 9 Best Teas for a Cold or Flu

A warm cup of tea is often just the thing when you find yourself fighting off a cold. But why is tea so effective at making us feel better? For one, teas are loaded with a variety of different ingredients full of health benefits. The best teas for a cold include peppermint teas, chamomile teas, ginger teas, lemongrass teas, and hibiscus teas.

Depending on what kind of tea you’re drinking, you’ll also reap plenty of other benefits including an immune system boost, antioxidants, vitamin C, and antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Both caffeinated and herbal teas contain beneficial properties that help the body when it’s fighting off illness, so matter what kind of tea you drink, it’s sure to have you feeling better in no time!

Our Top Picks for Teas for Colds and Flus

1. Peppermint tea

2. Chamomile tea

3. Ginger tea

4. Lemongrass tea

5. Hibiscus tee

6. Licorice root tea 

7. Blueberry tea

8. Camellia sinensis tea 

1. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is a soothing, caffeine-free herb that can help to fight the symptoms of a cold and have you feeling better in no time. In particular, peppermint can help to soothe your throat and promote better rest and relaxation. This herb also has antiviral properties, and can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and clear congestion. Peppermint has a pleasantly cool, minty taste, and when served as a hot tea can help to warm you from the inside out.

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is another herb that’s great for soothing both body and mind, especially when you’re feeling under the weather. Chamomile has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, but also has scientific backing for its medicinal claims, including reducing cold symptoms, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Chamomile is delicious when enjoyed on its own, but is especially tasty when enjoyed with a dollop of honey for a sweet, soothing cup to treat yourself to when you’re feeling sick.

3. Ginger Tea

Ginger helps to fight off cold symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties. Ginger can also reduce symptoms of respiratory ilness, and provides a sweet, spicy addition to many different kinds of tea. In addition to fighting colds, ginger also has a wealth of other health properties, and may be beneficial in treating cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and more.

4. Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass is a light, refreshing citrus herb that’s packed with all kinds of health benefits. Lemongrass can help to keep you happy and healthy thanks to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties, and it’s also full of antioxidants and vitamin C. There are a variety of teas with lemongrass in them to choose from, including both caffeinated and herbal options.

5. Hibiscus Tea

Sometimes also known as roselle, hibiscus is a bright red herbal tea that's loaded with vitamin C and iron. Hibiscus has been shown to help reduce cold symptoms, and also has a wealth of antioxidants and anti-cancer properties. Hibiscus has a tart flavor similar to cranberry on its own, and is often added to herbal tea blends along with other fruits, herbs, and spices.

6. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice imparts a light, lingering sweetness to any tea it’s added to, making it a popular ingredient in caffeinated and herbal blends alike. Licorice has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries, and has been shown to have powerful cold-fighting benefits. This herbal ingredient has antiviral and anti microbial properties, and to can help to soothe the symptoms of a cold and prevent further illness.

7. Blueberry Tea

Blueberries might be better known as a sweet summertime snack, but they also make a delicious addition to teas and are full of a variety of health benefits. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and can help to reduce inflammation and soothe the body. These little fruits have been shown to pack a powerful punch in terms of health benefits, and they make for a sweet, fruity cup of tea to sip when you’re coming down with a cold.

8. Tea Made from the Camellia Sinensis plant

In addition to the herbs and flowers listed above, tea itself is full of many beneficial properties that can help to soothe the symptoms of a cold. While many different kinds of hot herbal drinks are colloquially called tea, they’re actually more properly referred to as tisanes or herbal infusions. This is because true tea (the kind of tea we mean when we talk about black, green, white, or oolong tea) is made from a specific plant called camellia sinensis   Tea from the camellia sinensis plant has a wealth of healthful properties, including high levels of antioxidants and a moderate amount of caffeine. Tea also contains a compound known as l-theanine, which can help to reduce stress and encourage rest and relaxation. Tea also contains catechins that have been shown to give your immune system a boost and help ward off illnesses like colds and the flu.

9. Tea with Lemon and Honey

While not strictly a type of tea in and of itself, tea with lemon and honey is an old standby when it comes to fighting colds and flus. Lemon juice provides an immune-boosting dose of vitamin C, while honey helps to coat the throat and is full of additional soothing, medicinal properties. Even if you’re feeling too ill to eat much, a soothing cup of tea can also help to settle the stomach and warm you from the inside out. Lemon and honey are often added to classic black teas, but can really be added to whatever tea strikes your fancy!