Sippin’ Through the Sick Season
Teas That’ll Kick Cold & Flu to the Curb (and Maybe Even Your Family’s Skepticism Too)
Benefits of tea
Alright, folks, it’s that time of year again—when the universe decides to test our immune systems with a delightful buffet of colds, flus, and mystery plagues. If you’re currently battling a sore throat, body aches, or just feeling like a gremlin that’s been hit by a truck, I got you. Here are my go-to teas to fight off all those nasty bugs trying to drag us down a few notches and keep us from being our thriving, optimal selves.
Now, I won’t lie—when I first started pushing tea as a wellness must-have, my family gave me the side-eye. Hard. But after a little jazzing up (and some strategic bribery), they’re now fully aboard the tea train. They even reach for it without me forcing them. A miracle, truly.
I prefer loose-leaf teas (because they’re superior, duh), but if you’re just starting out, high-quality bagged teas work too. Just don’t grab the cheap stuff that tastes like sad, dusty grass clippings.
Best Teas for General Health
☕ Dandelion – This little powerhouse is an excellent source of potassium, helps your liver detox, supports mental health, clears up congestion, soothes coughs, and is a fantastic anti-inflammatory.
🚨 PSA: Stop spraying those dandelions in your yard! They’re basically free medicine. Pick them, wash, dry, and lay them out on a baking sheet at 250°F for 2-3 hours or use a dehydrator. Store them in an airtight container, steep a few pieces in boiling water, and boom—immune support in a cup. Add honey for even more benefits.
☕ Chamomile – This one’s a classic. Soothes cold symptoms, aids digestion, reduces anxiety, supports immunity, and helps you sleep like a baby.
Brew it from a bag or loose leaf—whatever works. If you need a little sweetness, a pinch of honey does the trick.
☕ Green Tea – Packed with antioxidants, supports brain function, boosts energy, promotes fat loss, and reduces your risk of heart disease. Basically, if you’re not drinking green tea, what are you doing?
Drink it daily, and if you add a slice of lemon and a little honey, you’ve got yourself a super tea with even more health perks.
☕ Oolong – This one has L-theanine, which improves brain function, reduces stress and anxiety, helps with sleep, and supports gut health.
It’s floral, fruity, earthy, and light—so don’t ruin it with milk or sugar unless you enjoy your tea tasting like disappointment. If you need sweetness, you know the drill—honey.
☕ Ginger – A gut and immune system warrior. Fights inflammation, eases nausea, aids digestion, and helps regulate blood pressure.
Chop up some fresh ginger, boil it, and steep it to your taste. Toss in a cinnamon stick and some lemon, and now you’ve got a soothing, spicy elixir of life.
☕ Hibiscus – Loaded with antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, supports liver health, and fights bacteria. Oh, and it makes a stunning deep-red tea that tastes like a floral dream.
Steep for 2-5 minutes, then sweeten with stevia if needed. Just don’t be alarmed if your pee turns a little pink. Totally normal.
Teas for Cold & Flu Season
🚨 When the plague is upon you, these are the teas you need:
☕ Lemongrass – A powerhouse of vitamin C, antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial magic. Basically, it tells colds and flus to take a hike.
Brew from a bag or loose leaf, steep for five minutes, and sip your way back to health.
🍋 Raw Lemon & Honey – Old-school, simple, and ridiculously effective. Packed with vitamin C, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Raw honey adds even more vitamins, minerals, and cough-soothing properties.
Slice a lemon, pour hot water over it, add raw organic honey (be generous), and let it steep for five minutes. Drink as many cups as your body demands.
🧅 Red Onion & Honey – Yes, I know it sounds weird, but trust me—this is liquid gold when you’re congested. Red onion is filled with antioxidants and sulfur compounds that help loosen up all that nasty phlegm.
Chop up a red onion, mix it with raw honey, and let it sit for 24 hours. Take a tablespoon as needed. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’re set for a month.
🔥 Fire Cider – This stuff is not for the weak, but it works. It clears nasal congestion, boosts digestion, warms you up, and kicks your immune system into high gear. Bonus: You can make it yourself and store it for months.
Chop up garlic, ginger, jalapeños, and red onion. Toss it in a jar, add a healthy squeeze of raw honey (or 1/8 cup if using a quart jar), and top it off with raw organic apple cider vinegar. Shake well, let it sit for 24 hours, then take a shot when needed. You will feel the burn, but you’ll thank me later.
Tea isn’t just some fancy, hipster trend—it’s an easy, natural way to support your immune system and keep you feeling your best. Plus, it counts toward your daily water intake, so drink up!
Stay healthy, stay hydrated, and may your tea be strong and your immune system stronger.
~ Tina 💁♀️