Tea time is something that should be universal. It allows you to relax, collect your thoughts, and caffeinate. Moreover, if you find yourself sick or have a stuffy nose, certain teas can work wonders. There are many different health benefits of tea. Here are a few ideas on what to either buy or add to tea to make it incredibly soothing for your body and mind.

"If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee." - Abraham Lincoln

Tea Breakdown

Hot tea will help soothe your aching throat
Here's a great way to beat a cold. Source: Wikipedia

But what tea will work best for your sore throat? Before we get into specifics, here’s a quick refresher course on the different tea types. Some are more beneficial for sore throats than others. And as always, personal preference is a factor.

1. Fusion Teas

Naturally infused teas can also be healthy. Blueberry, honey, and citrus fusions can provide a boost in vitamin C. So even though these newer types of drinks aren’t seen as medicinal, they can still help you out when sick.

2. Classic Teas

Most people have had a classic tea blend at some point in their life. Irish breakfast, Yerba Mate, Earl grey, black tea, white tea, or perhaps most health-beneficial, green tea. Anything you can find in the usual supermarket can still be a relief when it comes to your sore throat. Try mixing one with honey to coat the painful esophagus when you’re not feeling well.

3. Spiced Teas

When mucus is a real problem, you’re going to want something with some spice to flush that out. The big four spices are ginger root, cinnamon, garlic, and cloves. These spices contain antifungal and antibacterial components to help you combat the cold and get back to your regular self.

4. Herbal Teas

Here’s the real deal when combating a sore throat. Surprisingly, the best bet for herbal choices is peppermint tea for sore throats. The menthol content alone makes it the best herbal tea for sore throats. Otherwise be sure to drink slippery elm, eucalyptus, and licorice root for more health benefits.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric is one of the healthiest things out there. Sprinkle that on everything.
Turmeric is very close to ginger and very healthy. Source: Medical News Today

A member of the ginger family, turmeric is one of the best things that you can put in your body. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antiseptic ingredients. When it comes to the health benefits of tea, turmeric does a lot of heavy lifting.

Marshmallow Root

Far from the soft, doughy sugary treats we’re used to, marshmallow root is incredibly adept at treating colds and sore throats. This is mostly because the plant contains a mucilage that coats and moistens your throat as you swallow it, relieving any dry or itchy symptoms. Moreover, it’s been used this was since the middle ages. You can also infuse the root for a perfect blend of health and hydration. Put this in your “tea for sore throat” recipe cookbook.

Sleepytime

Sleepytime tea is the perfect cold deterrent
Drink some tea before bedtime for a relaxing and restful night. Source: Food and Wine

The immediate added bonus of sleepytime tea is that is it will help you get some rest while your body is trying to heal. Sleep is important, and mixes with some honey and turmeric, sleepytime tea can prove to be a great cocktail for feeling better. As an added bonus, it contains anti-inflammatory agents that speed up the recovery process. It’s not quite the best tea for sore throat and colds, but it’ll allow you to get some shuteye.

DIY Sore Throat Tea

As it turns out, tea is really easy to make. All you need to feel better is some boiling water, cinnamon, lemon, and honey. This concoction is perfect for easing the symptoms of a sore throat, especially considering you probably have the ingredients in your home already. Never underestimate the health benefits of tea. If you’re feeling daring (or just tired of feeling sick) add some whiskey to the mix and create a hot toddy. The little boost in alcohol will have you feeling better in no time.

Sage Tea

It's sage advice to drink sage tea
This plant is an anti-bacterial and anti-viral herb. Source: The Spruce

Sage is the real killer of both viral and bacterial infections. This is by far the best tea for sore throat and colds when you’re trying to get better. It’s also an astringent herb that tightens pores of mucus membranes, helping you breathe and swallow easier. Sage can be a lifesaver.


Any sore throat or cold remedies that you want to get out there? Which ones work for you? Let us know in the comments below!

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