Herbal Teas for Colds: The Best Infusions and Natural Remedies

Herbal Teas for Colds: The Best Infusions and Natural Remedies

Discover How to Prepare a Herbal Tea for Cold, Flu, and Seasonal Symptoms

When the fog envelops the streets outside and the cold creeps under your clothes, nothing is more comforting than the ritual of holding a steaming herbal tea in your hands. That moment when aromatic steam rises from the edge of the cup, caressing your face and bringing with it not only enveloping scents but also sweet relief for a stuffy nose, sore throat, and the fatigue that accompanies seasonal ailments. The cold, an unwelcome guest of the winter months, can be tackled with the gentleness of nature through infusions that combine ancient wisdom and recognized therapeutic properties. Medicinal plants, with their active ingredients, become valuable allies to stimulate the body's natural defenses and alleviate the most annoying symptoms, transforming a simple daily gesture into an effective traditional remedy. In this journey through aromas and benefits, we will discover how herbal teas for colds can offer comfort and well-being, wrapping us in a warm embrace just when we need it most.

infusion against cold sore throat and cough

Herbal Teas and Infusions to Combat Colds Naturally: Why Choose Them and How They Work

Herbal teas for colds are among the most ancient and at the same time effective natural remedies to alleviate the symptoms that accompany this bothersome condition. When the virus attacks our respiratory tract, bringing with it that characteristic constellation of ailments - from stuffy nose to cough, from sore throat to mild fever - a warm infusion can become a precious therapeutic ally, as well as a moment of comfort.

What to Drink to Relieve a Cold? Benefits of Herbs and Plants

Each cold symptom can find relief thanks to the specific properties of medicinal plants:

  • Stuffy nose and congestion: plants with decongestant properties like eucalyptus, mint, and thyme clear the airways
  • Sore throat and irritation: mallow, marshmallow, and sage create a soothing and protective effect on inflamed mucous membranes (discover all the herbal teas for sore throat)
  • Cough and phlegm: echinacea, thyme, and oregano offer expectorant and thinning effects
  • Fever and general malaise: linden, elderflower, and chamomile help lower body temperature by stimulating sweating
  • Weakened immune system: ginger, echinacea, and rosehip boost the body's natural defenses

Herbal teas for colds and flu act in a gentle yet effective way, without the side effects typical of synthetic drugs, representing a natural solution particularly suitable for prolonged use throughout the winter season.

Have you read this far and are already imagining a warm cup in your hands? Take the first sip of your daily treat with selected ingredients. On Terzaluna, the quality tea and herbal tea e-commerce, you can find the perfect Ginger cut herbal tea for your evening infusions.

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The Importance of Drinking Warm Beverages When You Have a Cold

The warmth of a steaming herbal tea is not just a psychological comfort. When the warm liquid flows down your throat, it provides an immediate soothing effect on irritated mucous membranes, while the steam released from the infusion helps to loosen nasal mucus, making breathing easier. Hydration is crucial during a cold: drinking plenty helps to thin secretions and eliminate toxins, speeding up the healing process.

The ritual itself of preparing and slowly sipping a warm herbal tea invites us to slow down, to take a rejuvenating break that our body, busy fighting the infection, insistently demands. It is a moment where the wisdom of nature meets the primal need for care and warmth, transforming a simple gesture into a powerful medicine for body and spirit.

6 Herbal Teas for Cold and Flu

In the silent dialogue between nature and well-being, herbal teas for colds emerge as messengers of relief, each with its own healing language. Every herb, with its unique aromatic and therapeutic profile, can be used individually or in harmonious blends that amplify its effectiveness. Here are six valuable natural allies that herbal tradition offers us to face seasonal ailments with gentleness and determination.

Ginger, Lemon, and Honey Tea

This trinity of ingredients is perhaps the most classic and powerful grandmother's remedy against colds. To prepare it:

  • 3-4 thin slices of fresh ginger root
  • Half a organic lemon squeezed
  • A teaspoon of honey (preferably linden or eucalyptus)
  • 250 ml of boiling water

Let the ginger infuse in the water for 5-7 minutes, add the lemon juice, and sweeten with honey only when the temperature has slightly dropped, to preserve its therapeutic properties. Ginger, with its warming action, stimulates circulation and fights inflammation, while lemon provides vitamin C and honey soothes the irritated throat with its natural antibacterial effect. 

Take a moment for yourself: a fragrant herbal tea can become a small wellness ritual. Discover at Terzaluna, the online shop specializing in high-quality teas and spices, our Ginger Tea Cut, ideal for your aromatic breaks.

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Rosehip and Echinacea Tea

When the immune system needs extra support:

  • 2 teaspoons of dried rosehip berries
  • A few drops of echinacea tincture
  • A slice of lemon (optional)
  • 250 ml of boiling water

Let it infuse for 10 minutes. Rosehip contains a concentration of vitamin C up to 20 times higher than citrus fruits, while echinacea is renowned for its ability to stimulate T lymphocytes, essential cells in the immune response. A true protective shield in a cup, particularly effective in the early stages of flu symptoms. 

Sip by sip, choose to listen to your body and pamper it with simple and natural rituals. At Terzaluna, the online shop for quality herbal teas and spices, you can also find our selection of natural extracts like the Echinacea Tincture.

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Thyme and Mint Tea

For those suffering from nasal congestion and mucus:

Infuse for 5-8 minutes and breathe in the aromatic vapors before sipping. The thyme promotes the fluidity of bronchial mucus, while the mint opens the airways with its balsamic action. The fragrance released by this herbal tea is therapeutic in itself: inhale deeply for an immediate decongestant effect. Ideal in the morning or mid-afternoon to regain breath and vitality.

Aromatic, intense, perfect for herbal teas with a strong fragrance: Dried Thyme is a must-have in your pantry. On Terzaluna, the high-quality tea and spice e-commerce, you'll find carefully selected thyme for your evening infusions.

  • Suitable for promoting digestion
  • Enhances soups
  • Antiseptic, fights seasonal illnesses
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Balsamic Herbal Tea (eucalyptus, sage, bay leaf)

A powerful trio to clear the airways:

  • 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of sage
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 250 ml of boiling water

Let it steep for 8-10 minutes, strain, and drink warm. Eucalyptus, with its essential oil rich in eucalyptol, is a powerful natural balsamic; sage acts as a decongestant and expectorant; bay leaf completes the action with its anti-inflammatory properties. However, be cautious: avoid this tea if you suffer from hypertension, as sage may temporarily increase blood pressure.

The aroma alone evokes a sense of freshness: Dried Eucalyptus is the ingredient that adds character to your infusions. Order it on Terzaluna, the online shop for those seeking authentic and refined flavors.

  • Balsamic properties
  • Great against flu and seasonal illnesses
  • Harvested in 2024
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Chamomile and Mallow Herbal Tea

When a cold is accompanied by irritability and difficulty resting:

  • 1 teaspoon of chamomile flowers
  • 1 teaspoon of mallow flowers
  • 250 ml of boiling water

Infuse for 5-6 minutes. Chamomile, besides promoting relaxation, has an unexpected decongestant action that helps unblock the nose, while mallow creates a protective film on the inflamed mucous membranes of the throat and upper respiratory tract. This herbal tea is particularly recommended in the evening, before bedtime, to promote a restorative sleep despite the cold.

Colorful, delicate, fragrant: Mallow Flowers are perfect for enriching your evening teas with a floral and refined touch. On Terzaluna, the e-commerce dedicated to those who love to take care of themselves with natural rituals, you'll find only selected ingredients.

  • Expectorant
  • Soothes cough
  • Great against reflux
  • Harvested in 2023
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Spicy Herbal Tea (cinnamon, chili pepper, lemon)

For those seeking an energizing approach:

  • A stick of cinnamon
  • A pinch of chili pepper powder (or half a fresh chili)
  • A slice of lemon with the peel
  • 250 ml of boiling water

Boil the water with the cinnamon for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heat, and add the chili pepper and lemon, letting it steep for another 5 minutes. This powerful warming combination stimulates circulation, increases body temperature, and promotes sweating, helping the body expel toxins. The spicy and enveloping flavor offers an immediate sensation of comfort and vitality, perfect for combating the fatigue typical of winter ailments.

Do you want to add a spicy and enveloping note to your herbal teas? Cinnamon cut for tea is the ingredient you can't miss. You can find it on Terzaluna, the ecommerce for those who love infusions with a strong and natural flavor.

  • From organic farming
  • Ideal for your herbal teas
  • Sweet and delicate taste
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cough infusion

How to prepare a herbal tea for a cold?

The preparation of a herbal tea for a cold is a simple yet refined art, where every gesture can make the difference between a mediocre infusion and a truly effective remedy. Besides choosing the right ingredients, it is the preparation method that determines the drink's ability to extract and preserve the beneficial active ingredients of the herbs.

The perfect preparation ritual

To get the most out of natural remedies for flu symptoms, here are the essential steps:

  1. Choice of herbs: prioritize organic ingredients or, even better, herbs personally picked on dry, sunny days when the concentration of essential oils is at its peak
  2. Correct dosage: generally one teaspoon of dried herbs (or one tablespoon if fresh) for each cup of water
  3. Water temperature: bring the water to a boil and let it rest for 30 seconds before pouring it over the herbs (95°C is ideal for most cold herbal teas)
  4. Covering during infusion: always cover the cup during infusion to retain the volatile essential oils, which are particularly valuable for decongesting the respiratory tract
  5. Infusion times: respect the specific times for each herb (generally 5-10 minutes), avoiding infusions that are too short or excessively long, which could result in bitterness
  6. Careful filtering: use a fine mesh strainer to completely remove herb residues

A little secret to enhance the effect of herbal teas for colds and flu: deeply inhale the steam that rises from the freshly prepared cup, keeping your face about 20 cm away and, if possible, covering yourself with a towel. This simple gesture amplifies the decongestant action of the essential oils present in the infusion.

Sweeten with delicacy

To naturally sweeten your herbal tea:

  • Honey: the ideal option for cold herbal teas, thanks to its antibacterial, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Add a teaspoon when the tea is warm (below 40°C) to preserve its healing properties
  • Agave syrup: a gentle alternative with a low glycemic index, perfect for those seeking a neutral taste
  • Whole cane sugar: contains minerals and molasses that enrich the nutritional profile of the drink
  • Stevia: for those who wish to avoid additional calories while maintaining sweetness

For an extra touch of effectiveness, you can enrich your cold herbal tea with a few drops of propolis, a powerful natural antiseptic that enhances the action of the herbs against flu symptoms, transforming a simple infusion into a true healing elixir.

DIY herbal teas for colds: grandma's recipes

Preparing herbal teas for colds following recipes passed down through generations means embracing ancient knowledge, made of slow and conscious gestures. The magic of homemade preparations lies not only in their effectiveness but also in the creation process itself: choosing the loose herbs, measuring them carefully, perceiving the aromas that emanate between your fingers. It is a return to the roots, to the folk wisdom that, long before the advent of modern medicine, had identified plants as remedies for seasonal ailments.

Recipe for herbal tea against cold and cough

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus leaves (balsamic and decongestant)
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (antiseptic and expectorant) 
  • 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint (refreshing and opens the airways)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of lapacho bark (immune-stimulating)
  • 1 slice of lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus honey

Looking for something different for your infusions? Lapacho Bark captivates you with its strong and deep aroma. Find it on Terzaluna, the e-commerce specialized in quality teas and spices.

  • Always fresh herbs of the current year
  • Stimulates the immune system
  • Natural remedy against candida
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Preparation:

Mix the herbs in a cup, pour 250ml of boiling water and cover. Let it steep for 7-8 minutes, strain carefully, add the lemon, and sweeten with honey once the temperature has dropped. Drink three cups a day, preferably warm and in small sips, allowing the aromatic steam to rise to your nostrils, just as our grandmothers advised when they wrapped us in warm blankets during winter ailments.

Recipe for an immune-boosting herbal tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of echinacea root (boosts the immune system)
  • 1 teaspoon of rosehip berries (rich in vitamin C)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of green anise seeds (expectorant and digestive)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of lapacho bark (natural antiviral)
  • 1 pinch of cinnamon powder
  • Acacia honey to taste

Preparation:

Mix all the dry ingredients and store them in a dark glass airtight jar. To prepare the tea, pour a heaping tablespoon of the mix into 250ml of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. This powerful blend, which our ancestors prepared at the first sign of intense cold, is ideal to take preventively, one cup in the morning throughout the winter, as an invisible shield against seasonal ailments.

With an intense aroma and unmistakable taste, green anise seeds are ideal for adding character to your evening teas. Find them on Terzaluna, the online shop for those who love to infuse quality into every cup.

  • Always fresh picked
  • Carminative and balsamic
  • From organic farming
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Gentle herbal tea for children

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon of linden flowers (calming and diaphoretic)
  • 1 teaspoon of rosehip berries (gentle immune-stimulant)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of marshmallow root (soothing and emollient)
  • A very small piece of licorice root (anti-inflammatory)
  • Acacia or wildflower honey to taste

Preparation:

For this gentle tea, particularly suitable for the little ones, use reduced doses and a shorter infusion. Pour water at 90°C (not boiling) over the ingredients and let it steep for only 4-5 minutes. Strain with particular care, sweeten with a little honey once the temperature has dropped below 40°C, and serve warm, never hot. Grandmothers knew that children needed a gentler touch, almost like a caress in a cup that could comfort without overwhelming their delicate systems. Offer this tea in small quantities several times a day, turning each sip into a moment of care and attention.

Do you like intense and naturally sweet infusions? Licorice root is the perfect ally to add character to your teas. Discover it on Terzaluna, the online shop for those who seek only authentic and selected ingredients.

  • Organic farming
  • Contrasts colds
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Choose Your Cold and Flu Herbal Tea on Terzaluna

Herbal teas for colds are a warm and comforting embrace when our bodies need care and attention the most. As we have explored together, these infusions are not just simple drinks but true wellness rituals that encapsulate the ancient wisdom of nature. Each herb, each spice, each combination of ingredients brings with it not only unmistakable aromas but also properties capable of alleviating the most annoying symptoms of winter ailments.

Let your senses guide you in the choice: the balsamic scent of eucalyptus, the warmth of ginger, the freshness of mint, or the sweetness of mallow. Each infusion tells a different story and offers a unique sensory experience, transforming a moment of fragility into an opportunity to reconnect with your body and the natural rhythms of healing.

Remember that medicinal plants are valuable allies, but they need the right time and attention. Prepare your infusions with care, respecting times and temperatures, and allow yourself the necessary pause to savor them slowly, sip by sip. In this way, you will not only fully appreciate their benefits but also transform a daily gesture into a true act of love towards yourself.

infusion for cold and sore throat

Other Natural Remedies for Cold, Flu, and Cough

There are not only herbal teas or infusions to treat cough, sore throat, or cold, but other excellent natural remedies that will benefit your respiratory system when stressed by temperature changes or some inflammation. Here are some natural extracts and dietary supplements we recommend.

Propgola

Propgola is not a cold herbal tea, but a dietary supplement with Italian propolis and plant extracts known for their balsamic, soothing, and protective effect on the oral cavity, enhanced by the presence of strongly balsamic essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and manuka.

Influvin

Influvin by Erbe Nobili is a true panacea for seasonal ailments. It is a dietary supplement with an original combination of plants capable of strengthening the immune system: Echinacea, Astragalus, and Andrographis are known immune stimulants, while plants like myrrh and essential oils of thyme, oregano, and cinnamon are excellent antiseptics and antibacterials. Thanks to this dual and synergistic effect, the preparation is a valid aid in all flu forms with an infectious component.

These are our natural remedies, infusions, and supplements, effective for strengthening the immune system and preventing and counteracting seasonal ailments. If symptoms persist, it is always advisable to consult a doctor.

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