Does it feel like you can never escape flu season? Or maybe you’re finding it impossible to recover from a cough, which doesn’t seem to improve, no matter what you try. If this describes what you’re going through, fret not – here are five herbal teas that may just do the trick.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea increases your urinary levels of hippurate which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. Chamomile also promotes the production of white blood cells, which are able to fight infections. This is why the tea appears is a go-to immunity booster, and can fight ailments associated with colds. If you wish to get yourself a flavourful cup of chamomile tea, get Nilufer Tea’s Orange & Chamomile tea. With a strong presence of citrus fruits and chamomile, you’ll definitely be relaxing and feeling better. You can get it here.

Green tea

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A particular type of polyphenols called catechins, which are antioxidant-rich organic chemicals, are believed to be responsible for the immune-boosting effects of green tea.

By protecting the immune system against damaging free radicals, green tea keeps your body adept at handling infections from bacteria, parasites, and influenza viruses. It also combats oxidative stress which can damage cells, and prevents autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

Steep green tea for no more than a minute or two in just-below-boiling water. A little lemon and honey can help to tone down its bitterness. Just a side note, however: adding milk will render the polyphenols ineffective.

Holy basil

Holy basil (or tulsi) is a well-known relaxant, but it is also an anti-inflammatory substance, and thus able to improve your immune system to keep your body strong. Holy basil tea can improve congestion, respiratory conditions, and illnesses ranging from mild colds and coughs to bronchitis and asthma. It can also help enhance kidney function and cleanse the body.

The plant has great antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that helps to strengthen the immune system of the user. In fact, there have been recent studies to show that holy basil may help in slowing down the growth of cancerous and diseased cells. Tulsi enhances the immune system, suppresses coughs, and helps to expel out phlegm, providing relief in colds and other respiratory illnesses.

Rooibos

Rooibos tea has 50 times more antioxidants than green tea and these antioxidants are known to thwart free radicals in the body, keeping damaged and cancer-causing cells to a minimum. The antiviral properties of polyphenols also provide an added boost to the immune system because they have anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic qualities, shielding the body from common colds, viruses, and the flu.

Apart from polyphenols, which reduce the detrimental effects of free radicals and cell metabolism, and slow down your body’s aging process, aspalathin and nothofagin are two other vital antioxidants that rooibos tea contains, making it a superior immunity boosting beverage.

Moreover, because of its ability to reduce the impact of oxidative byproducts in your neural pathways, it helps to improve cognitive ability, concentration, and focus.

For a healthy cup of rooibos tea, you can opt for Nilufer Tea’s Ginger Rooibos Tea, a blend of rooibos, apple mint, ginger and lemongrass that give rise to its spicy and earthy flavour. Sounds delicious already? Get it here.

Ginseng

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Ginseng tea boosts your immune system by enhancing the efficacy of its stress adapters, helping you steer clear of common ailments like colds and flus. Research has shown that ginseng tea helps regulate each individual type of immune cell, including natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and B and T cells.

Furthermore, the antimicrobial compounds in ginseng help to defend the body against viral and bacterial infections and cleanses bacteria in the blood, kidneys, and spleen. Ginseng also inhibits the growth of viruses. Moreover, the miraculous adaptogenic properties of the herb functions to rejuvenate dead skin cells in older people.

So if you feel a cold or cough coming on (especially after eating way too many CNY goodies), you know what to do!

Written by: Anna Fernandez

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