Every year, people in the United States suffer 1 billion colds, and about 5 to 20 percent of them get the flu, or influenza, according to MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institute of Health. More than one hundred viruses can cause the common cold, but rhinovirus is the most common. Constantly changing viruses are responsible for influenza, for which flu vaccines can provide protection. Some teas can also boost your immunity and relieve symptoms of both colds and flu.
Ginseng
This herb is an adaptogen, which means it helps to bring your body back into balance and to protect it against stress, trauma and fatigue. It also helps to stimulate the immune system, according to Leslie Beck, a registered dietitian and author of "The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia." In a study published in the "CMAJ" in October 2005, Canadian researchers found that an extract of ginseng root significantly lowered the number of colds and the duration of cold symptoms in the group taking the herb compared to the placebo group. You can make ginseng tea using the root, an extract or tea bags.
Elderberry
Elderberry produces purplish-black fruit used in wines, jellies and pies. It's also long been used to treat a variety of health conditions including infections and coughs. In a small Israeli study published in the "Journal of International Medical Research" in 2005, 15 ml of an elderberry syrup relieved flu symptoms four days earlier than placebo in 60 patients. Patients taking elderberry also relied significantly less on other medication to fight the flu. Make elderberry tea from the dried fruit, which you can buy at natural health stores, or from tea bags or liquid extract.
Garlic
Garlic offers healing properties to treat conditions such as ear infections and colds. In a 201 issue of the journal "Advances in Therapy," British researchers found that patients taking one capsule daily of a garlic supplement containing the active ingredient allicin experienced significantly fewer colds compared to the placebo group; about 24 compared to 65. Duration of symptoms in the placebo group was also significantly longer than the garlic supplement group; about 5 days compared to 1.5 days. Make this herbal tea using raw garlic, aged garlic extract, bulk loose garlic or garlic tea bags.
Precautions
Plant-based foods such as roots, herbs and fruits are used for medicinal purposes. However, they can still cause side effects. For instance, garlic may cause stomach upset or heartburn and elderberry may cause nausea or vomiting. Ginseng can lead to symptoms such as mild stomach upset and irritability or increase blood pressure. Consult your doctor before taking these teas to prevent cold or flu, especially if you have a medical condition.
References
- MedlinePlus: Flu
- MedlinePlus: Common Cold
- MayoClinic.com: Common Cold - Causes
- MayoClinic.com: Influenza - Causes
- "The Complete A-Z Nutrition Encyclopedia"; Leslie Beck; 2010
- "CMAJ"; Efficacy of an Extract Of North American Ginseng Containing Poly-Furanosyl-Pyranosyl-Saccharides for Preventing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: A Randomized Controlled Trial; Gerald N. Predy; Oct. 25, 2005
