Sniffling, sneezing, and all around feeling achey? Try this simple homemade tea made with two proven cold and flu fighting ingredients.
If you’ve come down with a cold or the flu, try sipping on this tea to help you feel better faster. It is my new (not-so) secret weapon. And since posting it on Instagram, others have told me it has worked wonders, so I realized, I should do a full post on it!
Both the cold and the flu are caused by viruses (not bacteria), so antibiotics won’t work. But, nature has a few remedies that do!
Kick-a-Cold Tea aka Cold & Flu Relief Tea
This tea is made primarily with two simple ingredients: Fresh ginger and thyme.
Ginger
Studies have found that fresh ginger effectively fights respiratory viruses. (The same results were not found in powdered form, so to get the benefit, you want to use fresh ginger in cooking or teas).
Thyme
Thyme stimulates the immune system, expels phlegm and relieves congestion and coughing. (1) It has also exhibited antiviral effects against various viruses. (2, 3).
How I Use It
When I started to feel like I had the flu (muscle aches, tired, sneezing, etc.) I immediately brewed a cup of this, and then proceeded to drink at least 5-6 cups a day, for 3 days.
On day one, I let my body rest. I took off of work (ok I worked a few hours) but let my body sleep. This is important! When you are sick, give your body time to rest and heal. Don’t be a macho woman and power through – you may end up prolonging your illness!
By day two, I was about 50% better, and back to work, albeit blowing my nose quite often. By day 3, I was 80% better and day 4, it was completely gone. My friend (who I think gave it to me) and didn’t drink the tea, was sick in bed for over a week. This is a very unscientific anecdote, but the great thing about using real food remedies, is that they are inexpensive and risk of side effects is low.
Make Kick-A-Cold Tea
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it (by clicking the stars in the upper right of the recipe card, below), and don’t forget to tag a photo @mariamarlowe or #healthybymarlowe on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see what you come up with!
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Kick a Cold Tea (Ginger Thyme Tea)
Ingredients
- 5 sprigs fresh thyme organic
- 2 slices fresh ginger organic
- water
Instructions
- Boil water.
- In a mug place 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme, and two slices of fresh ginger. Pour boiling (or nearly boiling) water over it, and let steep for 10 minutes before consuming. You can leave it in the cup or strain if you prefer.
- You can refill the hot water up to 2-3 times with the same ginger and thyme.
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