FIGHT BACK AGAINST COLD AND FLU!!

Winter is just around the corner and; even though this can be a beautiful time of year with family gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, crisp fall morning and quiet snowy days, we tend to spend more days inside. More time inside can mean more exposure to germs and illnesses. I know, I know most of you are thinking, well I have already spent more time inside than usual with the COVID outbreak. And I am sure that may be true, but winter seems to drive us inside more and with winter also comes an increased number of colds and flu's and respiratory distress. What's my point you ask? Well even though illnesses during season changes are inevitable there are things that you can do to help. No! I am not going to tell you to wash your hands more frequently, we have been hearing this repeatedly since we were kids and more so now with the virus. But, did you know that tea can help you through a cold or flu? Yes! Tea. Not only does the warmth from a hot cup of tea bring soothing to the body, it can also bring some relief from your symptoms. Here we will explore several teas and what they can do to bring some relief.

Peppermint - Peppermint tea possess decongestive power that can open up the nasal passages to help us breathe more easily because it contains menthol that, when breathed in from the hot steam, can help open up nasal passage ways. Peppermint is also been used for hundreds of years to sooth upset stomachs. So sipping some peppermint tea can be beneficial for colds and flu symptoms alike. I myself like peppermint tea to help when I have a headache. Peppermint oil used in a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the temples also provides excellent headache relief.

Chamomile - Chamomile is a small daisy like plant that has been used as a traditional herbal remedy that dates back to ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. Chamomile (Camomile) contains a flavonoid called apigenin which is thought to encourage comfortable sleep and helps sooth the body and mind and includes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antispasmodic and sedative actions. We sell a house blend of Chamomile and Peppermint Tea called Sweet Dreams that provided a 2 for one punch providing you with some much needed relief and rest if you are ill. (Note: Sweet Dreams is great any time you need to unwind and relax for a great nights sleep.)

Ginger - Now as most of you know ginger can reduce stomach upset (AKA: ginger ale your mom use to give you when you were sick as a child.) But did you know that it also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? Ginger also fights free radicals and can relieve headaches, sinus pressure and ear infection pain. The tea cupboard has a Ginger Peach black tea for a tasty way to drink ginger. And our Happy Belly tea contains ginger root. (Of feel free to add ground ginger from your cabinet or fresh ground ginger to your favorite tea for that added boost.)

These are just a few of the teas that you can use to help you through Cold and Flu season. The Tea Cupboard also offers several herbal teas, such as Happy Belly Wellness tea that is designed to sooth upset tummies, spearmint tea if peppermint is to strong for your taste, or lavender tea for relaxation, as well as others. Feel free to check them out! Our ingredients are listed with each tea so you can research the health benefits of the different ingredients if you wish to.

Tea as a whole, whether you prefer black, green, white, herbal or one of the other types of tea, is great for the mind and body. Much research has gone on and is continuing on the health benefits of tea. So stock up for colds, for flu's or just for the sheer comfort of having your favorite cup of tea on a cold winter day!