Spring Fever
By Cal Orey
Spring has sprung. But the question is, is the flu and cold
season over? Often when April arrives the transition of cold and warmer
temperatures can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Read on—discover how home
cures with tea(s)—a superfood--from your kitchen may be just what the doctor would
order to help beat colds, allergies thanks to pollen and other allergens, miserable seasonal affective disorder and winter weight gain, and even a second
wave of the flu.
1. 1. Colds: During late winter months, cold season can linger like an unwanted house guest. But, if you are under stress, a cold can pay you a visit
year-round, especially if you’re traveling. If your immune system is under
attack, a cold can be prevented or the severity lessened with tea.
What Tea Rx to Use: Drink one 8-ounce cup of black tea (hot or iced) with or
without 1 teaspoon honey two to three times per day while symptoms last.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tea researchers believe it’s the compound antigen (a
molecule capable of inducing an immune response) in black tea that bolsters the
body’s immune system and may help guard against colds. Known for being rich
with antioxidants, tea also contains tannins which may help to stave off
viruses like a cold.
2.
Coughs: Coping with a cold can be annoying
but coughing (either from a cold or allergies) can be pesky and make your
throat and chest ache.
What Tea Rx to Use: Opt to brew one 12-ounce cup of black or white tea. For an
extra throat soother, add 1 teaspoon of local honey is especially good for
allergies!). Repeat as necessary.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Tackling a cough takes a bit of sleuth work to
discover why you are coughing. If allergens are the issue, for instance, it’s
time to get an air purifier, vacuum and dust more, and add tea with local honey
to your diet repertoire.
3.
Flu: Catching the flu, just when you thought flu season was over, which
can come on suddenly, drags you down and into bed. Viruses come in all forms
and can give you anything from a 24-hour bug to a stubborn virus that’ll hang
on for weeks.
What Tea Rx to Use: Take 2 cups of tea (black, green, or white) and 1 cup of
your favorite vitamin C-enhanced herbal tea– such as hibiscus.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: It’s no surprise that tea
is chock-full of antioxidants—the good guys that can keep your immune system
healthy and stave off germs you could encounter. By drinking tea and a
vitamin-rich tisane teamed with a nutrient-dense diet, you’ll be keeping your
immune system strong.
4.
Seasonal
Affective Disorder: Feeling down and sluggish with SAD? Seasonal depression
is yet is another monster to face in the colder months. I have tackled the
symptoms with an arsenal of remedies—and tea is on the list come late fall
through early spring.
What Tea Rx to Use: Brew 1 cup of green tea. Steep for 3 minutes. Repeat 2 times
per day.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Green tea has 45 milligrams of caffeine (which can give you
a physical and mental burst of energy). But also, green tea contains
L-theanine—a compound that enhances brain chemicals including serotonin and
that can give you a calming sense of well-being.
5.
Sore
Throat: A sore throat is a telltale
sign that a cold or allergies are looming, so rather than run to the pharmacy
for medication every time, why not take an alternative route and turn to tea
first?
What Tea Rx to Use: Dried oolong leaves combined with rose hips or
hibiscus can be a perfect pairing. Put 1 teaspoon of tea leaves and 1 teaspoon
of the herbal tea of your choice in 1 cup of hot water. Steep for a few
minutes, then strain. Add honey to taste.
Why You’ll Feel Tea-rrific: Oolong tea may reduce swelling and inflammation, due to
flavonoids. Also,local honey boasts anti-inflammatory benefits and
contains pollen to help balance allergies.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Ginger and lemon go together like salt and pepper—two of nature’s
finest superfoods with an immunity booster and detoxifying that can keep you healthy this
spring and all year-long. Plus, drinking this potion can help fill you up not out to help drop unwanted pounds for spring!
2 cups water
10 thin slices ginger root, fresh
1 lemon sliced
3 tablespoons honey
1/3 cup lemon juice
Bring water, ginger root, and lemon slices to a boil for 1 or 2
minutes. Remove from heat, steep 10 minutes, strain. Stir in honey and lemon juice.
You can also add apple peel, a piece of onion, and one or two tablespoons of
chamomile.
(Courtesy: Gemma Sanita
Sciabica)
Excerpt from The Healing
Powers of Tea 2018.
All right reserved. Reprinted with permission from Kensingtonwww.kensingtonbooks.com
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