Welcome to chunky knit season! It's the perfect time to get cosy and cradle a cuppa in your jumper-covered fingers. But, with the cooler weather arriving, as is the presence of the common cold, sore throats and chesty coughs. No fun at all. And whilst these inconvenient ailments can't always be prevented, the symptoms they cause can most definitely be eased by a healthful cup of tea. Isn't that great? So, grab your tallest mug and boil the kettle, as we rundown the best herbal brews to nurse your airways back to health.
Herbal Teas & Matching Dessert Infusions
Liquorice Root: A very well-known herb in Chinese medicine, this particular plant carries active antiviral and antimicrobial components, one of which is highly revered for its ability to help treat respiratory infections, including, most recently, the coronavirus. This component is known as Glycyrrhizin and is the structure of the herb which provides its naturally sweet flavour. Alongside this potent property are the abundance of other benefits from liquorice roots, such as how it can boost the immune system, relieve pain and stress, as well as heal a sore throat. Want this healthful ingredient in a delicious tea? Then try our Liquorice Mint Humbugs oolong blend.
Peppermint: Talking of this refreshing herb, did you know, alongside it being a fabulous tea to have after a filling meal, it's also great for your throat? As it contains menthol, it naturally decongests your airways, whilst also having a cooling and soothing effect on a sore throat. Want this lovely tea with something a little more decadent? Then try our Mint Cacao Crème green rooibos blend.
Rooibos: As well as being naturally flavourful, rooibos actively aids the respiratory system by dilating the bronchi & the bronchioles (the airways) which, in turn, increases airflow to the lungs. Enjoy with or without milk, or within our Rhubarb & Cranberry Cobbler infusion - a tea mixed with cinnamon and ginger, both of which contribute to good lung health. This tea is exclusive to our Christmas Puds festive gift box.
Cinnamon: Hailed in Ayurveda as a wonder-herb, this wholesome spice is one of the tastiest ingredients to sip away a sore throat. Not only is it rich in antioxidants (such as quercetin, a flavonoid noted for having an effective treatment on respiratory infections), cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which aids in the soothing of a sore throat. Enjoy this herb-infused alone in hot water (known as Dalchini), or in combination with a multi-action brew that tastes like dessert, such as Custardy Apple Crumble.
Mullein: An absolute lung tonic, this leaf is an all-around healing agent for any cold and flu-like illness. Courtesy of its yellow flowers (which have a soothing ability and coat the lungs) in combination with the leaves (which are more astringent and expectorant) this plant helps to repair weak lungs, expel unwanted particles and reduce inflammation. For a delicious system detox, try our Sweet Cinnamon Shortcake herbal infusion, perfectly balanced with several lung-healing ingredients.
Honeybush: Sweet and full-bodied, this caffeine-free flowering plant has traditionally been used medicinally to soothe coughs and alleviate bronchial complaints. This is achieved by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways. Relax with a cup of this floral beverage alone, leaving it between 5-10 minutes to brew, or enjoy as part of our Frosted Carrot Cake blend.
Marshmallow Root: Naturally relieve a chesty cough with a hot cup of marshmallow root tea. According to a 2005 study, the high mucilaginous content (a substance with a "mucus-like" nature) of this plant may make it a useful remedy for treating coughs and colds. This substance coats the throat and soothes it in turn. For optimum benefit, drink between 2-3 cups a day, or, as above, enjoy it in our Sweet Cinnamon Shortcake infusion.
Lemon: Rich in Vitamin C, this immune-boosting citrus fruit helps ease the symptoms of a sore throat by providing pain relief and breaking up mucus. In addition, try mixing it with antioxidant-dense Camu Camu, a tiny cherry-like fruit renowned for its ability to fight the common cold. Savour both of these in our Lemon Meringue Pie rooibos blend, ideal with a swirl of honey.
And a Bonus Mention to...
Green Tea: Splashing its way across an abundance of health news columns, green tea has made quite a name for itself. But did you know that this Japanese staple has lung-flushing capabilities? The compounds within green tea, such as catechins, can reduce inflammation in the lungs as well as protect the lung tissue. To prevent infection, reach for a cup of green tea. There are several types to choose from, but we like to use Sencha in our Soft Peach Gingerbread infusion. The flavour of the green tea is silky smooth and complements the floral Honeybush notes against the spice of ginger, both of which are potent in promoting respiratory health.
All teas listed are available on the SaChasi website.
Stay healthy, everyone!