Tea comes in second place for the most widely consumed beverage around the globe. In addition to soothing your nerves and giving you just the perfect amount of caffeine needed to kickstart the day, tea can also help boost your immune system. Tea has played an integral in ancient herbal healing in Asian regions for centuries, and recent studies back up its panacea status with scientific status.
Research proves that tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and possesses antimicrobial properties which help fend off various deadly illnesses. In addition to preventing diseases, tea also helps soothe your body and alleviate symptoms while you recover.
While all teas contain immunity-boosting components, certain brews provide more health benefits than others. Below are the seven teas best for strengthening a weakened immune system and improving overall health.
Turmeric Tea
This bright orange root is famous for only its contribution to South Asian cuisine but also for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin – the component responsible for the orange-yellow color of turmeric – which possesses antimicrobial properties and activates important integrants in the immune system, such as B cells and T cells. Since curcumin is a phytochemical, a plant component that reduces inflammation, it can help relieve pain. Researchers also suggest that curcumin might prove beneficial in treating some illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The health benefits of turmeric do not end here! In addition to alleviating pain and inflammation, turmeric is also high in various nutrients, including iron, potassium, and vitamin B6. People with autoimmune diseases should especially include turmeric tea in their diet to regulate their immune system and gain protection against illnesses, such as the common cold and flu.
Ginger Tea
Ginger, without any doubt, is one of the best natural ingredients you can include in your wellness arsenal to strengthen your immune system. It has numerous health benefits, from relieving muscle pain to aiding digestion, making ginger tea a must-have in your diet. Ginger, like turmeric, also possesses antimicrobial properties, which can help boost your immune system and ward off any diseases, keeping you healthy and safe.
Ginger contains the chemical compound gingerol – a close relative of curcumin – which is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Doctors often recommend gingerol as a dietary supplement for nausea and various types of arthritis. Research suggests that gingerol can also help fight against cancer. So, if you have any ongoing health issues, consult with your doctor before using ginger tea.
Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, ginger tea is perfect for use as a prevention tea. If you start feeling under the weather, immediately drink ginger tea as it can naturally clear nasal passages, helping ward off flu and colds. Plus, the slightly sweet and spicy flavor ginger imparts to tea greatly helps soothe nerves.
While ginger tea is excellent for boosting your immune system, it may cause problems if you have gallstone disease or are taking blood-thinning medication. Moreover, it is not clear whether it is safe for use during pregnancy. So, check with your doctor before using ginger tea if you have any underlying health conditions.
Licorice Tea
Frequently used in ancient Chinese herbal medicine for hundreds of years, licorice root has a riot of health benefits. It possesses antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which help strengthen your immune system and prevent you from getting sick. Licorice contains flavonoids – a plant compound rich in antioxidants and found to be possessing antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research also suggests that flavonoids might help fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Licorice root imparts a slightly sweet flavor to the tea. While it has copious health benefits, you should only consume it in moderation. Some possible adverse effects, such as decreases potassium levels, increased blood pressure, and complications for pregnant women, might arise if licorice tea is consumed in large amounts. So, make sure to limit yourself to only a few cups of licorice tea every day. Moreover, many brands sell licorice tea, which does not actually contain any licorice, so make sure to read the ingredients before buying it.
Chamomile Tea
Like licorice, chamomile has also been used in herbal medicine for centuries due to its wealth of health benefits. It is especially famous for its effectiveness in boosting the immune system and relieving symptoms of the common cold. While studies investigating chamomile’s copious benefits are ongoing, evidence suggests that it possesses antibacterial properties, which can ward off illnesses and help keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Chamomile also apigenin, a type of flavonoid found to be quite effective in fighting against cancer.
You can brew chamomile on its own to enjoy a mild, floral tea or get a herbal blend that contains chamomile. Chamomile tea is known not only for its immunity-boosting properties but also for helping in getting a peaceful slumber and relieving stress and menstrual pain.
Hibiscus Tea
While many people tend to overlook hibiscus in the tea section in stores, it is actually loaded with compounds needed for the healthy functioning of the immune system. It contains the powerful antioxidant anthocyanin, which plays an integral role in our immune function. Hibiscus also possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help prevent illnesses and promote overall health.
Evidence from recent studies also suggests that hibiscus can help lower blood pressure and reduce fat content in the liver. Moreover, due to its high antioxidant levels, it is frequently used to alleviate sore throats. Hibiscus tea tastes delicious, not only hot but also iced, thanks to its sweet and tart taste.
While hibiscus has multiple health benefits, including high levels of iron and antioxidants, it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and people taking the malaria medication chloroquine, blood pressure medication, and diabetes medication should avoid consuming hibiscus tea.
Black Tea
According to a recent study investigating the effectiveness of black tea, people who regularly consumed black tea for a course of over six months had higher immune activity than people who did not. Black tea is rich in flavonoids – naturally occurring compounds found in plants that provide protections against several illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. It also contains catechins which help to keep you from getting sick with their antiviral properties. Black tea, like other types of tea from the plant Camellia sinensis, is full of antioxidants. It also has a multitude of other health benefits, like reducing inflammation and promoting heart health.
To fully gain the many health benefits of black tea, you should consume it in moderate amounts. As black tea has higher caffeine content than most other teas, drinking it in large amounts can have adverse effects, like increased heart rate, tremors, and anxiety. So, make sure that you do not consume more than two cups of black tea in a day.
Green Tea
The go-to tea for regaining health in sickness, green tea is one of the best teas you can drink to boost your immune system. It is rife with polyphenols – a type of antioxidant found in plants- responsible for the immune-boosting properties that make green tea the best herbal healer. Another powerful antioxidant loaded in green tea is catechin which helps protect the cells from damage. Recent studies prove that catechins can also help ward off the common cold and flu.
Like black tea, green tea, too, is rich in flavonoids which help fight various deadly diseases. Research also shows that green tea promotes healthy bloody flow throughout the body, which, in turn, helps with memory and focus and prevents potential illnesses.
Green tea is made from the same tea plant as black tea and other types of caffeinated teas. However, unlike most types of tea, green tea is only pan-fried or steamed after harvest to slow down the oxidation process, which prevents the loss of beneficial compounds like antioxidants and preserves the distinct green color of the tea leaves.
Final Words
A cup of tea can be a delicious and effective way to boost your body’s defenses against various deadly diseases. While tea has many antimicrobial properties that help keep your immune system in perfect shape, it cannot be a substitute for professional medical treatment. If you feel seriously sick, immediately seek the help of a medical professional.