It’s no secret that tea can be an amazing companion for your health. That being said, today I want to dive into all the ways that teas can help you stay healthy during flu season!
First of all, what is flu season? The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines flu season as the time of year when influenza is in peak circulation. This season spans over the majority of the fall and winter with its peak months being December, January, and February. It is important to note that different variants of influenza and other illnesses circulate year-round, but this season is just when cases are most frequent. The CDC also adds that flu season has been less predictable since the COVID-19 pandemic. During these winter months, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself and your body, and tea may just be a key factor in doing so. Some teas can help prevent the flu and flu-like symptoms while others can help alleviate symptoms if you do get sick. Either way, we are here to help.
Many types of teas are packed with nutrients that can help boost your immune system and overall health. Green tea specifically is often referred to as “the healthiest beverage on the planet.” Whether this specific fact is true or not, green tea is a superfood packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system, prevent long-term diseases, and even improve your metabolism. Black and white teas also have significant levels of antioxidants. Additionally, Rooibos tea not only contains vitamins and antioxidants but also calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Aside from actual teas, herbal ingredients found in many tea blends and tisanes also have immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C. Some specific examples that we have in our tea blends here at Hackberry include rose, rose hips, lavender, mint, cloves, and hibiscus. We have an entire blog series dedicated to tea ingredients and what health benefits they each possess if you are interested in reading more about this.
Even if you practice the utmost healthiest habits, it is still possible that you may get sick. If you find yourself home sick during flu season, a hot cup of tea may be the perfect way to alleviate some of your symptoms and help aid your healing journey. Not only does a hot cup of tea feel good on your throat, but ingredients like ginger and chamomile have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help soothe and heal a sore throat. Mint is another tea ingredient that can help soothe a sore throat while also providing additional nutrients to help you fight the virus. These include antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, and compound essential oils. Mint also has a positive impact on your body’s olfactory system which can help prevent headaches and allergies - two things that you don’t want to deal with when you are already feeling sick! One of my favorite Hackberry teas that has some of the fantastic ingredients is the Relaxing Mint Chamomile which is a blend of chamomile, peppermint, and lavender. Another great option is our Citrus Mojito which is a green tea blend with spearmint and citrus. I personally like adding a bit of honey to my tea when I am feeling under the weather to soothe my symptoms further.
It is worth mentioning that while tea is a fantastic way to help support a healthy lifestyle, it is not a source of magic. That being said, we always recommend practicing other healthy habits as well, especially during flu season. The CDC recommends considering a yearly flu shot, avoiding contact with those who are sick, staying home if you are sick or showing flu-like symptoms, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. If you have concerns about your health this flu season make sure to discuss them with your doctor or a licensed medical professional.
We hope you and your loved ones all stay happy and healthy this winter. Make sure to stock up on your favorite Hackberry teas to put your best foot forward as the temperatures drop!
