Kick out winter colds with a hot cup of tea!

Winter is here and the season of colds is upon us. At eteaket, we think there’s nothing better than a cup of tea when you’re feeling under the weather, but there is also evidence to suggest that tea drinking helps alleviate symptoms.

Adults average about two to four colds a year, although that number tends to rise if you have a family with children of school age – the one time those kids just love to share! It’s little surprise that the number is so high when you realise that there are more than 200 viruses that can cause a common cold. Symptoms include a dry throat, blocked nose and sneezing, while a cold will typically last for up to 10 days.

There are measures you can take to lessen the risk, including avoiding close contact with someone with a cold, building-up your immune system with a good diet that includes plenty of fruit and veg, and making sure you wash your hands regularly as cold viruses can be transmitted from one person to another by touch. But let’s face it, we’re all going to succumb at some stage so we have a few tips for minimising the misery.

Research confirms that a hot – rather than a cold or warm – drink can reduce congestion and help relieve a cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and perk you up a bit. It may sound a little unpleasant, but those hot drinks help loosen everything up a little in a congested chest and sinuses, while the fluid itself keeps the body hydrated.

So how can eteaket help you kick out that cold? For a start, we have loads of green and black teas to choose from, which all offer immune-boosting benefits, while our herbal and fruit infusions are made from 100% herbs and dried fruit with nothing artificial in there. Here a just a few soothing and delicious blends to try.

Lemon & Ginger Tea: Ginger is a well-known cold remedy, and our Lemon & Ginger is a wonderful cold comfort blend. Our herbal infusion combines lemongrass with lemon peel, ginger peel and a hint of liquorice to soothe, ease and revitalise. Use 1 teaspoon per cup, top with freshly boiled water and brew for 5-7 minutes – add a spoonful of honey to help ease a sore throat.

Sea Buckthorn Tea: Sea Buckthorn is a wild plant with bright orange berries that is found along much of the Scottish coastline. Packed with vitamins and minerals, we’ve blended this delicious and healthy berry with dried cranberries and hibiscus flower to create the sweet yet tart flavour of our Sea Buckthorn Tea – sip it and see!

Gyokuro Tea: Green tea is reportedly loaded with health supporting nutrients – just what your body needs when cold-busting! Gyokuro is a rare blend and is Japan’s best tea. The bushes that produce this tea are shaded for the first three weeks, which decreases any bitterness and results in a sweet, flavour-packed cup. Make sure you let the water cool for a few mins (to around 80 degrees) before you steep the leaves).

Big Red Rooibos Tea: Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herb from South Africa which is delicious and also apparently has lots of health benefits, making it the perfect combination of health and flavour. Our Big Red is premium-grade Rooibos, to help keep you fighting fit.

We’re sure you’ll find a favourite cold-buster in our suggestions! Whatever it is, brew up, snuggle down and enjoy the moment – sniffles not compulsory!

Explore our teas to find your perfect match and don’t forget we have some lovely teapots and mugs to drink them from.