If you have a cold and need relief, I recommend homemade herbal teas.
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Who gets a cold on Mother’s Day weekend?
Unfortunately, that was me. I spent the entire Mother’s Day weekend battling a bad cold and, to make matters worse, passed it to my 18-month-old son and my three-year-old daughter.
We probably should have seen it coming. On Friday night both kids woke at 4 a.m. and refused to go back to sleep, ending up in our bed where they mostly wanted to cuddle with their dad. By then my head was pounding and my nose was so congested I could barely breathe.
When morning came, the three of us had full-blown colds. My husband was the only one spared — he stayed healthy and had to work the weekend running a national speech tournament at his school, so he was gone much of Saturday and Sunday.
That left me to care for two sick little ones and myself. There was a lot of couch time, pajamas, TV, and comfort foods. There was also a lot of wiping runny noses, calming unexplained crying and tantrums, and coaxing them to eat. But we also had quiet moments that led to wonderful snuggles. I admit I don’t mind when my kids are sick if it means they want to be held by mama.
Herbal Teas to the Rescue
One thing that really eased our symptoms was drinking plenty of herbal tea. Warm liquids soothe a sore throat and help keep you hydrated, while many herbal blends offer soothing properties. In Mexico, homemade herbal teas are commonly used to treat various ailments; my parents and grandmother often recommend different teas when someone isn’t feeling well.
Teas to drink when you have a cold
Below are several homemade herbal teas I highly recommend for colds. (Always consult your doctor before trying any new remedies, especially with small children.)
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and has a mild, pleasant flavor. It is generally safe for children in small amounts. After brewing, let the tea cool slightly before serving and add a teaspoon of honey to soothe the throat and add natural antibacterial benefits. Note: never give honey to children under the age of one due to the risk of botulism.
Mint Tea
Mint offers antibacterial and antiviral benefits and can help clear nasal passages. Its flavor is stronger than chamomile, so dilute it with a little water for young children and sweeten with a teaspoon of honey if desired.
Garlic Tea
Garlic isn’t an herb but is a natural antibiotic and decongestant. Garlic tea can be an effective remedy, though it’s often not a favorite with kids. To prepare garlic tea, finely chop one clove of garlic, place it in the bottom of a mug, and pour hot water over it. Let it steep for about three minutes, then add half a lime and honey. You can leave the garlic in the mug and sip it or stir it in for more potency.
Mint and Peach Tea (Medicine Ball Tea)
This soothing blend, inspired by a popular Starbucks “medicine ball,” combines mint tea and peach tea with citrus and honey for a comforting beverage. While no tea is a guaranteed cure, the combination of warm liquid, mint, and lime or lemon can help relieve symptoms and provide comfort. The original merchant version can be quite sweet, so I prefer a lighter, homemade version that still delivers great flavor without excess sugar.
My husband and I made this revised version all weekend — I probably had half a dozen cups.
Homemade Medicine Ball Tea Ingredients:
- 1 bag Bigelow Mint Tea
- 1 bag Bigelow Peach Tea
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
Even though my husband worked the weekend and the kids and I were under the weather, I still enjoyed the extra time lounging and snuggling. When he returned home he surprised me with Mother’s Day gifts, flowers, and treats that made the weekend special despite the sniffles.
Do you use homemade herbal teas when you have a cold? What other natural remedies do you rely on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Check out this other great home remedy:
- Homemade Cough Syrup
Recipe
Homemade Medicine Ball Tea
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
1 Cup
Ingredients
- 1 bag Bigelow Mint Tea
- 1 bag Bigelow Peach Tea
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ lime
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
Instructions
- Steep the mint and peach tea bags together in a mug with hot water for about 4 minutes.
- Squeeze half a lime into the tea.
- Add honey and stir to taste.
- Adjust lime or honey to your preference.