Best Teas for Chest Colds

When I catch a severe cold and notice my mucus turning white or yellowish, I turn to this herbal tea mixture:

Mint Tea (spearmint or peppermint),

Eucalyptus Tea,

Lemon juice,

and Red pepper (or Cayenne).

Why are Mint & Eucalyptus Teas best for chest colds?

One of the key components of this herbal remedy is mint tea, which can be either spearmint or peppermint. The refreshing properties of mint help to open up the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and providing a cooling sensation that can be very comforting when I am feeling under the weather. The natural menthol in mint is known for its ability to alleviate congestion and soothe a sore throat, making it a perfect choice for my cold remedy. Another essential ingredient is eucalyptus tea. Eucalyptus is renowned for its potent medicinal properties, particularly its ability to act as an expectorant. This means that it helps to loosen mucus in the airways, allowing for easier expulsion and providing relief from persistent coughing. The aromatic qualities of eucalyptus also contribute to its effectiveness, as inhaling its steam can help clear my sinuses and provide a sense of relief during those stuffy moments.

Lemon juice is also a vital addition to my tea mixture. The high vitamin C content in lemons is well known for its immune-boosting properties. When I add fresh lemon juice to my mint and eucalyptus tea, it not only enhances the flavor but also provides my body with a natural source of antioxidants, which can help to combat the cold virus. Furthermore, the acidity of lemon juice can help to break down mucus, making it easier to expel. Lastly, I include red pepper or cayenne in my mixture. This spice is known for its ability to stimulate circulation and promote sweating, which can be beneficial for expelling toxins from the body. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can also help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, making it a powerful ally in my fight against a deep cold.

Adding Goldenseal:

The simple herbal teas work best for a chest cold the sooner I recognize the onset of my illness. But I have noticed that if I am too busy or stressed, I sometimes neglect to take care of myself properly. In such cases, I may inadvertently push myself deeper into the throes of illness without fully realizing it. And then, it may not be until I am flat on my back and can't continue that I realize it is time to incorporate goldenseal into my regimen.

Typically, I start with a light dosage, like a drop or two of goldenseal, as I prefer to approach my health remedies with caution. However, if I have truly pushed myself into a deep cold, I do not hesitate to take maximum dosages a couple of times to give my body a stronger boost, followed by returning to regular dosages for several days to ensure a thorough recovery. This approach has proven effective for me in the past.

My understanding of goldenseal is that it is considered a mild natural antibiotic. Because of this, I reserve goldenseal for medicinal purposes rather than enjoying it as a casual tea. I have found it to be particularly effective in clearing up deep colds and persistent coughs and providing the relief I need when I am feeling my worst. With its powerful properties, goldenseal has become an indispensable part of my herbal toolkit for combating colds and supporting my overall health.

Avoid consuming:

Foods made with yeast, eggs, oatmeal, and dairy products which cause the body to produce more mucus. Also avoid highly processed sugary drinks and foods. Sugar distracts the white blood cells and you need them focused on fighting your cold and any infections.

Once, I found myself flat on my back almost unable to move before I realized I was sick. I was coughing up dark brown mucus that really scared me until I remembered what I should have been doing way back when I first started to feel the cold settle in my chest. Using the information above got me back on my feet in a couple of days.

Note:

Giving, or recommending, dosages would be practicing medicine. (I can only testify as to what worked for me.) The way I usually find my dosage of supplements, and herbs, is to take 1/2 the dosage as stated on the bottle, and slowly increased it. Then I listen closely to my body's reactions and watch out for side effects or allergies. I seldom reach the normal dosage and NEVER go over the maximum recommended. Once I reach a dosage that works for me, I label the bottle with my dosage.