Flu-Fighting Tea

This week is anti-flu week, and we’ve been talking about different remedies you can use at home to combat colds and flus this season.  

There are a number of different over-the-counter hot flu beverages on the market.  One big brand contains Acetaminophen (fever reducer), Dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), and Phenylephrine HCl (nasal decongestant).  When you take these, your liver has to work overtime to deal with both the cold or flu bug you’re fighting as well as processing these drugs.  Numerous studies have linked acetaminophen with liver disease and liver failure.  Not exactly something you want to put your liver through when you’re sick.  These drugs do not get to the root of the problem (the cold or flu virus).  They simply try to deal with the symptoms (fever, coughing, nasal congestion, etc.).  My flu-fighting tea will help get to the root of your sickness as well as deal with the symptoms.  Here are the natural ingredients that will go to work against cold and flu viruses as well as provide you relief from the yucky symptoms:

Hot Lemon Water

We’ve talked before about the benefits of lemons.  They are high in vitamin C and citric acid, and they help to fight infection and strengthen the immune system.  If you want to take this “tea” to the next level, replace the plain water with echinacea tea, which has been shown to fight infections as well.  Just add the lemon juice after the tea has finished steeping.  This beverage is just as effective without the tea though.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar could be considered a superfood as it contains so many health promoting properties.  The acetic acid in ACV is a powerful anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial weapon against colds and flus.

Raw Honey

Raw honey is full of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.  It is a natural antibiotic, and it is also anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.  You can find raw honey at most health food stores and large chain grocery stores.  If you can’t find raw honey, just sweeten this drink with stevia, which will make it more palatable.  It will taste like hot lemonade.