Get Ahead of Cold & Flu Season

Teas to Boost Your Immune System

Having a strong immune system is never more important than it is during the annual cold/flu/virus season. While you may only think of tea during these times as a soothing hot beverage to help you feel better as you sniffle and cough your way through an illness, immune-boosting teas can do a lot more than that. But what are the best teas for your immune system?

Many types of teas can help boost your immune system so that you are less likely to get sick in the first place. Just like an apple a day really won't keep the doctor away, we can't promise a cup or two of these teas will 100% safeguard you against illness – but it's real science that many teas have health benefits. Check out these types of teas with ingredients that can play a role in helping you have a healthier cold and flu season.

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Green Teas

All tea buds and leaves contain antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. Because of how green tea is processed, however, it undergoes less internal change – which means it contains the largest quantity of intact catechins, making it something akin to the Superman of teas. Green tea catechins – a substance that protects our cells from damage by free radicals – consist of four antioxidant compounds, which is why green tea has long been believed to have many health benefits.

The antioxidant levels in green tea have been reported to be 100 times more effective than vitamin C and 24 times better than vitamin E in protecting our immune systems (see what we mean about Superman?). While you can explore our entire lineup of green teas, here are some specific green teas you might want to try. Also, to learn more about these amazing teas, visit our Green Tea 101 page.

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering root plant with a host of nutritious elements. In addition to its best-known benefit of easing digestive issues – pregnant women love it for its anti-nausea properties – it can also help ease muscle pain and reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. And thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, it can aid in boosting your immune system. Ginger also contains some vitamin C as well as antiviral and antibacterial properties. In other words, instead of reaching for the tissue box, reach for a cup of one of these ginger teas.