5 Benefits of Drinking Herbal Tea in Cold and Fever

Even if research does show (overwhelmingly) that fevers are actually protective and rarely life-threatening, it’s still not fun to have a fever (or watch a child suffering from one). The usual response is to reach for Advil or Tylenol to make them feel better quickly, but this can actually prolong the illness by working again the body’s natural defense mechanism. These medications also have some scary and little talked about risks from frequent and repeated use.

Teas are one of the best ways to get the healing benefits of herbs. Steeping herbs in hot (boiling) water make the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants even more accessible. Herbal tea is also quick to make and tastes good even to kids.

* Warms and Stimulates the Body

Feeling chilled and achy is often one of the first signs illness is approaching. We head for bed and shiver under the covers. Contrary to popular belief, fever is actually a natural signal that the body is going into protective mode by raising body temperature to create a less hospitable environment for bacteria or viruses.

* Detoxifies Through Sweating

When fever (supported by stimulating herbs) raises body temperature, the pores of the skin open to allow perspiration in an attempt to cool off and keep the temperature from getting too high.

* Hydrates

It turns out dehydration, not fever, may be the thing to fear.

If hydration is important when we’re healthy, it’s even more crucial when we’re sick. In fact the most important thing to do for a child during a fever is to get fluids into them.

* Relieves Pain and Discomfort

When we get right down to it, all we moms really want (besides healthy kids of course) is to have something to offer to make our kids more comfortable when they’re sick. A warm cup of tea might smell and taste great, but it has real benefits for reducing pain as well.

* Supports Immunity

Herbs like chamomile and mint contain a wide range of nutritional benefits, including being a great source of readily absorbed calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. As in the case of healing bone broth, the body can easily digest and soak up all the benefits of herbs prepared as a tea.