We recently wrote on a study showing how chamomile can help to ward off colds. As I sit here wallowing in a Category 5 cold brought home from preschool (along with some amazing finger paintings), I decided to search out ways to use teas to combat the cold virus once it actually sets up shop. What follows are a couple, one without caffeine, one with lots of it.

The first is a tasty concoction has only three ingredients: ginger, lemon and honey. All you have to do is place ginger tea bags or fresh grated ginger in hot water with a bit of lemon juice and a little honey; the measurements for all three will vary depending on individual taste. Let it steep for about 20 minutes, strain and consume.

Here’s the science: lemon not only contains vitamin C, but also phytochemicals, which can help to boost the immune system. Both honey and ginger can also aid the immune system in its fight against a nasty cold.

Number two. For those who love their caffeine almost as much as they hate their colds, a recent study should bring great happiness. Immunologists at Harvard University recently discovered that drinking five cups of black tea a day can help to transform the immune system’s T cells into super cells capable of churning out ten times more cold and virus-bashing interferon than normal. This could also be an effective way to combat a host of other diseases and conditions, including everything from athlete’s foot to tuberculosis. Interferon has also been shown to slow the growth of tumor cells.

The researchers noted that green tea should work just as well, and that even amounts smaller than five cups a day should prove beneficial.

Popularity: 4% [?]