Asian American Herbalism and Tea Asian American Herbalism and Tea

Cold and Flu Tea Recipes

Cold and Flu Tea Recipes

Two herbal tea recipes for Wind Heat // early stage cold and flu

In Eastern theory, early stage cold/flu is considered an invasion of Wind. Pathogenic Wind draws Heat or Cold into the body, weakening the body’s defenses and triggering cold/flu symptoms. The current COVID-19 corona virus is considered a warm disease. So here are the recipes for Herb Folk's house blends for Wind Heat early stage cold and flu.

Elder + Mint 
– Elderflower
– Yarrow leaves and flower
– Field mint (may sub any wild mint or peppermint)
– Honey suckle 

Make herbal tea blend with equal parts of each herb. Pour simmering water over 1 tsp per cup of tea. Cover and steep for 10-20 minutes. Drink two cups and bundle up in bed to induce a light sweat. Rest.

Elderflower and yarrow are diaphoretics that encourage the body to sweat in order to vent the Wind Heat pathogens. Honeysuckle clears toxic heat and releases the exterior in Eastern medicine. The mint cools and harmonizes the formula.

Thyme + Sage 
– 2 parts Yarrow leaves + flowers
– 2 parts Thyme
– 1 part Calendula
– 1 part Sage 

Pour simmering water over 1 tsp per cup of tea. Cover and steep for 10-20 minutes. Drink two cups and bundle up in bed to induce a light sweat. Rest.

Yarrow is a diaphoretic to vent Wind Heat and prevents the pathogen from penetrating deeper into the system. Thyme vents Heat and specifically benefits the Lung. Sage vents Wind Heat, clears damp and protects body fluids by stopping excessive sweating. The calendula soothes mucous membranes and harmonizes formula.

Caution: No sage for nursing moms- stops flow of breast milk.

Source: Herb Folk clinics and Western Herbs According to TCM, Thomas Avery Garren.

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