Meet our Cold Care Teas

As lovers of all things Shea, you may find it strange that we sell something that does not have anything to do with Shea butter. But, it does have everything to do with natural health and after years of use by ourselves and our friends, we know that it works and that we should be sharing it.

With cold and flu season upon us, there's no better time to prepare than now. Although we may do everything we can to not get sick, sometimes it gets the better of us. That's where our Cold Care Tea comes in. Made from herbs that support our natural immune system, drinking at the first sign of a cold or when you're not feeling your best can help boost your resistence and shorten the duration.

The original blend contains a few herbs that are not recommended for use during pregnancy so we have a slightly different version for expecting and breastfeeding mothers called Cold Care Tea for Two. (I loved drinking this during my pregnancies when I was feeling run down.)

Below are the main benefits of the herbs that make up our original Cold Care Tea plus the substituted herbs for our Tea for Two. All you need to add is the hot water. (This tea is naturally sweetened with Stevia leaves, but adding a drop of honey also helps soothe a sore throat.)

Ingredient Highlights

• Raspberry Leaf - Rubus idaeus: Raspberry leaf is used in many teas to stabalize the other ingredients.  It is a natural antioxidant. For pregnant women, it supports and tones the utuerus.
• Echinacia Root - Echinacea spp.: Everyone knows echinacia is a go to when you have cold and flu symptoms. Why? Becuase it supports healthy immune function to help fight infection and is especially effective for swollen lymph glands and sore throats.
• Yarrow Leaf & Flower - Achillea millefolium: Yarrow is one of the most common, universal healers available. Its an effective stimulating diaphoretic and is used for colds and flus, especially when a dry fever is present. It also aids in reducing inflammation.  Not for use during pregnancy.
• Hyssop - Hyssopus officinalis: Most famously known as an herb for helping with symptoms of a cold or flu, Hyssop is a warming herb that stimulates and expectorates mucus, which enables the lungs to rid it from the body through coughing. Not for use during pregnancy.
• Marshmallow Root - Althaea officinalis: As the name implies, the marshmallow root used to be used to make marshmallows. Its a natural demulcent that supports, soothes, and moistens the mucous membranes especially in an inflamed and sore throat.
• Rosehips - Rosa spp.: Rosehips are literally the fruit of the Rose. They are one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C naturally available.
• Elder Flower - Sambucus nigra or sambucus canadensis: Eleder flowers are anti-inflammatory and are effective against swollen sinuses. They also give relief as an expectorant when there is excess mucus.
• Plantain Leaf - Plantago spp.: There are countless uses for this ordinary plant, but for colds and flu, it calms dry coughs and mucus membrane inflammations.
• Peppermint - Mentha x piperita: This common herb possesses aromatic, sudorific, and antispasmodic properties which help open the nasal passages and calm coughing.
• Spearmint - Mentha spicata: Spearmint is lesser used than peppermint and contains less menthol than it's popular cousin. However, it contains the same aromatic and atispasmodic properties.
• Ginger Root - Zingiber officinale: Ginger is a warm to hot herb that provides overall general relief for sore throats, coldness during fever, and congestion.
• Stevia Leaf - Stevia rebaudiana: Considered a herbal supplement, the leaf and leaf powder are known for the sweet flavor that they add to teas and herbal preparations.

For our Tea for Two, we replaced the Yarrow and Hyssop with Nettle and Gingko.

• Stinging Nettle - Urtica spp.: Including this nutrient rich plant in our tea for pregnant and nursing women is no mistake. Besides supporting reproductive health for both men and women it is extremely high in vitamins and minerals. (Simple nettle infusions are an easy way to boost iron levels and reduce fatigue). In addition, it can help reduce the effects of a runny nose.
• Gingko - Ginkgo biloba: You may be wondering why we chose to include gingko in a cold care blend since it's best know for promoting healthy blood circulation. For pregnant and nursing women, we need that extra boost when we're feeling run down. (Persons with coagulation disorders should only use this herb under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner.)

We hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the herbs and plants that naturally support our immune system. To get you started on your way to health, use code COLDCARE at checkout for 10% off either of our cold care blends.

Thanks for reading!

As with all herbal products, we recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources (No, we don't receive anything for mentioning them. We just believe in what they do.)

• Herbal Cold Care from Learning Herbs - John Gallagher and Rosalee de la Forêt
• Herbal Academy
• Interested in getting your own herbs? Mountian Rose Herbs is a purveyor of sustainable organic ingredients.