Herbal Teas and Decoctions for Cold Treatment

According to SAEDNEWS, Decoctions are made by boiling seeds, roots, or leaves of plants in boiling water. Now, you may wonder, what is the difference between tea and decoction? To prepare herbal teas, you need to place the medicinal herbs in boiled water and steep them for 15 to 20 minutes, much like brewing regular tea. After straining the herbs, you serve the beverage in a cup. On the other hand, to prepare decoctions, you need to boil the herbs with cold or warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. The properties of these two types of drinks are different, and each offers unique benefits.

Cold Remedy Tea

Cold is one of the common diseases in autumn and winter, but traditional medicine experts say that consuming coriander tea can help prevent colds. Drinking this tea can even eliminate cold symptoms in a short period, and you will feel better within two days.

Preparation Method: Add three tablespoons of dried coriander leaves to 2 to 3 cups of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Drink 3 to 4 cups per week.

Thyme Tea for Cold Treatment

Sometimes prevention doesn't work, and you may get hit with a cold virus unexpectedly. In such cases, drinking thyme tea can help alleviate coughs and shortness of breath.

Preparation Method: Add one tablespoon of thyme to 2.5 cups of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day to recover from the cold within 2 to 3 days.

Lavender Decoction for Cold Treatment

One of the most important herbal remedies for cold treatment is a decoction made with lavender, mint, thyme, and pennyroyal, which has both pain-relieving properties and helps ease dry coughs.

Preparation Method: Add equal amounts of the mentioned herbs to a suitable pot, then add two cups of water and bring it to a boil. Consuming this decoction one hour after each meal will treat a cold in the shortest possible time.

Dry Cough Treatment with Cinnamon Decoction

Dry air in winter is one of the main causes of dry coughs, especially in individuals with seasonal allergies or respiratory issues. To solve this, you can use a cinnamon decoction.

Preparation Method: Place a few pieces of cinnamon bark into a metal teapot, add about two cups of water, and bring it to a boil. Drink this decoction two to three times a week. However, pregnant women should avoid this herbal drink!

Winter Tea

Seasonal depression is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time every year. It usually begins in autumn and winter and ends in spring or early summer, accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, reduced energy, stress and anxiety, weight gain, and a desire for solitude. According to traditional medicine experts, you can combat this type of depression with saffron tea, as saffron is not only uplifting and invigorating but also has anti-depressive properties.

Preparation Method: Add one teaspoon of saffron with a small piece of sugar rock to three cups of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Drink one to two cups per week. However, experts advise against excessive saffron consumption, especially for pregnant women, as it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Fatigue Remedy Decoction

Traditional medicine experts believe that oranges are a fruit that can eliminate fatigue and tiredness on cold winter nights. Therefore, it's recommended to drink one cup of orange decoction two to three times a week after dinner.

Preparation Method: Squeeze the juice of two oranges, add one cup of hot water, and half a teaspoon of honey, then simmer for 10 minutes. Drink it warm.

Slimming Decoction

With the new year around the corner, many people decide to start the year with a healthier body. If you're one of them and want to lose weight, you should drink three cups of cumin decoction daily. According to traditional medicine, this herb burns body fat, alleviates obesity, and is effective in purifying the blood, strengthening the heart and blood vessels, and treating kidney issues.

Preparation Method: Add one tablespoon of black cumin seeds to two cups of boiling water, place it over direct heat, and let it boil. After it boils, turn off the heat and let it steep for five minutes. Then sweeten it with a small piece of sugar rock and drink three to four cups a week, 20 minutes after meals.

Diabetes Remedy Decoction

Barberry is a fruit that grows on trees in the northern forests of Iran. In addition to treating diarrhea, it is effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Consuming its decoction four times a week is recommended for diabetic patients or those with a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Preparation Method: Add one tablespoon of barberry to two cups of cold water, then heat it for 20 minutes until it boils. Drink the decoction after it cools.

Lemon Balm Decoction

The herb "lemon balm" has been used medicinally in Greece for over 2,000 years. It is effective in reducing stress, healing wounds, treating toothaches, neck injuries, and ear conditions. This herb is also used to treat fever, headaches, high blood pressure, nightmares, flu, and nausea. One of its most important benefits is that it can improve your mood and treat irritability.

Preparation Method: Add 15 grams of lemon balm to one liter of boiling water, then place it over direct heat to boil. After it cools, add a little honey or sugar rock. Drink three to four cups per week.

Golden Tip

Remember, overconsumption of herbal teas and decoctions can be dangerous and may have side effects. For example, excessive consumption of peppermint decoction, which is recommended for digestive problems and bloating, can reduce iron absorption and contribute to anemia. Therefore, always consult with a traditional medicine expert before consuming herbal teas and decoctions.