Flu symptoms can be notoriously difficult to shake, but drinking one tea could shorten the duration of your illness
The NHS is bracing itself for the worst flu season in over a decade, according to recent figures. Official data shows that at the start of the month, an average of 5,407 patients were hospitalised with flu each day – a 21% increase from the previous week and nearly four times the number from the same week last year.
There are several ways to protect yourself from catching the flu, such as regular hand washing and eating foods that boost your immune system. However, if you’ve already caught the dreaded bug, it could take a week or two to fully recover.
But some experts suggest there’s a special type of tea that could help speed up your recovery. Echinacea has been found to ease flu symptoms and potentially reduce their duration.
Echinacea is a herbal remedy often used for flu relief. It comes from the roots, leaves, or flowers of the echinacea plant, also known as black-eyed Susan or purple coneflower.
You can find echinacea in various forms, including liquid extracts, teas, and supplements. It’s usually recommended to start taking echinacea as soon as you feel ill, with several doses each day for the first few days, reports Bristol Live. However, it’s advised to limit the use of echinacea to just a few weeks.
You can purchase the plant in tea form from several health stores, including Holland and Barrett and Boots. The latter is offering a box of Twinnings’ Immune Support tea, which contains blackcurrant, raspberry, elderberry and echinacea, for £3.49. With 20 tea bags in one box, you’re only shelling out 17p per cup.
What does the research suggest?
- Echinacea is said to help reduce the severity and duration of the flu.
- It’s also said to help prevent and lessen the symptoms of the common cold and airway infections.
- Echinacea is said to have anti-viral properties and boost white blood cell production.
One study discovered that individuals who drank echinacea tea each day for five days experienced quicker relief compared to those who consumed non-echinacea tea. Another study showed that a drink containing echinacea was as effective as antiviral medications in easing flu symptoms.
A different study indicated that echinacea could reduce the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection by 22%. While some studies suggest that echinacea supplements may boost immune function, others have provided limited support for this claim. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
What are the potential side effects?
Echinacea can cause side effects, so it’s crucial to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for complete dosage instructions. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice before adding it to your diet if you are unwell to ensure it is suitable for you. Echinacea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Symptoms of flu
Some of the main symptoms of flu include:
- a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
- tiredness and weakness
- a headache
- general aches and pains
- a dry, chesty cough
Cold-like symptoms – such as a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat – can also be caused by flu, but they tend to be less severe than the other symptoms you have.
What else you can do:
The NHS says: “Flu can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better. Read more about the symptoms of flu. If you’re otherwise fit and healthy, there’s usually no need to see a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms.
“The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve aches if necessary. Stay off work or school until you’re feeling better. For most people, this will take about a week.”
