Cover image via theepochtimes.com
For thousands of years in the East (and now West), Tea has been celebrated as a key to wisdom, happiness and good health
Francis Kan, proprietor of Poh Woh Thong in Ipoh, preparing herbal tea for his customers.
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There are many health benefits attributed to tea. Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness.
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But what about the health benefits of herbal tea? Can herbal teas help when I have a cold? How effective is their use?
Made from herbs, fruits, seeds, or roots steeped in hot water, claims into herbal teas that they help to shed pounds, stave off colds, and bring on restful sleep are largely unsupported
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FAKE: Herbal teas do not cure cold!
However, if you like herbal tea, drink up. It will help you stay hydrated, which is one key to getting well, [says](http://www.sharecare.com/health/cold-and-flu/can-herbal-teas-help-cold) Dr. Stacy Wiegman, a Sharecare Editorial Advisory Board member.
She further says that keeping hydrated will prevent the mucus in the lining of your nose from drying out. "Be sure to drink at least eight glasses of caffeine-free, nonalcoholic fluid a day when you're sick."
While herbal teas may not help in getting rid of your cold, soothing herbal teas can help you feel better while you are sick. Here are two such remedies:
Some other health benefits of drinking herbal teas:
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However, while most teas are benign, the FDA has issued warnings about so-called dieter's teas that contain senna, aloe, buckthorn, and other plant-derived laxatives
These cautions aside, nutritionists say to drink up and enjoy the health benefits of tea. "I think it's a great alternative to coffee drinking," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Katherine Tallmadge, MA, RD, LD.
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