Evidence supporting the use of: Tea (not specified)
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea, in general, has been traditionally used to help alleviate symptoms of colds, particularly as a warm, soothing beverage for decongestion and throat comfort. Both black and green teas, as well as various herbal teas (such as chamomile, peppermint, or ginger), have a long history of use in many cultures as home remedies during episodes of cold or flu. The warmth and steam from hot tea can help temporarily relieve nasal congestion and soothe irritated mucous membranes. Additionally, the act of drinking fluids helps maintain hydration, which is important when ill. However, scientific validation for tea specifically as a decongestant is limited. While some teas contain compounds with mild anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, and herbal teas like peppermint may provide some subjective relief due to menthol, overall, there is little direct clinical evidence that tea itself acts as a decongestant or significantly affects the course of a cold. The use of tea is therefore primarily justified by tradition and comfort rather than strong scientific evidence as a decongestant. Most health authorities recommend fluids and warm beverages more for symptomatic relief rather than any direct medicinal effect from tea itself.
More about Tea (not specified)
More about Colds (decongestant)
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
allspicewaterhyssop
basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Tea (not specified)
Acid IndigestionAddictions (coffee, caffeine)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Dandruff
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)