Evidence supporting the use of: Tea (mixed)
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea, particularly mixed herbal teas, has a long-standing traditional use as a remedy for colds and as a decongestant. Across many cultures, hot teas made from a combination of herbs—such as ginger, peppermint, licorice root, eucalyptus, and chamomile—have been consumed to alleviate cold symptoms including nasal congestion. The warmth and steam from hot tea can temporarily relieve stuffiness, while some of the herbs used may have mild anti-inflammatory or soothing effects. However, scientific studies specifically validating the decongestant properties of mixed teas are limited. Some ingredients, like menthol from peppermint, have shown mild symptomatic relief, but the evidence is not robust or specific to mixed tea preparations. The act of drinking warm fluids itself is often cited as beneficial for hydration and comfort during a cold. Overall, while there is a strong tradition supporting the use of mixed teas for colds and congestion, scientific validation remains limited and largely pertains to individual ingredients rather than mixed teas as a whole.
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
Echinacea
Elder
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Tea (mixed)
Acid IndigestionAddictions (coffee, caffeine)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Dandruff
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Fever