Gettyimages.com/Attractive mixed race woman sips coffee while relaxing on her sofa in her home or apartment.
You don’t just need to accept the bad parts of fall and winter as things that just happen every single year. Between colds, the flu, and seasonal depression, and the long, long cold months, those are too many issues and that’s too much time to just put up with trouble. Besides, when you aren’t plagued by illness or sadness, the fall and winter can actually be really special, and you miss out if you don’t take good care of yourself. There are a lot of things you can do to fight seasonal blues, and keep your immune system in working order. Nobody wants to turn down holiday parties and ice skating dates due to a pesky cold. You want to feel like your best self this time of year. The secret might be in your mug—your tea mug, that is. Though tea doesn’t have quite the reputation as coffee for perking you up, don’t underestimate this comforting nectar. Here are teas you should drink for your wellbeing this fall.
Gettyimages.com/green tea
Green tea
Green tea isn’t only a nice coffee alternative for your morning pick-me-up. The tasty stuff also contains antioxidants like polyphenols. A particular group of these called catechins can fight influenza.
Gettyimages.com/Elderflower tea, elderflower sirup and elderflower jelly
Elderberry
Don’t try picking the berries for consumption because the raw ones can be toxic. The stuff can only be consumed in tea but when it is, it can reduce inflammation and fight mucus production, making it an asset for those who are already sick.
Gettyimages.com/A fresh teabag in white mug with hot water high angle view
Chamomile
This comforting tea can increase white blood cell count, giving your immune system a kickstart. It is also deeply relaxing so it can help you sleep, which is also important for a functioning immune system.
Gettyimages.com/Saffron threads on a gold spoon
Saffron
Some studies have found that saffron is almost as powerful as antidepressants like imipramine and fluoxetine when it comes to improving mood, so it can certainly help beat seasonal depression without the use of pharmaceuticals.
gettyimages.com/white cup of tea nd spoon on wooden table top view.
White sage
This lovely plant, often found in incense sticks, can fight sinus infections and inflammation.
Gettyimages.com/Ginseng Tea, Tea, Ginseng, Chinese Herbal Medicine,
Ginseng
This invigorating tea can boost the production of interferon, proteins that respond to pathogens in the body and can fight disease. It will certainly wake you up so, don’t drink it at night.
Gettyimages.com/bowl and spoon of powder purmeric and fresh organic
Turmeric
This vibrant spice isn’t just good in food—it also makes an interesting tea. Plus, it can boost the production of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which control mood.
Gettyimages.com/Still life of a cup of tea with dandelions and a clover with a teabag on a teapot shaped plate on a weathered wood table outdoors
Dandelion
In addition to being a lovely flower, dandelion has long been used for medicinal purposes. It can flush toxins out of the system, helping to fight illness.
Gettyimages.com/masala chai with spices. Cinnamon Stick, Thai Cardamom, Ginger, Clove, Star Anise, Black Peppercorns, Fennel Seeds, Black Tea
Masala chai
Maybe coffee shops are onto something when they sell chai by the hoards this time of year. An integral part of Ayurvedic medicine, chai can improve mental clarity and mood.
Gettyimages.com/licorice
Licorice
It may be time to give black licorice tea a try, even if you just thought it was a snack for grandmas. Black licorice tea has anti-inflammatory properties so it can ease a sore throat and congestion.
Gettyimages.com/Healthy Linden Tea
Lemon balm
If you need a quick mood-enhancer, then sniff and sip lemon balm tea. The scent is both uplifting and acts as a stimulant.
Gettyimages.com/lavender
Lavender
The same study that found lemon to have mood-enhancing properties also evaluated lavender and found it to make people feel calm and relaxed.
Gettyimages.com/cup of tea
Hyssop
The herb that produces gorgeous purple flowers also has antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
Gettyimages.com/Glass bowl of honey, herbal tea in teapot and cup and honeysuckle berries in basket over spotty blue background. Close up
Honeysuckle
In addition to being sweet and delicious, honeysuckle makes for a very nice tea. It’s also been found to build a stronger immune system.
Gettyimages.com/In a traditional Calabash gourd with a flask of hot water
Yerba Mate
This is a miracle worker when it comes to mental and physical health. The popular Spanish drink improves sleep quality, which is important for immunity and moods.
