Best Tea for Immune System Health

It’s that time of year when colds and the flu do the rounds. But not everyone, of course, wants to dose themselves up with over-the-counter drugs or antibiotics.

While this might, admittedly, be the best method of getting better, there is another option to consider alongside it: your morning cuppa. But what is the best Tea for immune system health? Let’s explore below. 

This article will discover how Tea helps your immune system, thus supporting the fight against minor illnesses. It will also dive deep into the best Tea for immune system health, showcasing their nutritional value and benefits.

Once you know the facts, you can buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. What’s not to like?

What is the Immune System? 

The body’s immune system is our most crucial line of defence. It is an expansive network of cells, organs, proteins and tissues working together to protect us from seemingly endless pathogens.

Without it, we’d be open to attack from viruses, parasites and, of course, harmful bacteria. Its ability to distinguish our tissue from foreign tissue, in particular, is key to our survival. 

When the immune system confronts a pathogen, it mounts a so-called immune response. This can involve various components including white blood cells (also known as leukocytes), phagocytes and lymphocytes to name but a few.

However, aside from foreign, invasive threats, the immune system also responds to internal attacks such as those from tumour cells. In other words, it’s importance cannot be overstated.

How Does Tea Help Your Immune System?

Most of the time, our immune system does its job with steadfast precision. Yet sometimes, as most of us know, it fails in protecting the body against invading germs, thus making us sick.

So, the first question begs: can we help boost the immune system? Perhaps, although the ability to do so has so far proven elusive for a multitude of reasons. 

Fundamentally, scientists still don’t know all the intricacies and interconnectedness of the immune response. The potential links between lifestyle changes and improved immune system health, then, remain the product of speculation.

Still, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t hope. Indeed, that doesn’t mean that drinking Tea for the immune system can’t offer at least some support.  

So, what are the possibilities when it comes to the best Tea for immune system health? This, as it turns out, very much depends on the tea type you choose. So-called “real” Tea (from the Camellia sinensis plant), for instance, contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants.

The latter chemical compounds, in particular, can combat free radicals in the body. 

Free radicals, in turn, are unpaired (and unstable) electrons introduced to the body through the natural, though often harmful, process of oxidation. When left unchecked, these free radicals can cause untold damage, not only weakening the immune system but also increasing the risk of several chronic conditions. Enter antioxidants in Tea! 

There is strong evidence to suggest that antioxidants, which are molecules, slow down oxidation. This then delays some types of cell damage, resulting in the reduced risk of developing the aforementioned conditions – as well as potentially boosting the immune system.

Pretty neat for your favourite brew, wouldn’t you agree? Best of all, this is but one example of how Tea might help.

Best Tea for Immune System Health

We will now look into five types of the best Tea for immune system health. Each one has something unique, indeed extraordinary to offer, including great taste.

Indeed, whatever you’re looking for from your morning cuppa, you’ve undoubtedly decided exceptionally well with one of the soon-to-be-explored brews below. And remember, you can buy them right here with us! 

It’s worth noting, in fact, that we pack every Loose Tea, Tisane and Coffee fresh to order. This is our way of guaranteeing not only quality but also consistency.

Rest assured, then, knowing that you’re getting the best of the best whenever you put the kettle on. What’s more, and perhaps more importantly, you might be choosing one of the best Teas for immune system health!

Lemon and Ginger Tea

This delightful herbal infusion is not only one of the best Teas for immune system health, but also one of the most famous! The ginger found in it, in particular, might help in preventing colds and the flu before they manifest.

This is in part due to it containing high amounts of Vitamin C, which contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Ginger also has potentially beneficial antiviral properties. The research project noted that this herb prevented the human respiratory syncytial virus, or HRSV, from attaching to and infecting upper respiratory tract cells.

Doses of 300 micrograms per millilitre, it concluded, was what it took to stimulate these respiratory cells.

Furthermore, Lemon and Ginger Tea might also inhibit mucous protection and help clear up congestion. This beverage may, in other words, help those who’re already unwell. That’s why some choose to drink it for fevers or sinus infections. The possibilities appear endless!

Green Tea

Is Green Tea the best Tea for immune system health? Again, although not proven, it might be! This is a type of so-called “real” Tea, a variety deriving from the Camellia sinensis plant.

After harvesting, the leaves arrive at the factory for processing. It is then oxidised very little, meaning it maintains much of its natural chemical structure and taste. When brewed, Green Tea most commonly has a grassy flavour.

Now, we’ve already mentioned that the antioxidants in Tea might support the immune system. It’s worth noting, then, that Green Tea, in particular, contains large quantities of the most beneficial antioxidant of them all – Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

EGCG is a type of antioxidant known as a polyphenolic catechin. One study indicated that its antimicrobial properties might kill influenza (flu) viruses. It could even suppress tough pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests it effectively controls various oral infections, including dental caries and periodontal disease.

Echinacea Tea

Echinacea Tea comes from the perennial, herbaceous, flowering plant of the same name. It belongs to the daisy family, often growing to up to 1.4 metres (approx 4.5 feet) high.

The leaves, in particular, are the component used for brewing, which produces a distinctly smooth, fresh flavour. But how does it fare when searching for the best Tea for immune system health? 

The answer is “very well”. In 2014, researchers examined the effects of Echinacea Tea Benefits on the immune systems of ten healthy participants, the results of which proved promising.

Another study saw 95 volunteers with sore throats, mild fever and runny noses drink this beverage daily for five days. It concluded that all those involved experienced reduced symptoms.

Yet another research project of 700 participants saw each test subject consume the herb daily for four months. By the end of it, most individuals had fewer instances of colds. The study ultimately recognised that Echinacea Tea reduced the risk of getting a minor illness by up to 58%.

Rosehip Tea

Rosehip Tea comes from the fruit of the Rosa (Rose) plant belonging to the Rosaceae family. This is a herbaceous shrub found throughout much of the world.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was one of the first practices to recognise Rosehip Tea Health Benefits. According to TCM, a holistic view of medicine, these little gems can treat kidney and urinary issues. 

What’s more, some consider it the best Tea for immune system health due to its prevalence in Vitamin C. In fact, during the Second World War, the British resorted to the mass-cultivation of rosehips so that citizens could receive their nutritional intake in full.

Although a lack of citrus fruit (one of our primary sources of Vitamin C) is no longer a problem, some people still use Rosehip Tea. 

Research has shown that this herbal leaf tea contains among the highest Vitamin C content of all fruits and vegetables. As a result, similar to Lemon and Ginger Tea, it might support various cellular functions. In particular, it could stimulate the production of white blood cells.

Pine Needles Tea

Most people are familiar with the pine tree. However, did you know you can make a Herbal Tea from its leaves?

Though a relative unknown, Pine Needles Tea has much to offer. It comes from the Eastern White Pines (Pinus strobus), which grows to heights of up to 55 metres (180 feet). (Disclaimer: Some pine trees, excluding the above, produce potentially harmful toxins. Buy from us for safety and quality.)

Native to much of eastern North America, including Newfoundland in Canada and the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, USA, these trees have since been introduced to Europe. There, it has spread from specimens first planted as ornamental trees. When you brew its leaves, however, it becomes less of an ornament and instead one of the best Teas for immune system health. 

Why? Vitamin C. Like Rosehip Tea, indeed like Lemon and Ginger Tea, Pine Needles Tea contains high levels of this beneficial chemical compound. Once consumed to combat scurvy, today it’s used to generally boost the immune system. And as a bonus, it tastes great!

Conclusion

Boosting the immune system is likely to be a worthy endeavour, although it’s essential to recognise that the evidence remains inconclusive at this stage.

As a result, when it comes to the best Tea for immune system health, it’s largely a case of speculation. That isn’t to say, however, that there isn’t great potential. Indeed, depending on the type of Tea you choose, it might have a variety of benefits. 

Lemon and Ginger Tea, Rosehip Tea and Pine Needles Herbal Tea all contain large amounts of Vitamin C. Green Tea, meanwhile, offers an abundance of antioxidants – specifically EGCG. Then there is Echinacea Tea, which boasts several noteworthy qualities. Whatever you decide upon, be sure to buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.