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tea benefits

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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.

 

tea benefits

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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.

tea benefits

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.

tea benefits

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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.

tea benefits

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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.

tea benefits

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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.

tea benefits

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.

tea benefits

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.