Written by Kate Tietje
Are you as confused as me at all the hype about flu shots? Not too long ago, when I was a kid (I’m not all that old yet), if you contracted the flu, you were miserable for a while and then got over it. Now, I scratch my head in confusion at the pressure put on everyone to get a “flu shot,” especially considering that the possible side effects of the vaccine are worse than getting the flu itself, and the flu vaccine has never been proven effective. To learn more, check out Earthley’s guide, Should You Get a Flu Shot?
What does make sense to me is the fact that no one wants to contract an illness that puts life on hold for a while and one that can also become dangerous for certain people. The good news is that you can reduce your risk of illness and lessen the duration if you fall ill with a flu tea recipe!
What is flu tea? It’s simply a mixture of herbs that work together to help ease symptoms of the flu virus. You don’t have to live in misery for days with headache, muscle fatigue, fever, coughing, and a general feeling of being useless for a while. Flooding your body with the nutrition it needs during sickness sends you on the mend before you know it!
About the Herbs
Red raspberry – It may surprise some that red raspberry is great for the flu. Most people associate this herb with pregnancy and female complaints. While red raspberry is great for those conditions, it is also anti-flu and is full of vitamins and minerals to give the body the nutrition it needs to be on the mend.
Nettle – Supports the immune system and is a significant source of vitamin C, vitamin A, silicon, calcium, potassium, chlorophyll, and more.
Peppermint – Adds flavor and helps relaxation and digestion.
Yarrow – Excellent herb for the flu and naturally reduces fevers.
Alfalfa – Has 8 essential amino acids and is very high in chlorophyll. Alfalfa is used in many herbal combinations because it allows rapid assimilation of all the plant elements.
Easy Flu Tea
This tea is safe for breastfeeding. Also, safe during pregnancy if you omit the yarrow flower.
Ingredients:
- 3 parts red raspberry leaf (example: 3 tsp.)
- 2 parts peppermint (example: 2 tsp.)
- 1 part alfalfa (example: 1 tsp.)
- 1 part nettle (example: 1 tsp.)
- 1/4 part yarrow flower (example: 1/4 tsp.)
Directions:
Step 1: Combine all the herbs in a container.
Step 2: Add 2 tsp. of the herbal mixture to a cup of boiling water.
Step 3: Remove from heat.
Step 4: Cover and let it steep for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Strain the herbs from the liquid and enjoy.
Easy Flu Tea
Ingredients
- 3 parts red raspberry leaf example: 3 tsp.
- 2 parts peppermint example: 2 tsp.
- 1 part alfalfa example: 1 tsp.
- 1 part nettle example: 1 tsp.
- 1/4 part yarrow flower example: 1/4 tsp.
Instructions
- Combine all the herbs in a container.
- Add 2 tsp. of the herbal mixture to a cup of boiling water.
- Remove from heat.
- Cover and let it steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the herbs from the liquid and enjoy.
I recommend making a gallon pitcher and keeping it in the fridge to drink every few hours during illness. If a person comes down with the flu, it’s a good idea to drink one cup of tea each hour to keep the flu virus from invading the body. I dare say you may be free of flu symptoms within 24 hours by nourishing your body with these amazing herbs! Remember, tea only lasts two to three days before bacteria grows, so making a fresh batch daily is best.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and nothing in this post is intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything. If you have questions, please do your own research or seek advice from a health professional.
Are you using dried raspberries or the leaves?
When you make a gallon pitcher of it do you drink it like iced tea?
Thanks!
The greatest part about this is that I have all these herbs on hand now (except for Yarrow) since I mix my own pregnancy tea! So should really be sharing my tea instead of hogging it all for myself. Is Yarrow safe during pregnancy? This would save a lot of time from brewing two separate teas.
Thank you, I cannot say enough how much I appreciate all the hard work and research that goes into the information you and your contributors provide.
Found you via Jill Home Remedies. Been spending a little bit too much time looking around and really enjoying myself. Thanks for all the informative posts.
I am wondering if the leaves from the wild raspberries growing here {northern MN} are the type I can pick and use for teas? My mother and I were just wondering this and wishing we could put them to use. If yes ~ when is the best time to harvest the leaves? Thanks! =)
Yarrow is an uterine stimulant and is not recommended during pregnancy. Thanks for the question!
Is this safe for baby while breastfeeding?
Thanks.
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This is so interesting! I’ve been drinking tons of red raspberry leaf pregnancy tea, and completely avoided the cold my husband got. I’ll have to encourage him to have some of “my” tea next time he’s feeling sick. 🙂
Are all these herbs safe while breast feeding???
Would this be safe to give to children? I have a 2 year old and a 9 month old and we are all trying to fight off a nasty cold that has been lingering. I am trying my hardest to avoid the doctor/antibiotic route. Thanks
From what I understand, yarrow, peppermint, and red raspberry leaf shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy unless you WANT your uterus contracting, like at the very end of pregnancy. Might want to add that into the post, there are lots of preggies on here, I am!
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