If it seems like there are a million germs floating around out there this winter, you are not wrong. Between the nasty old flu, RSV, and Covid variants that just keep on evolving, everyone is simply trying to stay upright and healthy. But when you feel that telltale scratch starting up in your throat or you suddenly wake up sneezing and coughing at three o-clock in the morning, what’s a mom to do? Get thee to thy kitchen and simmer up a big mug of healthy, feel-good magical tea!
You may have heard of a special concoction called Medicine Ball Tea or “The Cold Buster.” It’s gotten so popular that it’s emerged from the secret menu and is now officially on Starbuck’s menu as Honey Citrus Mint Tea. But you can save a lot of money by easily grabbing the ingredients for it in any grocery store, so you have them on hand at home to brew up whenever anyone in your family needs or wants it.
So, why is this magical tea so darn helpful and comforting when you feel sick?
Well, it contains vitamin C which is a critical micronutrient that contributes to your immune defense system and may decrease the length of cold symptoms. It has peppermint that works as a natural decongestant and fever-reducer. Peppermint also contains menthol, an ingredient found in topical rubs that helps relieve congestion and is used in many cough drops to help soothe sore throats and quiet coughs.
In addition, there’s honey in it and research has shown that honey appears to improve cold symptoms (especially cough frequency and severity), and in some cases shorten the duration of those symptoms by a day or two.
So really, who would be crazy enough to say “No, thanks” to such a wonderful blend of ingredients when they feel sniffly and sneezy? Not me.
Let’s get to it.
Here’s the simple recipe for Medicine Ball Tea:
Heat up 1 cup of water and 1 cup of lemonade (or water with 4 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice if you prefer less sugar).
Steep 1 tea bag of peppermint green tea and 1 tea bag of peach herbal tea in the liquid for several minutes.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
That’s it! Sip and savor.
A few notes:
To retain as much vitamin C as possible, don’t bring the liquid to a full boil.
You can also substitute a few drops of peppermint essential oil in place of the peppermint extract.
Yogi Tea brand makes a great Peach Detox tea, and Traditional Medicinals makes an invigorating, organic peppermint green tea. (Both brands can be found at Target, Fry’s and on Amazon.)
I guarantee that this magical tea will help you feel better if you’re under the weather this winter, and it’s also great to sip when you feel fine but just want a healthy and hot beverage to drink, or an extra little dose of cozy at the end of your day.
Cheers and happy, healthy holidays!
