You get the first signs of a cold! Now what? Did you know that tea and a special 'trick' may help reduce the duration and severity of a cold?

Did you know that simply drinking tea on a daily basis will help boost your immune system? It turns out there are studies that show certain components found in tea - specifically EGCG and L-theanine help strengthen the immune system by priming T cell activity. You will find this combination especially high in green and white teas.

Besides green tea, there is an arsenal of beneficial herbs that have been associated with helping overcome a cold or flu. Drink teas during the season that contain these herbs, and double down if you notice you are not feeling well.

Herbs like sage, tulsi, elderberries, rosehip serve as antiviral and sore-throat soothers. Echinacea has been shown in clinical trials to be as effective as tamiflu - with fewer side effects and at much lower cost.

You can drink tea all the time - not just when you are not feeling well. Most herbal teas can be consumed on a regular basis without negative side effects. Think of it as a low dose medicine that is constantly circulating throughout the body.

If you sense a cold coming on - start taking zinc lozenges within 24 hours. Zinc is also found in foods like beans, seafood, nuts, whole grains, dairy and red meat. Zinc is known to inhibit virus activity. Ionophore is the substance that carries zinc into your cell. Taking zinc with an ionophore will help more of the zinc get past the cell barrier.

One drug based ionophore is hydroxychloroquine, and it has been in the news recently. There are also natural ionophores like Quercetin and EGCG. Quertectin are found in foods like capers, onions, kale, apples and berries. And the grand daddy of EGCG? Green tea! Both are relatively safe with a low side effect profile. Always consult a doctor though if you are on any medication or have other serious symptoms.

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