This cold-fighting apple ginger tea is the best home remedy tea for fighting a cold and flu. It is packed with incredible anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. This cold-fighting tea takes less than 20 minutes to make AND tastes great! (It’s Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan)
If you are actively trying to fight a cold, or simply trying to keep your immune system healthy and strong, this tea is a great option. You can also try our Homemade Fire Cider Recipe, Homemade Elderberry Syrup, or Elderberry Sea Moss Gel for more healthy options!
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Best Tea For Flu
Growing up whenever I was sick my parents would give me Theraflu. I hated the taste of the chalky flavored powder mixed with hot water. It also never seemed to work. Fast-forward to young adulthood, on the rare occasions I did get sick, of course, I would doctor myself back to health in the same way I was taught as a child: lots of Theraflu and cold medicine until you finally feel better.
The conventional remedies for fighting a cold really did not sit well with me, especially because I am super into holistic health. It wasn’t until I became roommates with my close friend from college that I learned a more natural way to fight a cold. Her family is from the Dominican Republic and this cold-fighting tea is commonly made there whenever someone is sick. She introduced it to me and I immediately fell in love.
Homemade Cold Fighting Tea Made With Apple and Ginger
This Cold Fighting Apple Ginger Tea Recipe is actually in my cookbook as well. In the cookbook, I add sea moss gel to the drink to provide even more essential nutrients and cold-fighting benefits. This is such a powerful and effective tea, that I decided to share it on my site as well in the hopes that it helps anyone in need, fighting a cold or flu.
If you have not checked out my cookbook, you can take a look at it here: COOKING WITH SEA MOSS. Cooking With Sea Moss has over 50 plant-based, gluten-free, vegan recipes with many that are alkaline and almost all are top 8 allergen-friendly.
You’ll Love This Cold Fighting Tea Because It:
- Has Powerful Medicinal Properties
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Is Packed with antioxidants, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Helps alleviate nausea and stomach pain
- Helps kill bacteria in the body
- Helps rid the body of excess phlegm and soothes the throat
- Is super easy to make
- Is the best home remedy tea for fighting a cold or flu
- Is great for when you are sick or if you simply want to enjoy a healthy tea
- Most importantly, IT TASTES GREAT
Benefits of this Cold Fighting Tea + Ingredients You Will Need
- Apples: When heated, apples release pectin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health by nourishing beneficial bacteria. Apples are also rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. (source)
- Ginger contains gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties. It’s packed with anti-bacterial properties that kill germs, and antioxidants that help alleviate nausea, reduce stomach pain, and reduce inflammation. (source)
- Cloves are high in eugenol, cloves possess antibacterial and antiviral properties that help combat respiratory infections and support immune function. Eugenol is also an effective antioxidant, helping reduce oxidative stress during illness. (source)
- Cinnamon has a gamut of benefits and is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cinnamon is packed with cinnamaldehyde, an anti-inflammatory compound that has been shown to fight off bacteria and fungi. Its antioxidant content helps protect cells from damage, while its warming effect can promote circulation, which may help the body recover faster. (source)
- Fresh Mint Leaves contain menthol, which can act as a natural decongestant, easing breathing and soothing sore throats. Mint’s antibacterial properties also support respiratory health, while its soothing effect on the digestive system can relieve stomach discomfort often accompanying colds. (source)
Optional Add-ins:
- Sea Moss Gel is great for immune support. It has 92 of the 102 minerals that make up our body. It also is mucilaginous and helps to rid the body of excess phlegm, which is perfect for alleviating a stuffy nose or congestion. I have tons of sea moss-related resources on my site. Sea Moss in tea is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of sea moss. If you are new to sea moss, you can start here and learn more about it: SEA MOSS BENEFITS.
- Manuka Honey is a unique type of honey made from bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, a bush native to New Zealand. Manuka Honey has high antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is great for improving digestive issues, soothing the throat, and killing bacteria in the body. (source)
- Fresh Mint Sprigs: Fresh mint sprigs are rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion, helping to soothe an upset stomach and reduce bloating. Mint is also known for its menthol content, which can help clear nasal congestion and provide a refreshing, cooling effect. (source)
Natural Cold and Flu Fighting Tea Recipe Ingredient List
- 3 cups Water
- 2 inches of Fresh Ginger
- 3-4 Cloves
- 1 Organic Apple
- 1 Cinnamon Sticks
Optional Add-Ins
- 1-2 Fresh Mint Sprigs
- 2-3 Tbsp Sea Moss Gel
- 1-2 Tsp Manuka Honey (optional, or use sweetener of choice)
Take a screenshot of this simple ingredient list to have on hand whenever you need it! (You can also find this information in the recipe card, with the option to print the information)
**The video is a visual overview. Please refer to the recipe card for the exact recipe ingredients and instructions
How To Make This Cold Fighting Apple Ginger Tea
- Cut the apple into large pieces, discarding the core and the seeds. Cut unpeeled ginger into large chunks.
- Add the water, apple, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves to a saucepan and bring to a boil. (If you are adding sea moss, stir in the sea moss until it is well combined with the liquid and dissolves.)
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea from the heat. If desired, stir in any sweetener. Pour the tea into your favorite mug and enjoy! You can also allow it to cool completely and enjoy the tea over ice!
Cold Fighting Apple Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 2 inches of Fresh Ginger
- 3-4 Cloves
- 1-2 Organic Apple, core removed and cut into large pieces (about 1.5 cups cut apples)
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 4 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Mint Tea
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Mint Tea
- 2-3 tablespoon Sea Moss Gel
- 1-2 teaspoon Manuka Honey
Instructions
- Cut the apple into large pieces, discarding the core and the seeds. Cut unpeeled ginger into large chunks.
- Add the water, apple, ginger, cinnamon, mint, and cloves to a saucepan and bring to a boil. (If you are adding sea moss, stir in the sea moss until it is well combined with the liquid and dissolves._
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Remove the tea from the heat. If desired, stir in any sweetener. Pour the tea into your favorite mug and enjoy! You can also allow it to cool completely and enjoy the tea over ice!
Video
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this Cold Fighting Tea!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments. Leave a quick review & star rating ★ below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.
More Cold Fighting Remedies:
- Immunity-Boosting Carrot Lentil Soup
- Hibiscus Tea with Ginger, Turmeric, and Citrus
- Honey Citrus Mint Tea (2 Ways!)
- Elderberry Ginger Sea Moss Gel
- Elderberry Ginger Sea Moss Gummies
- Tropical Papaya Detox Smoothie
- Savory White Bean Kale Soup
- Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Homemade Fire Cider Recipe
Can you can this? Or make a batch and refrigerate for a good amount of time?
Hi Kim, the tea can last 5-7 days in the fridge.
Definitely trying this! I am curious if you can make a lot and freeze it and it still keep its healing qualities..? Do you know? Thinking about my oldest kid who doesn’t like tea so that I can make popsicles.
Hi Nicole, that is a great idea! It will certainly maintain its quality. 🙂
This has become my family’s go to tea recipe whenever anyone has the sniffles. It works wonders! Thanks for the recipe!!
You’re welcome, Amanda! I am happy it helps!
We have used similar recipes sans Sea Moss Gel for many years! I personally like to add in a star anise seed to mine. Not everyone likes the liquorice taste but the chemical properties that are in star anise are same as tamiflu! This is a great way to when combined with the Vit C, ginger, cinnamon and honey to fight off whatever is coming at you ..and it tastes so great! I love having this as part of my morning routine starting in the Fall all the way until Spring Thanks for sharing!!!.
Hi Fatima! You’re welcome! I like to use star anise sometimes as well! And this drink is definitely my fav go-to in the winter 🙂
Apple and ginger are superfoods for immunity and good health. So the idea of apple ginger tea is really good and would include this on cold days.
Thank you for the recipe, and add-ins are a must-try too.
Yes, definitely! I love apple and ginger together! Thanks for leaving a review!
Thanks for sharing. Love it
Hi Tracy! I am so glad you like! 🙂
Definitely will try this recipe
Hi Rosie! I hope you enjoy!