In winter months, when common colds are prevalent, the consumption of winter teas that can help shorten the duration or alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections is quite common. Experts, recommending echinacea as one of the preferred herbs in winter for its protective effects against colds and flu, point out that hibiscus, which offers antioxidant, antiviral, and cardiovascular benefits, is also a preferred winter herb due to its high levels of iron and Vitamin C. Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman warned, “The side effects of herbal teas interacting with medications can be life-threatening.” Dr. Kaman also issued a warning regarding the numerous winter tea blends available in the market…
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman, Head of the Medical and Aromatic Plants Program at Uskudar University Health Services Vocational School (SHMYO), evaluated winter teas frequently consumed in winter months and which health problems they can solve.
Echinacea: Protective against colds and flu…
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman stated that in winter months, when common colds are prevalent, the consumption of winter teas that can help shorten the duration or alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections is common. She said, “Among these herbs, echinacea, for example, is one of the most commonly used in winter; it is preferred in winter for its potential to strengthen immune function and reduce the severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections, thus protecting against colds and flu.”
Hibiscus, a complete source of Vitamin C, also good for the heart
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman explained that the flowers and fruits of the elderberry plant, which can help heal respiratory tract infections and potentially have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, are used in the treatment of bronchitis, cough, and fever, as well as an expectorant. She continued:
“Hibiscus, which offers antioxidant, antiviral, and cardiovascular benefits, is also among the preferred herbs in winter due to its high levels of iron and Vitamin C. Rosehip, a complete source of Vitamin C and also possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, also protects the body against infections and colds.
Licorice root for dry cough, thyme for sore throat
Licorice root also has numerous health benefits, including antiviral and antimicrobial properties that can help strengthen your immune system and prevent illness. It is among the preferred herbs for use especially in dry cough and viral respiratory tract infections.”
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman noted that linden is preferred in winter for its diaphoretic effect in feverish conditions, its soothing effect in dry coughs, and its chest-softening properties. She also stated that thyme is a herb with powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial in respiratory tract infections, known to relieve sore throat, chest pain, and coughs.
Do not use herbal teas randomly
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman explained that turmeric is a herb that can be effective against colds and flu due to its antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system, and ginger, which contains antimicrobial properties that can help boost your immune system, can also be used for colds and coughs. She also stated that herbal teas can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Can cause liver and kidney damage
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman said, “In addition to all these beneficial uses, the random, uncontrolled, and immoderate use of herbal teas, which can be consumed without question because they are natural, can also have many harms. Most people are unaware of the interactions between herbal teas and commonly used prescription drugs. However, medicinal herbs can interact with medications or may not be suitable for certain conditions. Some herbs, when combined with blood thinners, anticoagulants (medications that prevent clotting), and aspirin, can cause liver and kidney damage.”
Beware of the side effects of herbal teas interacting with medications!
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman explained that, for example, in hypertensive patients and diabetic patients with hypertension, mallow tea has been shown to lower blood pressure. She continued:
“Echinacea plant can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and can interact with immunosuppressants (those that suppress the immune system). Those with autoimmune diseases, in particular, should be careful when using echinacea. Ginger can slow blood clotting and can be potentially dangerous for people taking medications such as aspirin, antiplatelet drugs, or blood thinners (warfarin).
Licorice root is also among the herbs that should be consumed in moderation. The effects of licorice root on potassium and blood pressure are particularly concerning for people with high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease. Rosehip is generally safe but can cause allergic reactions or stomach upset in some people.
In conclusion, the side effects of herbal teas interacting with medications can be life-threatening. Special care should be taken in this regard, especially if there are diagnosed chronic conditions and regular medication use, and herbal teas should not be consumed without consulting a physician.”
Numerous blended teas available on the market as winter teas
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman also noted that herbal teas can contain bioactive compounds that potentially offer health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, she stated that the potency and effectiveness of these compounds can vary depending on the plant components, purity, dosage, preparation method, storage duration, and conditions.
Lecturer Dr. Tuğba Kaman stated that there are many blended teas available on the market as winter teas, but the plants contained within them may differ from those stated on the label, and there might also be an unsafe different species of the same plant. She concluded by saying:
“For example, medicinal chamomile and non-medicinal chamomiles can be collected together, but not every chamomile has medicinal value, and some can be toxic. Furthermore, the combined use of plants within blended teas may not always be appropriate. We should not buy blended teas without a label that specifies what plants are used and in what proportions they are found in the mixture. Also, plants sold openly, whose collection, drying, and storage methods are unknown, should not be used.”