From ginger tea to tulsi tea: Healthy and hot monsoon drinks for immunity

Come monsoon, you can be prone to waterborne and mosquito-borne illnesses like typhoid, dengue and malaria. Don’t forget the skin infections and gastrointestinal issues that often pop up during monsoon. Practicing good personal hygiene, drinking clean water, avoiding street food, using mosquito repellents and nets are some of the ways to protect ourselves during the rainy season. You can do one more thing – have a cup of hot tea!

There are many types of soothing teas you can have. So, to help you choose them, Health Shots reached out to Deepika Vasudevan, a Bengaluru-based sports and performance nutritionist.

Healthy drinks for monsoon

Tea is one the most loved beverages in India. It’s not just good for your taste buds, but also your health. Here are some types of teas you can try:

1. Ginger tea

For long, ginger tea has been used to aid digestion, relieve nausea and reduce inflammation. Vasudevan says that it also aids in promoting a healthy immune system that you really need to fight off monsoon-related health problems.

2. Hibiscus tea

Packed with antioxidants, hibiscus tea is known to help lower blood pressure, improve immunity, heart health, and support liver health.

3. Masala tea

A cup of black tea leaves with ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves is just what you need when it rains cats and dogs. The expert says that these spices are packed with antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support a healthy immune system and fight off infections, free radicals and oxidative stress. Also, it is a warm comforting drink to enjoy during monsoon.

4. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea can help alleviate bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort that might arise from consuming contaminated food or water during the monsoon season.

5. Tulsi tea

Tulsi has antioxidant and immune-boosting effects, helps relieve respiratory issues, and promotes overall well-being. Tulsi tea can be soothing and comforting during the rainy season.

6. Cinnamon tea

Cinnamon has warming qualities and can help improve circulation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that might be beneficial during the monsoon when there’s a higher risk of respiratory infections.

7. Chamomile tea

If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious during the day, drinking chamomile tea can help to promote a sense of relaxation and reduce stress levels. Taking a break and enjoying a cup of chamomile tea can provide a comforting and calming experience. The expert notes that chamomile tea is often consumed when feeling under the weather or experiencing minor ailments. It may help to soothe a sore throat, relieve nasal congestion, or alleviate menstrual cramps.

Traditional teas like masala tea and ginger tea, which are typically prepared with tea powder and milk, are best consumed at least an hour before or after meals, says Vasudevan. This is because the tannins that are present in tea can hinder the absorption of iron from the food, potentially increasing the risk of iron deficiency. Consuming tea multiple times a day, especially with meals, can further exacerbate this risk and might interfere with appetite and cause anxiety.

On the other hand, teas like peppermint tea and cinnamon tea can be enjoyed approximately 30 minutes before or after a meal. These teas can aid digestion and provide various health benefits, such as soothing the stomach and improving circulation.

A hot cup of tea is generally considered safe for the majority of the population to consume. However, it’s essential to be mindful of individual circumstances, particularly for those with kidney issues, including those undergoing dialysis. So, just consult with an expert before incorporating herbal teas into your diet.