CautionEurope · Food · № 21
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Berries have a folk-use history for cold and flu symptoms; clinical evidence remains preliminary.
Monastic and folk knowledge+4Folklore
Chinese medical traditions →Western herbal medicine →
Sweating tea with elder, yarrow and mint
A classic hot tea for the start of a cold with fever and little sweating.
Traditional use
- Time
- Steep 15–30 minutes
- Makes
- About 4 cups
ElderberryEqual parts elderflower, yarrow and peppermint form an old folk formula. In Chinese terms the tea expels wind-heat at the surface: fever, sore throat and the feeling that sweating won't get going.
Ingredients
- 6 g dried elderflower
6 g dried yarrow
6 g dried peppermint- 1 litre boiling water
For chills: 1–3 slices fresh ginger
Step by step
- Put the herbs (and the ginger, if using) in a clean jar.
- Pour the boiling water over them and cover.
- Steep for 15–30 minutes and strain.
- Drink a few cups warm, take a warm shower or bath and then drink another cup.
- Get under the covers to sweat it out.
Tips
- For a severe sore throat, oshá is sometimes added.
- You can drink a cup of the tea as often as feels good.
Registry
Herbs in this recipe
Read more about effects and safety on each herb’s page.
- Caution
- Caution
Europe · Herb · № 56
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Traditionally used to stop bleeding from minor wounds, for fevers and colds, and as a digestive bitter. Clinical evidence is limited.
Greco-Roman medicine+6Folklore - Caution
Europe · Herb · № 3
Mint
Mentha × piperita
Peppermint oil has been studied in irritable bowel syndrome and may reduce abdominal pain. The tea is used for a full stomach and nausea. With heartburn peppermint can make complaints worse.
Greco-Roman medicine+4Folklore - Caution
Asia · Herb · № 1
Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Traditionally used for nausea and digestive discomfort; it has a warming flavor.
Ayurveda+6Folklore
Cultures and traditions
Where the herbs come from
The herbs in this recipe also appear in these traditions.