[Health Tip] Unpredictable January Weather... Boost Your Immunity with Tea

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] Although warm weather arrived in January, a severe cold wave is forecasted to return after the rain. This winter also shows a pattern of simultaneous outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza.

At times like this, it is important to boost immunity to avoid respiratory illnesses. One of the lifestyle habits recommended to prevent respiratory diseases is ‘drinking tea.’ Tea generally refers to beverages brewed from the dried leaves of the tea plant. Research shows that key components of tea, such as polyphenols and catechins, help prevent various diseases.

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So, what kinds of tea are recommended to boost immunity during winter?

In traditional Korean medicine, Jaso-yeop tea is recommended. Jaso-yeop tea is made from Jaso-yeop, which has a warm nature and a sour taste. In Korean medicine, it has long been used as a representative herbal medicine to treat symptoms such as colds, fever, headaches, nasal congestion, and coughs. Jaso-yeop is also known as Chajogi and closely resembles perilla leaves in appearance.

Ginger tea is known to be effective for cold symptoms such as chills, sore throat, cough, phlegm, and headaches caused by exposure to cold air. Ginger tea is also used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Ginger has a warm nature and a pungent, sour taste.

Jinpi tea, made from dried tangerine peel?a fruit commonly eaten in winter?is also gaining attention as a good herbal tea for health management. Jinpi, the dried tangerine peel, has a warm nature that raises body temperature and promotes smooth blood circulation. The limonene component in Jinpi tea forms a protective barrier on the skin, making it beneficial for skin care. Jinpi tea is also known to inhibit fat absorption, making it effective for dieting.

Ogwa tea, a blend of five fruits including walnuts, ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, jujubes, and ginger, is effective in reducing coughs. The omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts and the pectin abundant in ginkgo nuts help protect the lungs and bronchi. Jujubes are known to aid in restoring energy. Ssanghwa tea, which uses cinnamon for sweetness, also helps stop coughing.

Mogwa tea helps relieve muscle cramps. The saponin component in mogwa softens cartilage tissue, aiding in the relief of knee pain. Recent studies have shown that mogwa, rich in calcium and minerals, strengthens bones and is effective in treating arthritis.