Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is made from the leaves of the European lemon balm plant, which is related to the mint family. Lemon balm tea boasts antiviral and antibacterial properties that help to fight off the flu. A 2016 study found that lemon balm inhibited the replication of the influenza A virus (1). The results were prominent during various phases of the infection, demonstrating that drinking lemon balm tea may help prevent the flu or stop it in its tracks once you've contracted it.

A second study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease found that lemon balm extract significantly diminished concentrations of H1N1 viral cells. The researchers believe the chemical composition of lemon balm helps to inhibit cell reproduction and may induce death in viral cells (2).

Another alternative to try is lemon verbena tea. The plants are similar in composition and both offer the healthy benefits of vitamin C that can boost the immune system.