Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2024)

Published: Sep 8, 2023 by Becky Striepe · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon and ShareASale associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recipe Video Print

Feeling under the weather this cold and flu season? Soothing tomato tea can help soothe that sore throat and clear out your sinuses.

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (1)

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Ingredients and substitutions
How to make tomato tea
Helpful tips
Storage directions
Frequently asked questions
More recipes for when you are sick
📖 Recipe

Sickness has swept through my house over the past few weeks, and when it was my turn to be sick, I turned to my old friend: tomato tea.

I've been making tomato tea for over 20 years, and it's become a go-to when I'm dealing with a nasty cold or flu. Over the years, my recipe has evolved as I made it again and again, using what was in my pantry and what seemed appealing.

Here, you'll find the recipe that I usually make alongwith substitutionsto help you use what you have. Because the last thing you want to do when you're sick is run to the store.

Tomato tea is not a cure for the cold or for the flu, meaning that it most likely won't shorten the duration of your illness. What it definitely does is help give you temporary symptom relief for a sore throat and stuffy nose.

It's also a good way to sneak in a snackwhen sickness has sapped your appetite.

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2)

Ingredients and substitutions

Here's a quick breakdown of why the tomato tea helps you feel better while you drink it and for a while afterwards:

ginger - There is evidence that ginger is a goodpain reliever. Adding a dash of fresh or ground ginger to your mug can help soothe a sore throat and may even offer some relief to sore muscles.
spice - The ginger, garlic, and hot sauce make this drink pretty spicy, and that's no accident. Spicy foods and drinks help with sinus congestion, and they havea numbing effect that's nice on a sore throat.
warmth - Just like spice, a warm drink helps ease congestion. Don't just sip this tea - breathe the steam deeply. It's so soothing!
nutrition - The reason this drink is made with tomato juice is because when you're sick, chances are you're not inclined to eat. The tomato juice deliverssome calories and vitamins to help you feel a little bit less weak. A cup of tomato tea has around 65 calories, 84% of your vitamin C, 31% of your vitamin A, 11% of your iron, 23% of your potassium, and 4% of your fiber needs for the day. Not bad for a little mug of goodness!

How to make tomato tea

Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!

Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.

Sip, and enjoy!

Helpful tips

You can make this on the stovetop, if you're feeling up to it. For quicker results, use the microwave.
If you do feel a cold coming on, you can mix up a big batch of tomato tea, so you can shake, pour, and heat it as needed. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

Storage directions

You can store tomato tea in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to make a big batch, so you can warm it up as needed!

Frequently asked questions

What can I use instead of tomato juice?

Any savory vegetable juice, like V8, will work in place of the tomato juice, if needed.

Can I sweeten tomato tea?

Sure! Add a little agave or maple syrup to sweeten it, if you prefer.

What can I use instead of sriracha sauce?

Any hot sauce that you like will work! You can even use crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper. Use what you have on hand.

What are the benefits of tomato tea?

I've been drinking tomato tea for years to soothe cold and flu symptoms. It's an easy way to get something into your belly while providing temporary relief for a sore throat and congestion.

The combination of ginger and garlic in this warming drink team up to reduce inflammation and help clear your sinuses!

More recipes for when you are sick

Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
Ginger chocolate maca latte (maca hot chocolate!)
20-Minute Creamy Miso Ramen

📖 Recipe

Tomato Tea

by Becky Striepe

Feeling under the weather this cold and flu season? Soothing tomato tea can help soothe that sore throat and clear out your sinuses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

12 ounces tomato juice or vegetable juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice Or 2 teaspoons of vinegar. I've used rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and even balsamic to make this in the past.
sriracha sauce to taste, or use hot sauce of your choice, or a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper or black pepper
1 pinch of ground ginger or ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic minced or crushed, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Warm the tomato juice on the stove or in the microwave. It's even OK if it's a little bit too hot. That nice steam is good for soothing your poor nose and throat!
Add the rest of the ingredients to your mug, and stir.
Sip, and enjoy!

Video

📝 Notes

As you can see, this recipe is very flexible. The idea is to get an acidic, somewhat spicy mix happening, so use what's in your pantry to make that happen. I'm sure that some of you are not fans of the microwave, but if you have one, I hope you'll make an exception in this case. Give yourself a break, because (as Daniel Tiger loves to remind us), "When you're sick, rest is best."

You can store tomato tea in the refrigerator for up to a week. Feel free to make a big batch, so you can warm it up as needed!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Tomato Tea

Amount per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Fat

0.2

Saturated Fat

0.04

Polyunsaturated Fat

About Becky Striepe

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (7)

Hi there! I'm Becky Striepe (rhymes with sleepy), and I love using gadgets and shortcuts to create easy vegan comfort food recipes for busy people. Whether you love your Instant Pot, your air fryer, or just love delicious plant-based meals, stick around. You'll like it here.

Learn more about me >>>

Reader Interactions

Comments

Got a question? Tried this recipe? Leave a reply!

Muliki Joseph Enock
July 05, 2019 at 8:04 pm

Is this solution safe for babies less than a year old, alternatively at what age can this solution be given to a baby
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  July 06, 2019 at 8:52 am
  
  Hi! I'd talk to your pediatrician about that. Kids are all so different, and I'd hate to give you the wrong info!
  Reply
Emma Scott
February 10, 2019 at 10:02 pm

Completely unable to breathe or sleep I have tried this tea but so far I have not seen any difference. How long does it take to work in your experience?
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  February 11, 2019 at 9:32 am
  
  For me, the steam and spice usually help right away. You might try more hot sauce, to see if that gets things moving. I am so sorry that you are this miserable! I hope that you feel better soon.
  Reply
- Hailey Damron
  November 17, 2021 at 7:59 am
  
  My grandma found tomatoe Tea recipe years ago she has been canning it and giving out to everyone for early Christmas presents... I'm feeling so sick and I don't live in my home town so I'm ab to make some
  My grandma makes it like this!
  Reply
  - Becky Striepe
    November 17, 2021 at 11:54 am
    
    Oh I am so glad that you were able to find comfort in this recipe! Get well soon, Hailey.
    Reply
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
January 07, 2017 at 6:41 pm

I've never heard of tomato tea, but wow is your version packed with antioxidants! I hope everyone in your house is all well!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 07, 2017 at 7:09 pm
  
  Thank you! We are feeling a lot better over here. Poor Darrol had two colds in a row, but Dave and I managed to dodge the second one.
  Reply
The vegan 8
January 05, 2017 at 11:18 am

I watched your video and loved it! I can totally see how soothing this would be, just like a hot bowl of tomato soup! Totally going to try this!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 05, 2017 at 11:34 am
  
  Thank you, Brandie!
  Reply
Linda @ Veganosity
January 05, 2017 at 8:45 am

I can totally see how this works, and it sounds delicious, like sipping on tomato soup. I love the addition of ginger as it's also an anti-inflammatory, which would also help reduce the symptoms of congestion. Thanks for this!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 05, 2017 at 9:18 am
  
  Thank you, Linda!
  Reply
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
January 05, 2017 at 1:10 am

I've never heard of tomato tea but what an awesome collection of ingredients to help you get through a cold. The hot sauce sold me!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 05, 2017 at 7:38 am
  
  Hot sauce forever!
  Reply
Cadry
January 04, 2017 at 10:27 am

I don't feel sick at all, but I'm going to make a mug of this anyway! In the winter, I get bored of the usual drinks, and I want something warm and satisfying. For a while, I drank a lot of broth teas. This is a similar idea and would be homemade. Thanks for the great idea, Becky!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 04, 2017 at 10:50 am
  
  Ooh broth tea sounds really pleasant, too!
  Reply
Ginny McMeans
January 04, 2017 at 12:06 am

How very nice! I already feel better. This is going in my medicine cabinet.
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 04, 2017 at 7:30 am
  
  I'm sorry that you're under the weather, Ginny, but glad the tea helped!
  Reply
Mel | avirtualvegan.com
January 03, 2017 at 1:43 pm

Why did I not see this before I got sick? I only saw it when I was nearly better. It looks awesome and so comforting. Bookmarking for next time....hopefully I won't need it for a long time!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 03, 2017 at 2:19 pm
  
  I'm so sorry that you were sick! Here's to a healthy new year!
  Reply
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
January 03, 2017 at 12:08 pm

I thought this was so interesting when I saw it on Instagram! Hopefully my husband and I don't get sick but if so, I'm totally trying this!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 03, 2017 at 12:26 pm
  
  I hope you don't get sick, too!!
  Reply
Jenn
January 03, 2017 at 10:10 am

I have never heard of tomato tea before. I love sipping on tomato soup though, so I'm guessing I would love this too. Last year at this exact time I was super ill, so I know what you're going through. Luckily, this year, we were all sick in October, so the holidays were smooth sailing. I'm reaching for this spicy tomato tea next time though!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 03, 2017 at 11:55 am
  
  Thank you, Jenn! May you and your family never need to make tomato tea!
  Reply
Sarah
January 03, 2017 at 1:19 am

I'm totally intrigued by this—I used to like V8 juice when I was a kid—go figure! I hope you guys start feeling better soon. I hate the way germs linger and make their way through every member of the family before making a very long overdue exit.
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 03, 2017 at 7:24 am
  
  I liked it too! I remember when the spicy one came out. It was so exciting! Dave and I are feeling better, but Darrol seems to have caught something else in the week since he got over the last thing. Ugh!
  Reply
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
January 02, 2017 at 4:52 pm

Not that I want to get sick, but I'm intrigued to try your tomato tea!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 02, 2017 at 5:00 pm
  
  It's pretty yummy when you're not sick, too!
  Reply
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen
January 02, 2017 at 10:52 am

Dennis and I are both trying to get over colds, so I'm going to need to try this!
Reply
- Becky Striepe
  January 02, 2017 at 11:13 am
  
  Oh noooo! I hope you feel better soon.
  Reply

Tomato Tea Recipe for Cold and Flu Season (2024)

FAQs

Is tomato juice good for flu? ›

It may also be a sports drink to restore your body from fatigue (tiredness) and sleepiness. Tomato juice contains lycopene and vitamin E, which might reduce the formation of ”bad cholesterol” in the body. Drinking tomato juice might help avoid colds and flu and boost the immunity of the body.

Read On ›

How to make tea for cold and fever? ›

Lemon and honey tea

An excellent natural remedy for the cold and flu is lemon tea with honey, as this helps to relieve nose and throat congestion and improves breathing. Add the honey to the hot water and until it is well-combined in a hom*ogenous mixture, and then add the juice of one lemon.

Get More Info Here ›

How do you make homemade flu concoction? ›

Here, find out what cold and flu remedies you can try at home.

Chicken soup. There is no scientific proof that chicken soup can cure a cold or flu or speed up recovery, but its ingredients contain nutrients that support your immune system. ...
Ginger. ...
Honey. ...
Garlic. ...
Echinacea. ...
Vitamin C. ...
Probiotics. ...
Salt water gargle.

More items...

Keep Reading ›

What tea is good for clearing mucus? ›

Peppermint tea has menthol, which can help open up airways and alleviate congestion. It also has antimicrobial properties that may aid in fighting off infections. Drinking peppermint tea can be soothing for cough and cold relief.

Explore More ›

What tea is good for cold mucus? ›

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint helps by bringing up mucus that would be otherwise stuck in your lungs, bronchi, and trachea when you have a cold, relieving your throat pain with a refreshing effect. It also helps by reducing your fever.

Keep Reading ›

Who should not drink tomato juice? ›

Although a small amount of sodium is beneficial to your electrolyte balances, too much salt can induce bloating and water retention and perhaps increase blood pressure. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, avoid drinking tomato juice on an empty stomach because it may worsen the condition.

Get More Info ›

Does tomato help cold? ›

Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, which has been linked to lower rates of cancer and heart disease because it reduces inflammation in the body. The antioxidant also helps increase your immune system's ability to fight off cold and flu germs.

Explore More ›

Do tomatoes prevent colds? ›

Increase immunity

One cup of tomato juice offers 45 milligrams of vitamin C — about 75% of an adult's daily needs. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps boost your body's immune cells that fight infection and prevent free radical damage to your healthy cells.

What tea is best for sinus? ›

The Most Effective Herbal Teas for Sinus Infections

Eucalyptus. Refreshing eucalyptus tea is one of the most popular herbal teas for sinus infections and other forms of congestion. ...
Ginger. ...
Peppermint. ...
Thyme. ...
Chamomile.

Nov 29, 2023

How to cure a cold fast? ›

You can help get rid of a cold and feel better faster by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and eating nutritious foods. Taking zinc or vitamin C supplements at the first sign of a cold may help lessen the severity of cold symptoms or shorten the duration of a cold.

Does vinegar break up phlegm? ›

Mucus thinning: Some proponents claim ACV can help thin mucus secretions, making them easier to expel. This could benefit people with conditions causing excessive mucus production, such as sinus congestion and respiratory infections.

Find Out More ›

Is vinegar good for a cold? ›

The bottom line. Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that many people swear by. But there isn't extensive research showing that it's an effective way to treat a cold. For most people, giving apple cider vinegar a try is a low cost, low risk way to reduce cold symptoms.

Is apple cider vinegar good for a cold and flu? ›

Drinking a warm and diluted solution of ACV may help with symptoms, says Dr. Rowan. “[The warmth] will make them feel better, it'll loosen some of the mucus, like in their nose, their throat, and their mouth,” he explains. But again, ACV isn't going to kill off your cold virus and magically make you healthy again.

Show Me More ›

What should I drink when I have a cold and flu? ›

“Water is the gold standard. However, non-sugar drinks such as Pedialyte, green or black tea or non-sugar sports drinks work for adults, too. The key with fluid intake is to avoid dehydration. Fluids support your immune system function, thin mucus and lessen congestion.

Does tea really help a cold? ›

People who experience a cold may find that herbal teas provide comfort and soothe their symptoms. Although there is no cure for a cold, drinking tea and trying other remedies, such as steam inhalation, probiotics, and honey, may help people feel better and reduce the duration of their cold.