Traditional Medicinals Cold Care Seasonal Tea

Yes, and the throat-soothing effect is what people notice most. The tea creates a natural coating sensation from slippery elm and marshmallow root that brings immediate comfort to scratchy throats. Many reviewers mention drinking it at the first sign of a cold and feeling relief within minutes. Some swear by it for immune support during cold season, though it works best as a soothing remedy rather than a cure.

The dominant flavor is licorice, followed by elderberry sweetness and hints of citrus and cinnamon. It's naturally sweet enough that most people don't add sugar, though some do add honey and lemon. The taste is smooth and slightly medicinal—think herbaceous and woody rather than fruity tea. If you dislike licorice or anise flavors, this probably isn't for you, but if you enjoy herbal complexity, the blend is actually quite pleasant.

While it's designed for seasonal cold support, there are some important cautions. The box warns against use if you have high blood pressure or low potassium, and it's not recommended for children under 12. These warnings relate to the licorice root content. Many people drink it daily during cold season without issues, but it's worth checking with your doctor if you have health concerns or take medications.

It's surprisingly approachable for beginners. Just steep a bag in hot water—no fancy equipment needed—and you'll immediately feel that soothing throat coating. The clear health benefit makes the medicinal taste easier to accept. That said, tea enthusiasts appreciate the complexity of the herbal blend and often steep it longer for stronger effects or customize it with honey, lemon, or extra cinnamon.

This is a legitimate packaging issue. Multiple customers report that the tea arrives with crushed boxes, likely due to inadequate shipping protection. The tea bags themselves are usually fine, but if box condition matters to you (for gifting, for example), it's worth noting. The product itself—organic, non-GMO, with compostable tea bags—is high quality, but the delivery experience can be disappointing.