Herbal Teas for Winter Wellness
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and sip on a soothing cup of herbal tea. As the chill settles in and the holiday spirit fills the air, there is nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade herbal blend to warm you from the inside out. This post shares some of my favorite winter wellness tea recipes that are easy to make and full of yummy goodness.
The Wonders of Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is more than just a comforting beverage; it is a natural remedy that can address various winter challenges such as colds, sore throats, and even the winter blues.
Chamomile: Known for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Ginger & Turmeric: These powerful herbs stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the immune system.
Lemon Balm: A soothing herb for both body and mind, helping with stress and anxiety.
Peppermint: Aids in clearing congestion, supports digestion, and freshens the breath.
Cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that boosts circulation and adds a cozy touch to your tea.
Lavender: Its calming aroma helps reduce stress and promotes restful sleep.
As you craft these DIY teas, you will find joy in the brewing process and satisfaction in knowing exactly what you are consuming.
Winter Citrus Spice
The zesty notes of citrus combined with the warmth of spices make this tea a wonderful winter companion.
1 cup just-boiled water
1 Tbsp dried peppermint or lemon balm leaves
1 tsp dried lemon or orange peel
½ tsp cinnamon chips
1 whole clove
honey to taste (optional)
fresh orange slices (for garnish)
Instructions
Place herbs and spices into a tea caddy and place into the just-boiled water. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes
Remove the tea caddy and stir in honey if desired
Garnish with fresh orange slices for a bright touch
Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this tea can help support your immune system while brightening your day.
Cozy Ginger-Turmeric Tea
Perfect for chilly days, this tea warms you up while boosting your immune response.
1 cup just-boiled water
1-2 tsp grated fresh ginger
½ tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to enhance turmeric absorption)
honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
fresh lemon wedge (optional)
Instructions
Place the herbs into a tea caddy and place into the just-boiled water. Cover and steep for 5-10 minutes
Remove the tea caddy and sweeten it as desired. Optionally, serve with a fresh lemon wedge
This blend is a powerful tool against winter inflammation and supports overall wellness.
Minty Chocolate Herbal Tea
Indulge in this delicious, holiday-inspired tea that combines the refreshing taste of mint with the richness of cocoa.
1 cup just-boiled water
1 Tbsp dried peppermint leaves or 4-8 fresh mint leaves (look for chocolate mint leaves)
1 tsp raw cacao nibs
½ tsp honey (optional)
splash of creamer (optional, for a creamy touch)
Instructions
Place the mint and cacao in a tea caddy and place into the just-boiled water. Cover and steep for about 5 minutes.
Remove the tea caddy and sweeten it as desired. Optionally, add creamer.
This tea is the perfect way to satisfy sweet cravings while providing magnesium and other mood-boosting benefits.
Chamomile and Lavender Bliss
For those cozy nights when you need to unwind, this calming brew is just the ticket.
1 cup just-boiled water
1 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers
1 tsp dried lavender flowers
honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
Place the herbs into a tea caddy and place into the just-boiled water. Cover and steep for about 10 minutes.
Remove the tea caddy, and add honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
This calming blend helps ease stress and supports a restful night’s sleep.
Berrylicious Hibiscus Tea
Vibrant and tangy, this tea is packed with antioxidants and immune-boosting benefits.
1 cup just-boiled water
1 Tbsp dried hibiscus flowers
1 tsp dried rose hips or elderberries
1 tsp dried lemon or orange peels (optional)
honey to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Place herbs into the tea caddy and place into the just-boiled water. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the tea caddy, and add honey as desired.
This colorful tea nourishes your body and brightens your mood with its rich flavor.
Soothing Hot Toddy
Perfect for those chilly winter evenings when you are feeling under the weather, this warm and comforting drink combines soothing herbal ingredients with a touch of spice.
1 cup of tea made with your favorite black tea or loose-leaf tea
1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 oz bourbon or whiskey (optional)
1 cinnamon stick or a pinch of powdered cinnamon (optional)
1 small slice of fresh ginger or a pinch of powdered ginger (optional)
1 whole clove or a small pinch of powdered clove (optional)
honey to taste
Instructions:
Into the premade mug of tea, stir in lemon juice, honey, and alcohol.
Add optional spices for extra warmth and flavor.
Stir everything together, and let the flavors infuse for a few minutes before sipping.
This Hot Toddy can help soothe a sore throat, relieve congestion, and warm you up from the inside out during those cold winter months! Enjoy and stay cozy!
How to Brew Loose-Leaf Tea
Brewing loose-leaf tea can be as simple or as creative as you want it to be. I love using a simple tea caddy (as you’ve seen in the recipes above), but there are other easy methods you can try:
Tea Infuser or Tea Caddy: Just place your herbs into the infuser or caddy, steep in hot water, and enjoy your tea without worrying about loose leaves.
French Press: Add your herbs to the French press, pour in hot water, and steep. Once it’s ready, press the plunger to strain the tea.
Traditional Strainer: If you don’t have a tea infuser, just steep the herbs directly in hot water, then strain them with a fine mesh strainer before serving.
Reusable Tea Bags: You can purchase reusable tea bags, fill them with your favorite herbs, and steep just like store-bought tea bags.
Each method ensures a delicious cup of herbal tea tailored to your preferences and the resources you have at hand. Enjoy the process as much as the tea itself!
Embracing Winter Wellness
Making these herbal teas is more than just a way to warm up during the winter—it is an opportunity to care for yourself and nourish your body. Winter is a season of rest and reflection, a time to pause, enjoy the quiet, and care for ourselves and others. Share these cozy tea moments with your loved ones and celebrate the goodness of God’s creation in every sip.
Enjoy exploring the world of herbal teas—it’s a journey filled with warmth, joy, and wellness. Please share your favorite winter tea recipes in the comments!
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