Winter herbal tea is what sustains me through the coldest, darkest part of the year. Winter was never really been my favorite season. I found the cold, the snow and the bulky clothes uncomfortable and unpleasant. But after becoming a mom and learning to intentionally slow down, I gradually began to crave the winter time and all of the cozy traditions that go along with it. I think it’s a natural part of mothering to learn how to create a home that warms the body and the spirit from the inside out. The winter months are a perfect time to really make your family feel cherished and comfortable. One of my intentions is to create a handmade life with my family at the center. Having a pot of winter herbal tea brewing daily fills our home with the fragrance of warming spices.
WINTER CHEER
As an herbalist, I quickly turned to tea when I wanted to begin bringing rituals for the winter months into my home. There are many herbs that work to warm the body and increase circulation, both very important during cold winters. There are also herbs that bring calm and peace to the body and mind.
BENEFITS OF DRINKING TEA IN WINTER
Besides it being the nature of tea to warm the body since you drink it hot, there are actually herbs that have a warming effect on the body. Some herbs are also great for improving circulation throughout the body. Herbs are great at helping to strengthen the immune system. They can also support the body during times of sickness. And of course sitting with the perfect cup of tea can be comforting and calming to the mind, body and soul. Whether or not you are a regular tea drinker, I think hot cup of tea can be enjoyed by almost everyone this time of year!
Herbal Infusions and Herbal Decoctions
An herbal infusion is made by covering loose dried herbs with hot boiling water and allowing it to steep. the duration of steeping can be anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. For a medicinal strength tea the longer the better. Many times I will let my infusion sit over night, about 12 hours. Then strain it and add honey. This is method is suitable for leaves and flowers. An Herbal decoction is made by simmering herbs in a pot on a stove for 10-15 minutes. You use this method for roots and barks. Roots and barks are more difficult to extract from and simmering helps the medicinal constituents release.
Winter Restoration
Winter is actually meant to be a time of deep rest and renewal. As homesteaders, we work hard from spring to late fall growing and raising nourishing food to sustain us through the winter months. We take this time to rest deeply so we have the strength to work our land the rest of the year. In addition to winter herbal tea we also use a lot of herbs for better sleep which you can learn about here!
Herbs for any winter herbal tea infusion
Orange Peel
There is just something about citrus that I can’t stop craving in winter. The smell of fresh citrus instantly lifts my spirits. Adding the dried peel to a cup of tea is the perfect way to get that boost of vitamin C.
Ginger Root
Ginger root is a great heat producer in the body. Perfect for cold days. It is also a powerful diaphoretic, meaning it induces sweating to help break a fever. Ginger root relaxes blood vessels helping to increase circulation. It also increases the effect of other herbs it is taken with. Reduces inflammation in bronchial passageways.
Rose Hips
Rose hips are packed in vitamin C and we could all use a little extra support on a cold winter day.
Hawthorne
The flowers, leaves and berries of hawthorne trees are used for making tea. Hawthorne helps to improve blood flow and the berries work to calm the heart during times of fear, anxiety or stress. Sometimes the winter can feel a bit daunting and hawthorn is here to help bring peace the nervous system.
Clove
Clove mixed with other warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and orange peel is a great combo for a winter tea. And clove may help immune system function.
Elderberry
Elderberries play a big role in the health of the immune system. They are high in vitamin A and C and are great for targeting colds and the flu.
Yarrow
Yarrow is excellent for improving circulation, fighting infections and for inducing sweating to help bring down a fever. In tincture for yarrow is also a great fever reducer.
Cinnamon
Once when I was pregnant, I had a dream an elderly woman told me to put cinnamon in my tea everyday to help regulate my blood sugar. Turns out cinnamon is known to help with blood sugar. It is also known to be antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
Licorice root
Licorice root is a very sweet root rather than bitter like most roots. It is best combined with other herbs since it can be too sweet on its own. Licorice root is a soothing and healing remedy for sore throats as well as respiratory and viral infections. A very little bit is all the is needed in herbal blends.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a great addition to any herbal tea blend because it increases the affect of other herbs. It is also great for calming and soothing an upset stomach.
Lapsang
To be honest this strong black tea is a bit a too much for me. However it is my husbands favorite black tea and he really enjoys drinking it so I wanted to it include here. I do love the smoky smell of it. It can be very powerful so if you do try it then I suggest just a pinch at a time.
Creating Herbal Blends
It might seem a little intimidating creating your own herbal teas but it can actually be really fun! I think loose teas and herbs brew such a better flavor than a tea bag. The best method is to just choose two or three herbs that call to you and go from there.
Get your kids involved
My little ones love helping me make tea and they love drinking their own creation. I will open up a few jars of herbs and let them take a little of whatever herbs they want to make their own herbal blends.
4 Winter Herbal Tea Recipes
These winter herbal tea recipes I have created and often drink throughout the coldest months. Feel free to omit or add any herbs you like. And enjoy!
HOLIDAY MERRY TEA
peppermint
roasted Cacao nibs
lavender
WINTER WELLNESS TEA
rose hips
lemon balm
yarrow
elderberry
orange peel
peppermint
DARK SIDE OF THE YEAR TEA
elderberry
hawthore berry
roasted cacao nibs
roasted chicory root
lapsang-smoky black tea (optional, it is a very strong black tea with a powerful smoky flavor)
WINTER CHEER CHAI BLEND
roasted cacao nibs
ginger root
cinnamon
black tea (optional)
cloves
orange peel
star anise
Sweetening Your Tea
I always sweeten my tea with raw, unfiltered and local (if available) honey. Honey is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It can also help treat coughs.
Sourcing your herbal teas
I think this one of the most important pieces of creating healing herbal blends. Where, how and by who your herbs were grown matters. If you can grow some yourself then that is best but if not, finding a company you trust and whose practices you respect is really important. Whatever I don’t grow or find local, I usually buy from Mountain Rose Herbs. All of their herbs are organic and reasonably priced.
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