Winter herbal teas are drinks based on herbs, flowers, roots and sometimes spices, which are prepared by infusion in hot water.
During the winter, these herbal teas are particularly appreciated for their warming and beneficial properties, which can help counteract seasonal ailments, strengthen the immune system and provide a feeling of comfort.
Winter herbal teas are infusions of herbs, roots, flowers, fruit, bark and spices, ideal for consumption during the coldest months of the year.
Not only do they warm up the body, but they can also offer numerous health benefits, such as aiding in digestion, boosting the immune system, calming the nerves, and more.
Here are some ideas for winter herbal teas:
Ginger and Lemon Herbal Tea:
It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost the immune system.
Simply slice a piece of fresh ginger and add it to hot water along with a lemon wedge.
Cinnamon and apple herbal tea:
Mix cinnamon sticks or cinnamon powder with dried apple pieces in hot water.
This herbal tea has a sweet and spicy taste.
Rosemary and honey herbal tea:
Rosemary has tonic and stimulating properties, while honey is sweet and soothing.
Chamomile infusion:
It's a classic calming herbal tea, perfect for the evening.
Herbal tea with fennel:
It has digestive properties and can help reduce swelling.
Cardamom, clove and star anise herbal tea:
A spicy blend that aids digestion and warms the body.
Horse Chestnut Herbal Tea:
Known for its beneficial properties on circulation.
Licorice herbal tea:
Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial for the throat.
Mint tea:
Refreshing and aids digestion.
Dandelion herbal tea:
It can help detoxify the body.
When preparing herbal tea, it is important to let it infuse for the appropriate amount of time, usually between 5 and 10 minutes, but this varies according to the plant or herb used.
Make sure you use water that is not 100% boiling, especially for delicate herbal teas such as chamomile, to preserve the properties of the plants.
Additionally, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor or herbal expert before consuming herbal teas, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, have existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.
Here are other popular winter teas and their properties:
Cinnamon and clove herbal tea:
Excellent for warming up, it also has antibacterial properties.
Thyme herbal tea:
Useful for combating cough and respiratory tract ailments.
Eucalyptus herbal tea:
Beneficial for the respiratory tract, often used in case of a cold or cough.
Blackcurrant herbal tea:
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it is an excellent ally to strengthen the immune system.
To prepare an infusion, a quantity of herbs or roots is usually used (about a teaspoon or a sachet) per cup, poured with boiling water and left to infuse for a few minutes.
Then it is filtered and, if desired, it can be sweetened with honey or sugar.
It is important to remember that, if you have particular health conditions or are taking medicines, it is advisable to consult an herbalist before consuming herbal teas on a regular basis.