Winter teas for staying cozy and well

Herbal teas are one of my favorite ways to support seasonal wellness. Here are some winter teas for staying cozy and well!

Single herbs that make nice winter teas

There are plenty of herbs that stand alone as wintertime allies, and some of these make a lovely cup all by themselves. Here are a few of my favorites.

  • Tulsi. This herb is used traditionally as a folk remedy for coughs and colds. This herb is also enjoyed for it’s adaptogenic qualities. Tulsi has a reputation for supporting the immune system and positive mood.
  • Elderflower. Mild-tasting elderflower is lovely with a little honey. Traditionally used as an alterative and diaphoretic, this winter tea is an ally when you start feeling a little under the weather.
  • Ginger. For a little warming zing, nothing quite beats ginger once cold weather hits. Fresh ginger is being studied for antiviral properties. Dried ginger is loved by herbalists for a counterbalancing warmth to winter’s chill.
  • Rosehips. Tart rosehips are high in vitamin C, which is a welcome dietary boost during winter.
  • Elderberries. Although most people are familiar with elderberry syrup, this herb also makes a rich, fruity tea that’s a pleasure to sip. Like elderberry syrup, it’s valued by herbalists for its affinity to the immune system and the respiratory tract.

Winter teas to blend yourself

You can also mix and blend herbs to create custom winter teas. I love making a few jars of custom blends each fall, so I can use them as needed once cold weather comes.

One of my very traditional favorite blends is equal parts yarrow, elderflower, and peppermint. I reach for this blend when I start to feel tired and run down, or feel like a cold is catching up with me. Here are some other blends you can try!

  • Tulsi, elderflower, and calendula. Equal parts of these three herbs make a lovely winter brew that supports healthy immunity and lymph. Use 2 teaspoons of dried herbs per 8 oz of water to make one serving.
  • Rosehips, elderberries, and ginger. A simmering pot of fresh ginger with dried rosehips and elderberries smells as lovely as it tastes. Brew these as a decoction for the best results. I use an inch or so of peeled fresh ginger, and a teaspoon each of rosehips and elderberries per 16 oz of water. Allow them to simmer for 10 minutes, covered, and add back water at the end if needed to keep the full 16 oz. Serves 2.
  • Red clover, oat straw, and rosehips. These herbs provide a boost of extra minerals and vitamin C. The red clover is a traditional alterative that supports healthy blood and lymph, which is a nice addition during the busy immune season of winter. Use a tablespoon of each per 16 oz to make 2 servings.

Also, my mullein and elderberry tea blend recipe on Indie Herbalist uses mullein, calendula, and elder to provide support for healthy winter immune systems and lungs.

Other herbal recipes for winter

Here on Teacup Alchemy, I have a few other winter herbal resources you might enjoy.

If you enjoy making your own elderberry syrup, try making this elderberry syrup with schisandra berries!

Or, this fire cider with thai basil is a nice way to add a little extra immune support to your winter wellness routines.

Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Herbalist and Writer | Related Articles

A freelance writer and herbalist since 2011, Agatha is dedicated to creating an online reader and listener supported platform supporting her work as an herbalist. Her focus in herbalism includes sustainable agriculture, community wellness and accessibility, and botanical conservation.

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