What is on my wish list this holiday season? Ahhh, to slowly sip a steaming mug of holiday tea while warming my toes next to the fireplace. A great book in hand, along with a spicy herbal peace soothing me from deep within. When the weather outside is frightful, I find great joy in staying inside and brewing a cup of tea that is warming and delightful! Here are 10 easy holiday tea recipes.
Ginger Tea – aids the digestive system, reduces inflammation, help circulation, and has a warming effect.
1 Tbsp of minced ginger, 1 tsp of crushed cloves, 2 cups of boiling water
Pour hot water over the spices. Then, steep 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
Click here for some scientific research articles related to ginger tea: Ginger Tea Research
Cinnamon Tea – not only can it help heat you up, but research has shown beneficial antimicrobial activities to cinnamon. Further, it may help with blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In addition, cinnamon tea tastes great! More human studies are needed. Click here to read some research about cinnamon: Cinnamon Research.
1 cinnamon stick, 2 cups of boiling water, and honey to taste
Pour boiling water over the cinnamon stick. Then, steep for 10 minutes. Finally, add honey to taste. Stir with the cinnamon stick.
Healthy adults: do not exceed 2 cups a day.
Matcha is a powerful antioxidant with a brilliantly green hugh. Click here to read more benefits and some research to drinking matcha green tea: Matcha Green Tea Research.
First, heat the milk in a pan. Be careful that it does not boil over. Meanwhile, mix hot water with matcha powder and honey in a large mug. Pour hot milk into the same mug and stir. Optional, also stir in ginger powder or cinnamon.
Do you have a holiday headache? Bay is good for improving concentration, calming a cough, and reducing headache. Dried bay leaves are strongly aromatic and impart a spicy flavor.
Add all into a pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes. Remove bay leaves, add honey, garnish with lemon, and drink.
Click here to read more about bay: Bay Monograph and Research.
Peppermint tea may help with congestion, indigestion, and to improve cognition.
2 Tbsp of fresh or 1 Tbsp of dried peppermint leaves, 2 cups of hot water
Pour the hot water over the leaves. Steep about 6 minutes. Strain. Add honey to taste. Inhale the aroma while drinking to clear the head.
Click here to read some research related to peppermint tea: Peppermint Tea & Research.
This Yogi Tea Recipe will make your whole house smell great while it is brewing. Plus, it creates enough tea to enjoy a few cups a day for a week! It is a blend of spices slow cooked. Then, you can make chai by adding milk and honey for a spicy delicious drink that can be served hot or cold.
Rosemary Tea Recipe can be a circulatory tonic, stimulant, respiratory aid, and sipped to improve concentration.
1 Tbsp of fresh or 1/2 Tbsp of dried rosemary, 2 cups of hot water, and 1 Tbsp of honey
Instructions. Pour hot water over the rosemary and steep about 7 minutes. Add honey to taste.
Click here to sea some scientific research related to rosemary: Rosemary Tea Research.
Juniper berries are antimicrobial and have a diuretic action. They have also been used as a folk remedy for cough and congestion.
Pour boiling water over juniper berries. Then, steep for 10 minutes. Add honey to taste. Finally, strain and drink.
Click here to read more about juniper berries: Juniper Berry Monograph.
If you’ve got the time, try this tea! Thyme tea tastes strongly herbaceous, and I prefer to sweeten mine with honey. It is good for when you have congestion, cough, or the common cold.
1/2 tsp of dried thyme, 2 cups of hot water, wedge of lemon, and honey to taste
Pour hot water over the thyme and steep 7 minutes. Strain, and add lemon and honey, and drink.
Click here to read more about thyme: Thyme Tea Research.
On a cold day, a hot drink may be preferred over a chilled beer. Try this hops tea. Studies suggest it might help with insomnia. Click here for some research: Hops Tea Research.
Steep about 7 minutes. While you are waiting, dim the lights, get your pajamas on, and take a few slow deep breathes to calm your mind.
Then, strain and drink your tea.
Tea, though ridiculed by those who are naturally coarse in their nervous sensibilities will always be the favorite beverage of the intellectual.
– Thomas de Quincey
Blog Post by: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), Professional NAHA and AIA Member, LMT
Posted: 12/4/18