Recipes – 4 Winter Warming Teas.

Winter is here and so is the cold! To help our bodies to stay warm and nourished – I have written 4 winter tea recipes. The first 3 are to help warm you up and the 4th is peppermint tea is to assist with a cold that includes fever and a sore throat – as the properties of peppermint is that is cooling.

Winter, with its cold and often harsh conditions, is a time when our bodies need extra care and nourishment.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is governed by the Water element, and it is a season that emphasizes rest, reflection, and conservation of energy.

TCM places great importance on aligning our lifestyle and diet with the seasons to maintain harmony and health.

We place a great emphasis on focusing on warming our bodies – as our internal warmth – the yang energy recedes further into the body during the winter months. To help warm our bodies, and encourage good circulation – we promote warming teas and warming herbs – these include star anise, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, ginger, cardamom,  and chilli. Black tea is also a warming tea.

 

1. Tea for Overall Health Maintenance: Ginger and Red Date Tea

 Properties:
– Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Known for its warming properties, ginger helps to dispel internal colds, promote digestion, and strengthen yang energy, which is vital during the cold months.

– Red Dates (Hong Zao): Often referred to as the “King of Nuts,” red dates are prized in TCM for their ability to nourish the blood, improve Qi (vital energy), and support the spleen and stomach.

Recipe:
– **Ingredients**:
– 3-4 slices of fresh ginger
– 5-6 dried red dates, pitted
– 3 cups of water
– Honey (optional, to taste)

 Instructions:
1. Wash the red dates and ginger thoroughly.
2. Slice the ginger into thin pieces.
3. Add the ginger and red dates to a pot with 3 cups of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Strain the tea into a cup and add honey if desired.

Best Time to Drink:
Enjoy this tea in the morning or afternoon to warm the body and promote overall vitality. It can help keep you energized and balanced throughout the winter days.

2. Tea for Immune Boosting: Astragalus and Goji Berry Tea

Properties:
– Astragalus (Huang Qi): This herb is renowned for its immune-boosting properties. It strengthens the body’s defences, tonifies Qi, and helps protect against colds and other respiratory infections.
– Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi): Known for their rich nutrient profile, goji berries nourish the liver and kidneys, boost the immune system, and enhance overall vitality.

 Recipe:
– **Ingredients**:
– 10 grams of dried astragalus root
– 1 tablespoon of goji berries
– 4 cups of water

 Instructions:
1. Rinse the astragalus root and goji berries.
2. Combine the astragalus root and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add the goji berries and simmer for another 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup.

Best Time to Drink:
Consume this tea in the late morning or early afternoon to fortify the immune system and prevent colds and flu. Regular consumption can help build a robust immune defence during the winter season.

 3. Tea for Aches, Pains, and Arthritis: Turmeric and Cinnamon Tea

Properties:
– Turmeric (Jiang Huang): This powerful anti-inflammatory herb promotes blood circulation and alleviates pain, making it beneficial for joint pain and arthritis.
– Cinnamon (Rou Gui): With its warming properties, cinnamon improves circulation and helps to alleviate pain and stiffness caused by cold.

Recipe:
– Ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 2 cups of water

Instructions:
1. Boil the water in a pot.
2. Add the turmeric and cinnamon, stirring well.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain into a cup and add honey to taste.

Best Time to Drink:
Sip this tea in the evening to help relieve joint pain and stiffness, especially before bedtime. The warming effects can also promote relaxation and a restful night’s sleep.

 4. Tea for Digestive Health: Peppermint and Licorice Root Tea

 Properties:
– Peppermint (Bo He): Known for its cooling and soothing effects, peppermint helps to relieve bloating, ease stomach pain, and promote healthy digestion.

– Licorice Root (Gan Cao) This harmonizing herb reduces inflammation, eases digestive spasms, and supports the stomach and spleen.

Recipe:

-Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves
– 1-2 slices of dried licorice root
– 2 cups of water

Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the peppermint leaves and licorice root.
3. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup.

Best Time to Drink:

Enjoy this tea after meals to aid digestion and prevent discomfort. Its soothing properties make it ideal for maintaining digestive health during the winter months.

 Conclusion

Incorporating these TCM-inspired teas into your winter routine can provide warmth, nourishment, and targeted health benefits.

Each tea is designed to address specific needs that are commonly experienced during the cold season. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the recipes as needed to suit your personal preferences and health conditions.

Embrace the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and let these teas help you stay healthy and balanced during the winter months.

By aligning our diet and lifestyle with the principles of TCM, we can navigate the winter season with greater resilience and vitality.

Dr Julia also hand blends our range of teas – she has made some great winter warming teas – the ginger glow tea is useful for digestion and poor circulation.

Visit our shop – to see our range of speciality blended tea – shop now.

Need a tea? Give us a call on 0412 789 772 – Dr Julia will be happy to do a quick consult and design a tea, especially for you!

Stay warm!