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It is so relaxing to cradle a steaming cup of tea. When those wintry winds howl outside, snuggle under a blanket with your own homemade herbal blend. The steam warms, the aroma soothes, and the tea itself offers beneficial healing properties.
Herbal tea blends, also known as tisanes, are made from a variety of herbs from the garden or grown indoors on the windowsill. According to The Well Essentials, dried or fresh herbs are combined with spices, berries, roots, bark and flowers, then steeped or dried.
If you discover a favorite home blend, give it to friends and family so they too can enjoy the delicious taste of your DIY herbal tea over the holidays. Here are five tasty blends packed with health benefits to try at home.
Elderflower-chamomile tea
This floral-tasting tea is just so calming. On the onset of a cold or flu, put the kettle on and brew this tea. Sipping elderflower tea may shorten symptoms of a cold by up to four days, according to a study in The Journal of International Medicinal Research. Elder may help with congestion and respiratory issues, especially when accompanied by a fever, according to All Natural Ideas. You can buy dried, organic elderflowers online or at your local health food store.
Add some chamomile flowers for flavor, recommends Wellness Mama. For a super immune-boosting version, you can use dried elderberries instead of the flowers. Boil the berries in a saucepan with cinnamon and turmeric powder, then simmer for 15 minutes. Serve the tea with raw honey.
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Peppermint herbal blend
This tea blend may soothe your tummy, according to Healthline. Peppermint also aids digestion, may reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, ease menstrual cramps, and may help to relieve tension headaches.
To prepare a soothing home blend, use one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and add half a teaspoon each of fennel and coriander seeds. Steep for 15 minutes and strain.
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Uplifting lemon blend
This is a calming, feel-good blend from Selene River Press that is a mix of lemon verbena, lemon balm (melissa), lemon thyme, and lemon zest. Lemon balm has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries according to WebMd, to help ease stomach cramps,nausea, and can help reduce anxiety. Lemon balm is uplifting and relaxing. Infuse the dried leaves in hot water and enjoy.
This lemon-scented tea is also energizing and offers significant amounts of vitamin C as well as antioxidants, according to Eating Well.
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Stress relief blend
For stress relief over the holidays, brew this delicious blend from The Well Essentials. Have a cup before bed to help get a good night’s sleep or sip it all day to promote a feeling of calm. Use three parts of chamomile flowers with two parts of dried lemon grass, and add one part holy basil.
Chamomile has been used for digestive health, anxiety and sleeplessness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Lemongrass is traditionally known as a pain reliever and fever reducer, as written by WebMD. Holy basil, also called tulsi, is an herb used in natural healing to normalize glucose and reduce stress, as reported in a Hindawi study. Boil these herbs together, then cover the infusion and let steep for up to seven minutes.
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Tangy hibiscus blend
This crimson tinged blend from Simple Loose Leaf combines dried hibiscus with mint and lemongrass. Hibiscus is a great choice as it is filled with antioxidants, according to Healthline, and may lower blood pressure. Hibiscus may also boost liver health and lower cholesterol. You can sip this tart, refreshing and healthy tea either hot or cold.
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