How to Make A Warming Herbal Tea Blend

Introduction

In the winter, I sometimes need something to warm me up. My number one warmer of choice is a nice herbal tea blend with some of my favorite herbs and spices.

Two of the ingredients in this blend actually do help you warm up. Ginger and cinnamon help get your blood to the surface of your skin. When your blood vessels are cold they tend to constrict and cut off the flow to your extremities. This is one of the reasons why your hands and feet are so prone to frostbite. Another ingredient was specially chosen for the winter, as well. Rosehips are high in Vitamin C and can help strengthen the immune system.

I remember one winter I drank a lot of tea that had ginger in it. I found that even on extremely cold days, I was warm enough with a sweater.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. rosehips
• 2 tbsp. chamomile flowers
• 1 tbsp. dried ginger root
• 2 tsp. dried orange peel
• 1 tsp. crushed cinnamon bark or 1/2 teaspoon dried cinnamon
• Amber bottle
• Tea strainer
• If you want to make an herbal punch, you will also need things like ice cubes, juice, and

Steps

1

Step One

In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix loosely. Transfer to an airtight container and store away from light and heat (an amber bottle is best). If you want to give it as a gift, you can decorate the bottle and finish it off with a ribbon.

2

Step Two

To prepare a cup of tea, stir the herbs loosely before you spoon anything out of the counter (the herbs tend to settle). Add one teaspoon of the blend to a mug and pour hot water into it. Let it stand for 10 minutes. Strain the herb out and enjoy. You may want to purchase a special tea strainer that you can put in the cup—it definitely makes straining the tea leaves out a lot easier.

3

Step Three

This tea blend also makes an elegant holiday beverage. Serve it to your guests as is or you can use it to create an herbal punch. After you steep the tea, remove the leaves and let it cool down. From there you can add it to things like ginger ale, apple cider, apple juice and orange juice. Ginger beer also makes a nice compliment.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative with the kinds of juices you use if making an herbal holiday punch out of the tea blend. You can also use champagne, sorbet or sherbet, and fresh sliced fruit.
• If you can't find some of the ingredients in the blend, you may want to try mail ordering it. I included the link to my favorite online herbal supplier (see Resources below). You may also be able to find amber bottles there.
• Make sure you consult with your health care provider before you take any new herbs.