As the cold weather settles in, there is nothing like a hot cup of tea to take winter’s edge off. Rather than raiding your grocery store for pre-packaged flavors, why not try your hand at these easy DIY herbal tea recipes? Homemade tea is easy, fun, and affordable, and also makes for a great gift for your loved ones. Tuck into a steamy cup and enjoy the benefits of these warm herbal infusions.
1. Ginger Turmeric Tea
This tea is not only refreshingly zingy, but can also boost your immune system during cold season. It also can calm a nauseated stomach, and tastes great with a bit of honey and lemon added to it. Simply grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon of turmeric root into 3 cups of water. Boil, and let sit on low heat for 15 minutes. Squeeze some lemon juice into the tea, and enjoy!
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2. Lavender Tea
Lavender is used to promote relaxation in sprays, nebulizers, and sachets that are tucked beneath bed pillows. But the fragrant flower can also be consumed, and makes a calming tea. For the most flavorful tea, combine a handful of dried mint sprigs with 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers into a tea strainer. Pour 3 cups of hot water over the strainer and let steep for five minutes, then add honey to play up the sweetness of the flower and prepare to relax.
3. Nettle Cinnamon Herbal Tea Infusion
This spicy tea is packed with iron and vitamin C, which, when mixed together, are easily absorbed by your body. In a bowl, mix 2 parts nettle, 2 parts rose hips and 1 part cinnamon chips (optional: add some dried fruit for natural sweetness). Boil 4 cups of water in a saucepan then remove from heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons of the mixed herbs, then cover and steep for 30 minutes, then reheat and sip to your heart’s content.
4. Lovely Lemon Tea
Can’t get enough citrus flavor? Then this tea is for you, and perfect for relaxation. In a bowl, mix 3 parts lemongrass, 1 part lemon balm, 1 part lemon peel, and 1 part chamomile. Using 1 teaspoon of that mixture per mug, place in a tea strainer and steep in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add honey or a fresh lemon wedge before serving, and sip while it’s hot.
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5. Black Tea with Rose
This tea is not only easy to make, but the fragrance of the rose petals creates a natural sweetness and incredible aroma that’s complemented by the black tea’s caffeinated kick. Simply mix 2 parts dried rose petals with 1 part dried black tea in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to a tea strainer, then steep in a mug full of boiling water for no more than five minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a bit of almond milk for a surprising blend of flavors.
6. Stomach-Soothing Tea
Instead of reaching for over-the-counter medicine, this tea can easily tame a troubled tummy. Simply combine 2 teaspoons of dried mint leaves, 1/2 a teaspoon of fennel seeds, and a pinch of dried ginger in a strainer, and immerse it in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes, then sip slowly.
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