Autumn is here, the season of colorful leaves, rainy days and fresh vegetables and fruits that nature provides us. The temperatures are getting lower, days are shorter and it’s the perfect time to boost our immune system and prepare ourselves for cold days. A cup of tea during cold winter days warms you up and recharge your mind and body.
We love quality herbal tea, which warms up and has a beneficial effect on your health and well-being. In this post we cover some of the most well-known and effective herbs for tea blend for respiratory problems during cold season. We also share how we store our tea blends.
How to store tea blends
Quality of dried herbs can last much longer if you store them properly. First things first, you only store completely dry herbs. Make sure there is no moisture left after drying. Best option to store dried herbs is to keep them in airtight container, optionally you can also store them in glass jar where they last 1 year. Keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool and dry location. Be sure to label and date the containers.
The best herbs for winter tea blends
Chamomile
Chamomile is widely thought to help relax and may improve quality of sleep. Inhaling steam with chamomile can relieve some of the symptoms of respiratory problems (similar like thyme) and has antispasmodic effect, meaning it can help to reduce coughing. Chamomile tea is also suitable for women as it can help reduce menstrual pain (nettle tea also help with menstrual cramps).
Ginger
Ginger tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps with lowering body temperature and reducing fever. To increase the antibacterial effects add a dash of cinnamon or a slice of lemon.
Peppermint
Probably one of the most common problems during winter are respiratory infections. Drinking peppermint tea helps alleviate some types of upper respiratory problems. Inhaling steam with peppermint essential oil can ease nasal congestion from colds and other respiratory problems. More over, it helps reduce menstrual pain and has antibacterial properties. Menthol in peppermint is an effective decongestant and soothing agent for sore throat.
Rose hip
Rose hips is loaded with vitamin C in comparison to other herbs. Vitamin C helps support a healthy immune system and protects the body from infections. Rosehip tea helps remove impurities and toxins from the digestive system, may reduce pain, support heart health and boost immunity. Besides, it is a delicious ingredient in tea blends with its peculiar aroma.
Thyme
When it comes to flu, cough and respiratory issues, I usually go for thyme tea. It helps alleviate cough, disinfects, prevents bacterial infection, lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity. Thyme is natural cough remedy, its essential oil can also be used for inhaling steam as well as thyme syrup to help alleviate respiratory problems.
Sage
Sage promotes oral health and it is one of the most popular herbs in dentistry. It can ease the pain, inflammation, and bad breath and has antibacterial and wound-healing properties. Sage tea is recommended if you have tooth pain or sore throat, due to its antibacterial activity. Warning, sage contains thujone, which is toxic in high doses. For this reason avoid drinking large amounts of sage tea.
Additives to make tea taste better
When it comes to additives for tea blends, there are various choices such as dried fruits, nuts, dried citrus zest, sweeteners etc. Combine desired ingeedients and make your favorite tea blend from ginger, lemon zest, maple syrup or something more fruity if you prefer fruit teas. Play with ingredients and make sure to measure how much of each ingredient you put in tea blend to get the same taste again when you make the tea blend again.
We love rosehip, thyme and chamomile in a cup of tea. Let us know which are your favorite teas during cold days.
2 Natureholics 