Don’t forget the most important thing this Holiday Season– to take time for yourself, to reflect and gain new strength after this turbulent year – for example with a a relaxing cup of tea. The enjoyable ritual of drinking tea can improve our wellbeing and offer a moment of peace and relaxation. It can also be meditative!
Here are some of my favourite winter tea recipes that can strengthen the immune system, help to prevent a cold, or provide relief after a rich meal.
Tea to strengthen the immune system
Ginger and lemon have antibacterial properties and strengthen the immune system. Lemon supplies plenty of vitamin C. As this vitamin C is sensitive to heat, the lemon should only be added once the tea has cooled down a bit. Same with honey. Always remember, according to Ayurveda heating or cooking honey is reputed to create a toxin, madhu ama, which can be very difficult to get rid of once it enters the body.
Ingredients (for 500 ml) 10 g fresh ginger Leaves from 2 stalks of fresh mint Approx. 10 ml (1 spoon) of freshly pressed lemon juice 1 slice of lemon 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Chop the ginger into small pieces or cut fine slices, put them in a tea filter, add the mint and pour approx. 500 ml of boiling water over it. Let the tea steep for around 5 minutes. Add the lemon juice and slice, leave for a further 5 minutes. If the tea is too sour, you can add some honey before serving.
Tea to stimulate digestion
This tea can support your digestion after a large meal.
Ingredients for tea mix 40 g anise seeds 40 g fennel seeds 20 g caraway seeds
Grind the ingredients using a pestle and mortar or with an electric blender. Keep the mixture in an airtight receptacle away from the light to retain the properties of the ingredients. A tightly sealed tin is ideal. Alternatively, you can just simply mix the seeds together if you don't have enough time.
(For approximately 200-250 ml) Put 1 heaped teaspoon of the mixture into a tea filter and pour 200-250 ml of boiling water over it. Leave to steep for around 7-10 minutes before serving.
Relaxing Holiday tea
If you are a fan of typical Christmas aromas, you are sure to love this tea.
Ingredients (for approx. 1 litre) 2 litres water 3 fresh apples 1 cinnamon stick
Boil the water. Quarter the apples, (optionally wrap them in gauze), add the cinnamon and place in the boiling water. Leave to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the gauze bag and serve the tea hot or lukewarm.
May our bodies and hearts stay warm this Winter Season. Enjoy! ❤️
