Herbal Teas for Fall: Embracing the Season's Flavors for Health and Comfort
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall is a perfect time to explore the cozy warmth of herbal teas. Beyond their comforting warmth, herbal teas can offer various health benefits, including boosting immunity, soothing digestion, and promoting relaxation. Something we all need when our kids start to bring home back-to-school germs and refuse to wear jackets, IYKYK.
The Benefits of Herbal Teas
Herbal teas have been used for centuries to aid various ailments, from colds and flu to anxiety and insomnia. Unlike black or green tea, herbal teas are not made from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) but are instead crafted from a blend of leaves, flowers, roots, and spices. This absence of caffeine makes them an ideal choice for evening relaxation routines.
Choosing Your Ingredients
Fall offers a plethora of ingredients that can be used to make soothing, healthful herbal teas. Here are some popular choices:
Ginger: Known for its warming properties and effectiveness in treating nausea and digestion issues.
Cinnamon: This spice is not only delicious but can also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve heart health.
Apple: Adds a natural sweetness and complements many other ingredients in tea blends.
Rosehips: High in vitamin C, rosehips are excellent for boosting the immune system and skin health.
Elderberry: Known for its immune-enhancing properties, it’s perfect for flu season.
Mint: Excellent for digestion and adds a refreshing note to any tea.
Homemade Herbal Tea Recipes
1. Medicine Ball Tea (a healthy dupe of the popular coffeehouse drink)
Ingredients: 1 bag of mint tea, 1 bag of herbal tea (like chamomile), fresh lemon, honey
How-to: Steep the two bags of tea together, add freshly squeezed lemon and a generous amount of honey.
Health Benefits: This tea is soothing, aids digestion, and the cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels.
2. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Tea
Ingredients: Dried apple slices, cinnamon sticks, a pinch of nutmeg
How-to: Wrap the ingredients in cheese cloth, pour hot water over the ingredients, and steep for 8-10 minutes.
Health Benefits: This tea is soothing, aids digestion, and the cinnamon helps control blood sugar levels.
3. Ginger Mint Immunity Booster
Ingredients: Fresh ginger root, fresh mint leaves, lemon zest
How-to: Wrap the ingredients in cheese cloth, pour hot water over the ingredients, and steep for 8-10 minutes.
Health Benefits: Ginger and lemon boost immunity, while mint soothes the stomach.
4. Rosehip Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients: Dried rosehips, hibiscus flowers
How-to: Wrap the ingredients in cheesecloth, pour hot water over the ingredients, and steep for 8-10 minutes.
Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this tea is great for skin health and boosting the immune system.
5. Elderberry Autumn Blend
Ingredients: Dried elderberries, dried apples, cinnamon, and cloves
How-to: Wrap the ingredients in cheesecloth, pour hot water over the ingredients, and steep for 8-10 minutes.
Health Benefits: A powerhouse for immune support, with a warm, spicy flavor perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients: 2 tsps Raw Honey, 2 tsps Vanilla Extract, 2 cups Chamomile Tea (brewed), 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
How-to: Add the honey, vanilla, and steeped tea to a mug and stir. Warm the milk in a small pot over low heat. Once warm, use a frother to create some foam. Alternatively, blend the warmed milk in a blender until frothy. Pour into the same mug as the tea and enjoy!
Health Benefits: A powerhouse for immune support, with a warm, spicy flavor perfect for chilly evenings.
Brewing the Perfect Cup
To extract the most flavor and health benefits from your ingredients, follow these tips:
Water Temperature: Most herbal teas are best brewed with boiling water (about 212°F or 100°C).
Steeping Time: Generally, steeping for 5-10 minutes is sufficient, but stronger roots like ginger may benefit from a longer steeping time.
Sweetening: Consider natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if needed.
Enjoying Your Herbal Tea
Herbal teas are more than just beverages; they are an experience! Make a ritual to enjoy your tea in a relaxing and soothing setting. Music does it for you? Put on noise-canceling headphones and sip your tea and groove. Need to feel secure? Put on your weighted blanket, spray an essential oil, and take a moment with your tea. Not feeling so well? Put on those jammies, load up on honey in your up, and put on your favorite show - try Bad Monkey on Apple TV+.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation, a health boost, or simply a warm, tasty beverage, these fall-inspired herbal teas are sure to enrich your autumn days and make you feel good.