As the colder months settle in, it becomes even more important to slow down, stay warm, and support our bodies gently. Today, I wanted to share a winter warming tea that holds both comfort and tradition for me – one my mum used to make every year as soon as the temperature dropped or whenever someone was feeling under the weather.
This simple herbal tea has stayed with me into adulthood and remains something I return to throughout winter, especially when I want something soothing or feel a cold coming on.
A Traditional Winter Remedy
Growing up, this tea would always be brewing in our home during the colder months. Made with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, it filled the house with the most comforting, warming aroma. Even now, the smell alone feels grounding and familiar.
Each ingredient has long been used in natural wellness practices to support the body during winter:
- Ginger is warming and supportive for digestion and circulation
- Cinnamon helps promote warmth and balance blood sugar
- Cloves are known for their antimicrobial properties
- Bay leaves support respiratory health and digestion
Together, they create a nourishing herbal tea that feels restorative and deeply comforting.
How to Make This Winter Warming Tea
This tea is simple to prepare, which makes it perfect for everyday wellness.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ginger (sliced or grated)
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Bay leaves
- Water
Add all the ingredients to a pot with water, bring gently to the boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for around 15 minutes. This gives the spices time to release their warmth and flavour.
Optional Additions for Extra Nourishment
When serving, you can personalise the tea depending on how you’re feeling:
- Lemon or lime juice for freshness and vitamin C
- Raw honey if you’d like a touch of natural sweetness
- Sea moss gel for added minerals and immune support
I like to add one or two spoonfuls of sea moss gel to my tea. The warmth of the tea allows it to melt, adding extra nourishment without altering the flavour.
Why Add Sea Moss?
Sea moss is rich in essential minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, and iron, which can be particularly supportive during winter when our immune systems may need extra care. Adding it to warm drinks like herbal tea is a gentle way to incorporate it into your routine, especially when you’re feeling run down or in need of comfort.
A Ritual of Comfort & Care
This tea is more than just a drink – it’s a small ritual of care. It’s a reminder that wellness doesn’t need to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as returning to what feels familiar and nourishing.
If you try this winter warming tea, I’d love to know how you find it. I hope it brings you the same comfort and warmth it’s brought me over the years.