- Amandine Ayala
Winter herbs to end and start the year in a grounded, calm way
If winter isn’t the perfect season/excuse to curl up by the fireplace (or TV, let’s be honest,or both) with a cup of herbal tea and a book, I don’t know what is!
While I’m about to spend my first holiday season on my Spanish farm, and the weather is still mild and mostly lovely, I can already feel the pull from within to slow down. Since we changed the clocks, I’m sleeping one to two extra hours each day—and it doesn’t even feel like it.
That’s because our bodies, just like our planet during the winter season, experience a hibernation period, of a sort. We turn ourselves inward, socialise less, stay in more, eat more nourishing foods, and generally just slow our overall pace of life. And that’s how it’s meant to be. We can’t be ‘on’ all the time and the winter months serve their purpose. It’s the perfect time to cuddle up with a blanket, our pets, and all our favourite things, and enjoy the stillness.
And while most of us will still be working (if you’re taking three months off I applaud you!), make sure you listen to your body and allow for long, nourishing breaks, and infuse the earth’s goodness into your life with this month’s recipe and herbal tips.
Nourishing + Strengthening Winter Tisane
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a warm and nourishing cup of herbal tea. Here is a simple recipe for an at-home herbal tea that is perfect for nourishing and strengthening your body during the colder months.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaves
1 tablespoon of dried rose hips
1 tablespoon of dried echinacea root
1 tablespoon of dried ginger root
1 cinnamon stick
4 cups of water
Honey or lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Combine the nettle leaves, rose hips, echinacea root, ginger root, and cinnamon stick in a large tea ball or cloth bag.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
Add the tea ball or cloth bag to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Let the tea simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Pour the tea into your favorite mug and add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
Enjoy your warm and nourishing winter tisane!
This tea is perfect for strengthening your immune system and providing your body with essential vitamins and minerals. It's also a great way to warm up on a chilly winter day. Enjoy!
Winter herbs to end and start the year in a grounded, calm way
Ashwagandha
This herb is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels. It helps the body adapt to stress, both physical and emotional, and can improve mood and cognitive function. Ashwagandha is also believed to boost the immune system, which is especially important during the winter season when colds and flu are more common.
Ginger
Ginger is a warming herb that can help improve circulation and digestion. It can also help alleviate joint pain and stiffness, which can be especially helpful during the colder months. Ginger is also known for its immune-boosting properties and can help fight off infections.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a calming herb that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It can also help with sleep, which is especially important during the winter months when daylight hours are fewer and sleep may be more difficult. Chamomile is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.
Herb of the month: Cinnamon
Chances are, you’ve been sipping on some cinnamon this holiday season, either in your mulled wine or Christmas teas. And it’s no coincidence! Cinnamon isn’t only delicious, warming, and exciting, it’s a wonderful support to your gut health. I was in bed for five days last new year with a horrible stomach flu, and cinnamon tea was one of the first things I was able to sip on, and hold down. And it’s also a spice known to bring abundance and prosperity, so light that cinnamon scented candle to go with that cuppa of Hiver, my luxury hemp tea for winter (or mulled wine, you choose ;))
Written by Amandine Ayala
