Winter calls for cozy moments, warm blankets, and of course, a comforting cup of tea. For centuries, tea has been celebrated not just as a drink, but as a remedy that soothes, heals, and invigorates. In the cold winter months, certain teas can provide warmth, boost immunity, improve digestion, and even lift your mood12.
Let’s explore the best teas to drink in winter, their unique properties, and how they can improve your overall well-being.
The Benefits of Drinking Tea in Winter
In the frigid temperatures of winter, our bodies crave warmth and comfort. Tea is the perfect companion to achieve that balance, offering a variety of benefits beyond just warming your hands.
- Warmth and Circulation: Certain teas like black tea and ginger tea have warming properties. These teas can help improve blood circulation, ensuring that your body stays warm and comfortable3.
- Immune Boost: Many teas, such as green tea and white tea, are rich in antioxidants that help strengthen your immune system and ward off seasonal illnesses4.
- Digestive Aid: After heavy winter meals, teas like Pu-erh and oolong tea can aid digestion and relieve bloating, making you feel lighter and more comfortable5.
- Mental Calm: Herbal teas like chamomile and lavender are known to reduce stress6, helping you relax after a busy day or prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
With these benefits in mind, let’s dive into the best teas for drinking in the colder months (remember to use water at the right temperature to get all the benefits).
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6 Best Teas for Winter
We have shortlisted 6 teas that are perfect for drinking in winter and have compiled their benefits, recipes.
1. Black Tea: The Winter Essential
Black tea is a fully fermented tea with rich flavors and a deep amber hue. It is warming and robust, making it ideal for cold weather. Black tea, especially when brewed with spices like cinnamon or ginger, can provide an extra layer of warmth that is both soothing and stimulating. One popular variation is ginger black tea, which is often consumed to combat winter chills. Ginger enhances circulation and offers a slight spiciness that heats you up from the inside out7.
Additionally, black tea contains tea polyphenols which act as antioxidants, and help to protect your body from free radicals, thereby boosting your immune system8. For those who prefer a creamier option, milk tea—a blend of black tea and warm milk—is both comforting and nourishing. It’s a popular choice for maintaining energy during winter days and provides extra warmth.
Quick Tip: Black tea is best enjoyed with boiling water and should be steeped for 3-5 minutes. Add a dash of honey for a natural sweetness.
2. Pu-erh Tea: Warmth with Digestive Benefits
Pu-erh tea is a fermented dark tea known for its earthy flavor and smooth texture. It’s especially good for cold climates due to its warming nature and ability to aid in digestion9. During the winter months, people tend to indulge in rich and fatty foods, which can sometimes overwhelm the digestive system. Pu-erh tea is your digestive ally, as it helps break down fats and relieves indigestion10.
A unique blend to try is pu-erh with rose petals. This combination not only enhances the flavor with a floral note but also provides calming benefits, reducing stress and improving mood.
Did You Know?: The longer Pu-erh tea is stored, the more beneficial its properties become11. This makes it a prized tea for both taste and health benefits.
3. Ginger and Jujube Tea: A Spicy Sweet Remedy
When it comes to winter health remedies, ginger and jujube (Chinese date) tea stand out for their potent ability to warm the body and improve circulation12. Ginger has long been used in traditional medicine to combat cold hands and feet, while jujube adds sweetness and is believed to nourish the blood and improve sleep13.
This tea is particularly beneficial for women, especially those who tend to feel cold easily. The warming properties of ginger combined with the nutritional boost from jujube make this tea a must-have in your winter arsenal. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties14, which can help alleviate winter aches and pains.
Recipe Idea: To prepare this tea, simply boil slices of fresh ginger with a few jujube dates for 10-15 minutes. Add a spoonful of honey for a touch of sweetness.
4. Green Tea: Light and Full of Antioxidants
Though green tea is more often associated with spring or summer, its health benefits make it a great choice for winter as well. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help boost your immune system and protect against common winter colds15. Despite being a “cooling” tea, green tea can be enjoyed in winter to support overall health, particularly when blended with warming herbs like peppermint or lemongrass.
Another great blend for winter is green tea with lemon and honey. The lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, while honey adds soothing warmth and sweetness16. Together, they make a refreshing yet comforting drink that also supports digestion and boosts immunity.
Pro Tip: Avoid boiling water with green tea. Instead, let the water cool slightly (to around 170°F) before steeping to preserve its delicate flavor and antioxidants.
5. Herbal Teas: Chamomile, Lavender, and More
Herbal teas, free from caffeine, are perfect for winding down after a long, chilly day. One of the best choices for winter is chamomile tea, known for its calming and sleep-inducing properties17. When winter stress or anxiety hits, chamomile can help you relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
Another excellent option is lavender tea, which offers a fragrant and soothing experience. Lavender is known to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a popular nighttime tea18. For something sweeter, try hibiscus tea. Its tart flavor is rich in vitamin C, helping to support your immune system while also offering a refreshing taste.
Fun Fact: Many herbal teas are caffeine-free, making them perfect for late-night sips without disturbing your sleep.
6. Blended Teas: Warmth and Wellness in Every Cup
Blended teas combine the benefits of different tea types and ingredients, offering more complex flavors and health advantages. A popular winter blend is citrus rooibos tea, which combines the warming, earthy tones of rooibos with the brightness of citrus fruits like orange or lemon. This combination not only warms the body but also boosts your vitamin intake, which is crucial for winter wellness.
Another creative mix is rosehip and hibiscus tea, which is packed with vitamin C and has a tart, fruity flavor. This tea blend is great for supporting immune function while offering a bright, cheery color in your teacup.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Winter Tea
The best teas to drink in winter offer warmth, comfort, and health benefits. Whether you’re a fan of strong black teas, delicate green teas, or soothing herbal blends, there’s a perfect cup for every winter moment. Experiment with different varieties and blends to find the ones that best suit your tastes and needs. From ginger-spiced teas to floral-infused cups, let tea be your go-to companion for staying warm and well this winter.
So, as the snow begins to fall, grab your favorite blanket, steep your chosen tea, and enjoy the cozy warmth and healing benefits that a good cup of tea brings. Stay warm, stay healthy, and let tea be your winter refuge.
Trusted Sources
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