My favourite winter herbal teas

I have become addicted to herbal tea this winter. Not only are herbal teas a great way to warm up in

winter, but they taste great. I have found myself reaching for herbal tea much more frequently than a glass of water. It’s a great way to stay hydrated plus there are the added health benefits of the herbs themselves. Below is a list of some of my favourites and their health benefits.

Pukka Organic Herbal Tea Range

http://www.pukkaherbs.com.au/teas/

This tea range it beautiful. Not only do they make some great blends, but they come in beautiful packaging which makes it even more indulgent to enjoy a cup. I have been having the ‘refresh’ which is made with organic peppermint, licorice and fennel. It tastes quite sweet and balances blood sugars so is great for sugar cravings. It also soothes the digestive tract and reduces bloating. I also love their ‘original chai’ with cinnamon, black tea, ginger, cardamom and licorice. The licorice sweetens it up and the cinnamon and ginger warm up the body. I have it with a little honey but you could also add a dash of almond milk.

Green tea

Green tea has so many health benefits that it should be in your daily list. It has a high flavonoid content which are powerful antioxidents. It is also the highest food source of catechins which are stronger antioxidents than Vitamin E and A. Regular consumption (aim for 2-3 cups a day) reduces the risk of cancers, heart disease, lowers cholesterol and reduces blood pressure. Always choose an organic green tea as it is known to be high in pesticides. You can drink this hot, but I often drink it at room temperature as if it is a glass of water purely for its health benefits! Add a ginger or peppermint tea bag if you want more flavour.

Planet Organic Ginseng Plus

Planet organic tea has a range of herbal teas, but I like the Ginseng Plus. It contains siberian ginseng and licorice to support the adrenal glands, nervous system and boost energy levels. It also contains ginger and cinnamon which means it tastes almost like a chai tea. Nice and sweet and a great way to boost mental clarity and energy on a busy day.

Winter boost tea

This warming winter tea contains a combination of peppermint, elderflower, lemon peel, yarrow, echinacea, angelica, lemon balm and marjoram. It is organic and designed for battling a cold or flu. The elderflower, yarrow and peppermint are traditionally used as a diaphoretic to support a fever. Echinacea boost the immune system while the angelica and marjoram are used for coughs, bronchitis, inflammation and in the chest and to fight infections. It has a mild peppermint taste and tastes great with a dash of honey. Kids can also drink this cooled to aid a fever. This is a great addition to the medicine cabinet in winter.

Black tea

I must admit I really love a cup of black English breakfast tea with a half teaspoon of honey. It too contains high levels of anti-oxidents and the catechins also found in green tea. It does contain caffeine, about 1/3 the amount found in a cup of coffee. But let’s face it- I like the caffeine hit and a cup of black tea does make the start of the day a lot easier.