We know we need to eat a variety of plants for adequate vitamin and mineral intake, and winter herbal teas help check the boxes during the cold season. There are many amazing blends that provide numerous health benefits. Herbal teas are made with the dried leaves, seeds, flowers, and roots of plants, and their components are biologically active, providing powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Used by traditional medicine practitioners globally, herbal teas are growing in popularity, with the market size expected to grow by over six percent between 2021 and 2026.
Factors contributing to the increased interest in herbal teas include their ability to benefit female health, reduce heart disease and cancer risk, among other pros. Experts Erin Stokes, ND, naturopathic doctor and the medical director of MegaFood, based out of Colorado, and Laura Rubin, a clinical herbalist and holistic gut health coach, share their favorite herbal teas for winter.
St. John’s Wort is known for its potent active compound, hypericin, and has been used for years to ward off depression. It has been found to have comparable results to antidepressants (SSRIs) when treating mild-to-moderate depression, with fewer side effects. Rosemary is an amazing anti-inflammatory and anti-viral herb that’s soothing and warming. It’s also great for memory and cognition. Clinical herbalist and holistic gut health coach Laura Rubin shares that rosemary tea contains a compound called α-Bisabolol that’s responsible for its major health-promoting benefits, including protection against cancer, heart disease, microbes, and more.
Ginger is naturally warming and soothing, and ginger tea is used as a natural remedy for nausea. Nettle leaf is highly-nutritive and rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains a phytochemical called phylloxanthobilin that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Matcha is a high-quality Japanese green tea that contains catechins, plant compounds that neutralize free radical damage. Chamomile is a mild, soothing herb that promotes calm and ease. Goldenrod is prized for its anti-inflammatory effects, and echinacea is one herb found to improve immune response.
These herbal teas provide a variety of health benefits and are perfect for sipping during the cold winter months.
