New Year’s Eve Par-Tea: Teas for Winter Balance

Picture of By Diana Bellofatto

By Diana Bellofatto

New Year’s Eve can be a tempestuous time in our minds. One minute we are primed to party and the next minute we are ruminating over resolutions! One thing that is likely certain for many of us is that we have had our fill of the fancy foods, delicious drinks, and divine desserts that have made their way past our lips and (potentially) onto our hips throughout the holidays.

This presents a problem in that what affects the body, affects the mind. However, this also makes it the perfect time to shift our focus toward getting back on track with some simple and sustainable solutions for the treatment and prevention of imbalances. These four different teas are an invitation to get back into balance!

CUMIN, CORIANDER, FENNEL TEA FOR DIGESTION
This tea is a well-known Ayurvedic remedy for maintaining healthy digestion. It’s great for gas/bloating, headaches, nausea, and more.

1 tbs. cumin seed
1 tbs. coriander seed
1 tbs. fennel seed
*Fresh squeezed lemon or lime is optional.

  1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in 2 cups water.
  2. Turn down to simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the seeds and sip warm throughout the day.

WINTRY TEA
Turmeric is touted as a wonder herb, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-diabetic properties. It has the magnificent ability to clean the blood and liver, balance blood sugar, and annihilate toxins. Whose liver can’t use a little extra love after the holidays! Cumin’s dry and warm qualities help fight wet, damp snowy weather and increase the digestive fire (agni)

1/4 tsp. turmeric powder or up to 1 inch fresh turmeric root, peeled and chopped (Favor fresh turmeric if you tend towards being overheated)
1/4 tsp. ground cumin

  1. Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil and then, add the turmeric and cumin.
  2. Turn the water off immediately, wait about 20-30 seconds, and then, add another 1/2 cup of room-temperature water.
  3. Strain the turmeric and cumin, then sip and enjoy.

COLD & FLU HERBAL BREW
This tea is a boon for common winter ailments and promotes circulation as well. It’s quite warming, so use it with care if you tend to overheat.

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

  1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in one cup of water.
  2. Turn off the heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Cool the tea slightly and add up to 1 tsp. raw honey.

IMMUNI-TEA
Tulsi (also known as holy basil) is a wonderful adaptogenic herb. It promotes the body’s ability to use its wisdom for stabilizing, strengthening, and promoting overall homeostasis. Use tulsi tea preventatively and to heal from illness. Tulsi tea comes in the form of dried tea bags. Be sure to purchase tulsi from companies that practice sustainability and provide high-quality products.

1 tsp tulsi leaves, fresh or ½ tsp dried
1½ cups water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey

  1. Boil water over high heat.
  2. Add the tulsi leaves and cook on a medium flame for 10 to 15 minutes, while stirring occasionally.
  3. Strain the water using a strainer. Add the lemon juice and honey, and mix well.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy.

Wishing you abundant wellness in the New Year and beyond!

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