Comfort Teas

Comfort Teas

As the mug says, all you need is tea and warm socks.  It is getting to be that time of the year.  The time when your outdoor chores dwindle down and you find the need to snuggle in a comfy chair with a warm blanket, a good book and a hot cup of tea.  What could be more comforting?

Tea is warming, and not only that, but studies have also shown that tea helps reduce stress, boosts metabolism, and helps fight depression.  Herbal teas can do that even more, according to the herb you choose.  I happen to have a few that are especially comforting, and nowadays we can all use a little comfort the way the world is going.

Here I'll list 10 of the best comfort herbal teas around:

1.  Chamomile calms and helps with stress and anxiety.  It is the most popular choice and very mild.

2.  Lavender tea is my favorite, though a bit flowery, and one of the best for relaxing and treating anxiety.  I just need one cup of this to send me off to sleep!

3.  Lemon balm improves your mood and mental cognition.  It has a light lemony and refreshing taste.

4.  Ashwagandha tea is an adaptogenic herb that helps to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels.  It can also help you to deal with stress on a day-to-day basis.

5.  Peppermint tea is another good old favorite.  It soothes and calms the mind and body, while taking care of your headache.

6.  Ginger tea warms and comforts you and helps soothe upset tummies.

7.  Valerian root tea is a natural sedative, helping you to relax and puts you to sleep pretty quickly.  So make sure you are home and, in your jammies, when you sip this brew.

8. Rose petal tea might be a bit floral, but it is so very good for grief, stress or anxiety.  

9.  Hibiscus tea is tart yet delicious and helps with high blood pressure by promoting your body to relax.

10.  Licorice tea is sweet and warming.  It helps the digestion and boosts the immune system.  It is very comforting.

All these herbal teas are good as is with one herb, or you can experiment with blending several different varieties and flavors to find your all-time favorite blend.  You merely add your herb, 1 teaspoon to a tea-ball or strainer per cup.  Cover it with boiling water and let steep for several minutes.  Add some honey to sweeten to taste.  Honey by the way, is soothing in itself and has been shown to help with stress and enhances sleep.  It has to be raw honey though.

So, in this stress-inducing world, you can find a bit of comfort in a favorite chair, a good book, some warm socks and a great big mug of tea.  There's nothing better and I'm sure your body will find it a welcome treat.  Make sure you make time for it in the coming winter months.  Here's to a cuppa, as the British would say!