As temperatures plummet, hot drinks are the perfect way to warm up and keep us going throughout the day! But ladies, reaching for whipped cream-topped hot chocolates every five minutes is simply not an option… So, to help you mix things up, we’ve put together a selection of delicious old-fashioned herbal tea recipes made with fruit, herbs and spices, to enjoy alongside our tea. They’re easy to make at home and will delight you at any time of day!
Apple & Cinnamon Infusion
This recipe is one of the most classic herbal teas around. Simply save the peel from washed apples and pour it into boiling water. Then add a tea bag and a stick of cinnamon, and leave everything to steep for about ten minutes. That’s all there is to it!
Orange & Verbena Infusion
Orange is the ultimate winter citrus fruit. Start by leaving a few orange peels to dry out (you can also do this in the oven). Once dry, crumble them into small pieces. Place the pieces in a tea filter, then pour over your boiling water. Leave to steep for a few minutes, then add your verbena and a tea bag.
Herbal Infusion
To make this herbal blend, gather 10 g of raspberry leaves, 10 g of wild thyme bark, 30 g of marigold and 30 g of milk thistle. Simply steep 30 g of this herbal mix in half a litre of boiling water for around 10 minutes. Strain, then add a tea bag and a teaspoon of honey to soften the brew.
Ginger & Lemon Infusion
For two or three cups of this warming infusion, you’ll need 50 cl of hot water, 1 to 2 cm of fresh ginger, one lemon and two tablespoons of honey. Pour the lemon juice, grated ginger and honey into a saucepan, then add the boiling water. Stir everything together, pour into your cups, add a tea bag and enjoy!
Spiced Infusion
Simply pour into a saucepan filled with water (75 cl) 2 cloves, 2 star anise, 4 crushed cardamom pods, a cinnamon stick and a split vanilla pod. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat for 3 minutes, then turn off and leave to rest. Strain, add a tea bag and it’s ready!
Mint Infusion
For this infusion, you’ll need peppermint — dry a few leaves in advance. You can then store them in a hermetically sealed glass jar. Pour boiling water into your cup over a few mint leaves and a tea bag, then leave to steep for 5 minutes.
The Queen of Herbal Teas: Chamomile Infusion
This tisane is one of the best-known herbal teas around, and it’s lovely for a gentle, cosy break. Simply combine 10 fresh chamomile flowers, 300 ml of boiling water, 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, the juice of half a lemon and a tea bag. Leave the blend to rest for a few minutes, then savour!
Hibiscus Infusion
This original infusion is wonderfully simple to make. Simply steep 4 dried hibiscus flowers and a tea bag per cup in boiling water for about ten minutes, or less if you prefer a lighter flavour.
Lemon Balm Infusion
Lemon balm is easy to add to a hot drink! You can prepare one litre of infusion with 50 g of lemon balm leaves and 2 tea bags steeped in boiling water. Leave everything to infuse for 10 minutes, then enjoy! You can also add a little lemon juice to vary the flavour.
In winter, it’s important to stay well hydrated, even when you don’t necessarily feel thirsty. Think plain water, of course, but also herbal teas, regular teas or fruit-infused drinks. Whether it’s summer or winter, our bodies need at least 1.5L of water a day to function properly. By drinking enough, you’re simply keeping up good hydration habits throughout the day.
To round off your routine, don’t forget that pinch-and-roll massages can have their place too, ladies! To perform them easily, quickly and simply, make sure you have your Cellublue Cupping Massager to hand.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I steep a homemade herbal tea?
It depends on the recipe. Allow about ten minutes for the apple and cinnamon, herbal blend, hibiscus and lemon balm infusions, and a little less for the hibiscus if you prefer a lighter flavour. The orange and verbena and the chamomile infusions only need a few minutes, the mint infusion five minutes, while for the spiced infusion you reduce the heat for 3 minutes before leaving it to rest.
How do I dry orange peel or mint leaves?
Leave them to air-dry, or pop the orange peel in the oven. Then store your mint leaves in an airtight glass jar so you always have some to hand whenever you make a cup.
How can I sweeten a homemade herbal tea?
The recipes in this article suggest a spoonful of honey or maple syrup. You can also play with spices such as cinnamon or vanilla to add a touch of sweetness to your cup.
Related articles
- Herbal teas and infusions: the plants used and what to know
- Herbal teas: 5 reasons to enjoy them
- Herbal plants you need to know: a mini glossary
Useful categories: Slimming Nutrition.
