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4 DIY Must Have Syrups & Teas For The Winter

Writer's picture: ~ Reiki S ~~ Reiki S ~

We have seen the effects of Global Warming firsthand with the fires in California, and if you live anywhere along the eastern seaboard, you know these last two days have seen temperatures drop to record lows.


Now is the time to incorporate herbs, berries, and spices into your arsenal to beef up your immune system and show some TLC to your most vulnerable organs, starting with your Respiratory System.


If you know your Dosha constitution, Vata types are more prone to catching chest colds, and upper respiratory and sinus infections in cold weather because too much air works the opposite for your constitution. That's why it is super important for you to keep your ears, nose, and throat covered and protected. Drinking warming herbs to help soak up any dampness from the change in temperature and doing light movement to keep the life force energy in your body circulating properly, which can prevent the lymphatic system from clogging up.



A cup of hibiscus tea
Hibiscus, Ginger, & Honey Tea

Hibiscus is the go-to for anyone dealing with heart issues, high blood pressure, stagnant blood, and more. Ginger is a warming root that helps to reduce inflammation, is an expectorant, and neutralizes gas in the body. Honey is also an expectorant, antifungal, and antibacterial. Combine these three simple ingredients and you now have an immune-boosting, heart-healthy delicious drink that can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup of Hibiscus dried leaves AKA Sorrel leaves

  • 2-3 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger

  • Sweeten with honey

  • Yields 1 cup


Directions:

  • Bring 2 cups of water to a roaring boil.

  • Add both hibiscus and grated ginger and let boil for 5 minutes.

  • After 5 minutes reduce the fire to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes and then shut the fire off.

  • Let seep for an additional 5 minutes, drain water from herbs, and sweeten with honey for desired taste.

  • Enjoy


Next up on the list is Elderberry Syrup. This is nature's natural cough medicine and immune system booster. Elderberry syrup is one of the easiest syrups to make and should be a staple in your refrigerator all of fall and winter.


Elderberry syrup
Fresh Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh elderberries or dried elderberries

  • 16 oz Filtered Water

  • 2 nubs of Ginger Root

  • 4-5 Cinnamon sticks

  • 3/4 cup Honey

  • 80% Proof Vodka or Brandy

  • Optional - Star Anise & Cloves (use sparingly as they can make it bitter)

  • Yields 8 oz


Directions:

  • Combine all ingredients except honey and spirits (vodka/brandy) in 16 cups of water and bring to a roaring boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the fire to a simmer.

  • Simmer all ingredients for up to 2 hours and watch as the liquid reduces to half.

  • Strain into a fine colander or cheesecloth while using a spoon to press out any juice that remains in the ingredients, and let cool for 15 minutes.

  • Once cooled mix in the honey which will allow for a 6-month shelf life, add spirits in if you want to extend the shelf life longer.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


Ok, you have your elderberry syrup, now let's use some of the leftover elderberries (if any) to make a delicious warming Elderberry Chai. A great addition to a long, cold winter night, this tea will boost immunity within the body, help fight off infection, and nourish the respiratory and digestive systems while improving circulation.


Elderberry Chai Tea
Elderberry Chai Tea


Also, pay close attention to what joints and body parts seem a little stiffer in the cold, those are the areas of your body that can benefit from warming agents, whether tea, poultices, balms, or soaked poultices.


Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp elderberries

  • 1 Tbsp licorice

  • 1 Tbsp dried orange peel

  • 2 Tsp of fresh grated ginger

  • 3 Crushed cardamon pods

  • 1 Cinnamon stick

  • Yields 4 cups


Directions:

  • Bring 8 oz of water to a boil and all the ingredients to water once it starts boiling.

  • Simmer for 15 minutes and then shut the fire off and let seep for 10 minutes.

  • Strain and sweeten with honey to the desired taste.


Saving the best for last this Cinnamon & Tumeric Syrup is that one recipe that will be passed on for generations to come. With the warming properties of cinnamon and the joint pain-relieving properties of turmeric, this is the perfect additive to your herbal tea blend. This syrup is chock full of antioxidants, immune boosting, and joint pain relieving properties.



Cinnamon and Turmeric Honey
Mock photo of turmeric & cinnamon honey

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp fresh grated ginger

  • 2 Tbsp of fresh turmeric powder

  • 2 -3 sticks of Ceylon cinnamon sticks

  • 1 Tsp of black pepper

  • 8 oz of raw honey


Directions:

  • Mix turmeric powder, and black pepper with the freshly grated ginger, and then add to the honey, ensuring there are no clumps. Mix evenly and add ginger to desired taste.

  • Once all ingredients are evenly mixed add the cinnamon sticks and store in a cool, dry, and dark space.


Hopefully, these warming delightful winter syrups and teas become a year-round staple, and your go-to when you need a little warmth in your body and your heart.


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