With winter in full swing and COVID-19 induced anxieties in the air, there’s never been a better time to create your own wellbeing tea ritual. The benefits of various teas themselves, and the act of having a tea ritual, are both incredibly valuable at this time. Here’s why:

Benefits of tea consumption

• Boosts immunity
  Germs thrive in cold weather, and with the threat of COVID-19 virus still being prevalent, it’s never been more important to strengthen our immunity. Tea warms the body soothes sore throats, reduces symptoms of congestion, fevers and common colds. Ingredients like ginger, lemon, thyme and turmeric are particularly beneficial to have in a brew. Beit e’Shai Immunity Organic Herbal Tea has been one we keep having every day this season.
• Alleviate seasonal depression
  Winter has a way of bringing down your mood, with the sun setting sooner and the chilly temperatures creating a reclusive mood. Luckily, tea leaves include an amino acid called L-Theanine, which promotes the production of dopamine and serotonin. Make sure to keep regularly consuming green tea and black tea to support your mood., Also seek ways to support your mind, body and spirit, such as regular exercise and exposure to the sun on the occasional sunny (albeit chilly) winter days.
• Soothe aches and pains
  Aches and pains throughout the body become more pronounced during winter, because our muscles are contracting and losing heat. Some people may also feel that their joint pain worsens during winter. Having a warm beverage can help to counteract some of these pains, while the anti-inflammatory properties of many teas reduce joint pain.
• Slowing down and being mindful
  The beauty of slowing down and being mindful offers many benefits, like allowing us to check in with ourselves, emotionally and physically. We like to think of having a cuppa as meditation. From choosing your tea, heating the water, selecting your favourite teacup, and waiting for the herbs to infuse, every moment offers a chance to bask in simple rituals. Being mindful during these motions can give us clarity of mind, reduce stress, improve our concentration and relax and rejuvenate our bodies.

Our favourite teas for winter wellness

In order to support your body and mind during winter, find a tea that is perfectly soothing and warming. Here are some of our favourite beverages:

• The Immunity Organic Herbal Tea
  Our immunity blend is a spicy mixture developed to strengthen the immune system. The invigorating ingredients include Peppermint, Lemon Verbena, Thyme, Ginger and Turmeric, all of which are known for their health benefits. To enjoy, brew at 70ºC for 3–4 minutes, using one heaped teaspoon per cup of water.
• The Aynar Spice Infusion
  This aromatic and spicy blend promotes healthy blood circulation and body warmth, making it the perfect winter beverage. Enjoy the nourishing flavours of Cinnamon, Aniseed and Ginger, best simmered at 100ºC for 8–10 minutes. We recommend serving with walnuts for the perfect pairing.
• Homemade Fire Tonic
  To kick things up a notch, make your own fire tonic at home. Place fresh garlic, fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, salt, cayenne pepper, Sichuan pepper, lemon juice and lime juice all into a jar. Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar until all the ingredients are fully submerged. Stir and cover tightly, letting it stand in your pantry for 6-8 weeks. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large measuring cup, and either discard the solids or use them in your cooking. Rinse out the jar and pour the liquid back into it. Add two tablespoons of honey, shake or whisk, and keep in the fridge. A spoonful will do wonders when you feel a cold coming – otherwise, you can also dilute one or two tablespoons of it in hot water and consume it as a tea.

By integrating tea into your winter rituals, you can carve out a little time to yourself in all the chaos of life. The teas you choose can also help to alleviate winter coughs and colds, boost your immune system, or improve your mood. Whatever your preferred brew, make sure to enjoy it as a regular part of your daily routine to best take care of yourself!