5 Herbal Tea Blends To Boost Your Immunity

What is it about a cup of hot herbal tea that is just so comforting? Herbal teas have always been considered a great home remedy for sickness and an immunity-boosting health supplement. It can be prepared in several varieties and offers a veritable slew of health benefits that can cure anything from insomnia, to stomach ailments and even anxiety or mental stress.

What makes herbal teas so special?

Herbal teas are different from regular black tea and green teas, since they contain little to no caffeine, and are traditionally prepared as an infusion with various herbs and spices. In fact, calling it “herbal tea” is a bit of a misnomer, since this type of tea can be prepared using pretty much any ingredients – flowers, roots, fruit, and much more.

The method of preparing herbal tea is nothing more than simple infusion ; depending on the ingredients of your choice, you simply have to place them in boiling water and let the water absorb the nutrients and flavours. Some people also prepare tea infusions by letting the mixture rest for longer periods of time.

Making your own herbal tea is a great way to use up any leftover ingredients you may have at home. Apart from this, the low caffeine content and calories make it a soothing as well as healthy option to enjoy at any time of the day.

Here are 5 of our favourite herbal tea blends that you can easily brew at home.

SPICED GINGER TEA

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1-2 teaspoons honey

• A few cloves

• 1 inch piece of cinnamon

• A few pieces of orange peel

Method : Bring a cup full of water to boil and then reduce the heat to low. Add all of the above ingredients to the water and let it steep for 15 – 20 minutes. Strain the tea into the cup and serve hot.

SPICED GINGER TEA

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1-2 teaspoons honey

• A few cloves

• 1 inch piece of cinnamon

• A few pieces of orange peel

Method : Bring a cup full of water to boil and then reduce the heat to low. Add all of the above ingredients to the water and let it steep for 15 – 20 minutes. Strain the tea into the cup and serve hot.

TULSI TEA

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup basil, or tulsi leaves roughly chopped

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Method : Put the leaves into a saucepan containing a little more than one cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain into a cup and stir in the lemon juice and honey. Serve hot.

MINT TEA

Ingredients:

• 15 leaves of mint

• 1 spring of rosemary

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon sugar

Method: Place the mint leaves in a saucepan of water and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add in the rosemary. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes on a low flame. Strain into a cup, stir in the lemon juice and enjoy!

RASPBERRY TEA

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of raspberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon sugar

Method: Place the raspberries in a pan of water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, for at least 15 minutes. Once you achieve the desired level of colour and flavour, remove from the pan, stir in the lemon juice and sugar, and serve.

TURMERIC TEA

Ingredients:

• 1 – 2 teaspoons of turmeric (ground or powdered turmeric will do)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• A pinch of black pepper

• A squeeze of lemon

Method : Boil 2 cups of water and add in the turmeric. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for at least 10 minutes. Add the honey, pepper, and lemon and give it a good stir. Strain it into the cups and enjoy warm.