I’m sharing my favorite herb and spice pairings, from ginger and turmeric for immunity to chamomile and cardamom for relaxation, and I highlight Immune Boosting Herbs to spark new ideas for your winter tea selections; save for your next tea time! #HerbalTeas #WinterWellness #TeaTime #HerbAndSpicePairings #NaturalHealing

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I’ve been tinkering with Herb & Spice Tea Pairings for winter, trying mixes that actually do something. I love how a ginger and turmeric immunity blend wakes up your senses while chamomile and cardamom eases you into slower breathing, both feeling like Herbalistic Medicine that’s usable everyday.

There’s comfort in Warming Herbs that make the kitchen smell like something’s brewing, but these blends also surprise you with bright notes or unexpected calm, you’ll want to save them for the rough days. I’m sharing ideas that got me curious, not rules, and hope you try at least one.

#HerbalTeas #WinterWellness #TeaTime #HerbAndSpicePairings #NaturalHealing

Ingredients

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Ginger: spicy, low calories, small carbs, anti inflammatory, eases nausea.
Turmeric: earthy, minimal calories, curcumin fights inflammation, slightly bitter.
Chamomile: floral, almost no calories, may help sleep, calming and mild.
Cardamom: citrusy warm, low carbs, antioxidants, aids digestion, gives sweet lift.
Cinnamon: warming, adds sweet spice, may help blood sugar, cozy flavor.
Hibiscus: tart, vitamin C rich, low calories, bright cranberry like tang.
Rosehip: high vitamin C, some fiber, tangy, supports immunity, slightly astringent.
Mint: cool, zero calories, aids digestion, freshens breath, makes tea bright.
Licorice: sweet, soothing, low calories, can raise blood pressure if overused.

Ingredient Quantities

Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Blend (about 4 cups): 2-inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1 tbsp raw honey optional; 4 cups water

Chamomile and Cardamom Relaxing Blend (about 3 cups): 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers; 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 1/2 tsp dried lemon peel or 1 tsp fresh lemon zest optional; 1 tsp honey optional; 3 cups water

Cinnamon and Clove Warming Blend (about 4 cups): 2 whole cinnamon sticks; 6 whole cloves; 1 small piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced optional; 1 tbsp maple syrup optional; 4 cups water

Mint and Lemon Balm Digestive Blend (about 3 cups): 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves packed (peppermint or spearmint); 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves packed; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice optional; 3 cups water

Hibiscus and Rosehip Vitamin C Blend (about 4 cups): 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals; 1 tbsp dried rosehips; 1 cinnamon stick optional; 1 tsp honey optional; 4 cups water

Rosemary and Thyme Focus Blend (about 3 cups): 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs; 1 tbsp fresh thyme sprigs; 1 thin slice fresh lemon optional; 3 cups water

Licorice and Orange Peel Soothing Blend (about 3 cups): 1 tbsp dried licorice root; 1 tbsp dried orange peel or 1 tsp dried orange zest; 1/2 tsp fennel seeds optional; 3 cups water

How to Make this

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1. Gather your gear: a small saucepan or pot, kettle, measuring cups and spoons, a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser, a grater for fresh turmeric, a knife and cutting board, and a mortar or spoon to lightly crush spices if you like.

2. Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Blend (about 4 cups): add 4 cups water, 2-inch fresh ginger thinly sliced, 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 small cinnamon stick to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil then lower heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Strain into cups and stir in 1 tbsp raw honey if you want. Note: black pepper helps turmeric absorb, so don’t skip it.

3. Chamomile and Cardamom Relaxing Blend (about 3 cups): heat 3 cups water to just under boiling, or bring to a boil and let it sit 30 seconds. Put 2 tbsp dried chamomile and 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods in an infuser or teapot, add 1/2 tsp dried lemon peel or 1 tsp fresh lemon zest if using, pour the hot water over, steep 5 to 7 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with 1 tsp honey if you like. Don’t oversteep or chamomile can get bitter.

4. Cinnamon and Clove Warming Blend (about 4 cups): in a pot combine 4 cups water, 2 whole cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves and the optional small piece fresh ginger thinly sliced. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and add 1 tbsp maple syrup if desired. Simmering brings out the deep spicy warmth.

5. Mint and Lemon Balm Digestive Blend (about 3 cups): bruise 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves to release oils, put them in a teapot or infuser, pour 3 cups just-boiled water over, steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter taste.

6. Hibiscus and Rosehip Vitamin C Blend (about 4 cups): add 4 cups water, 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals, 1 tbsp dried rosehips and the optional cinnamon stick to a pot. Bring to a boil then simmer 5 to 10 minutes or remove from heat and steep 10 minutes for a fruitier result. Strain and sweeten with 1 tsp honey if you like. Hibiscus is tart and stains, so be careful.

7. Rosemary and Thyme Focus Blend (about 3 cups): combine 3 cups water with 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs and 1 tbsp fresh thyme sprigs, add a thin slice of fresh lemon if using. Simmer gently 5 to 10 minutes, taste and strain. Rosemary is strong so start on the shorter side and add more time only if you need it.

8. Licorice and Orange Peel Soothing Blend (about 3 cups): put 3 cups water, 1 tbsp dried licorice root, 1 tbsp dried orange peel or 1 tsp dried orange zest, and 1/2 tsp fennel seeds if using into a saucepan. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy warm. Licorice is naturally sweet and can affect blood pressure, so use sparingly if that’s a concern.

9. Final touches: always strain into cups with a fine mesh to catch bits, taste and adjust sweetener or lemon. If you made a batch, cool to room temp then refrigerate up to 48 hours, reheat gently — don’t boil again or delicate flavors will fade.

10. Hacks and extras: crush cardamom and lightly toast cloves or cinnamon for more aroma, grate turmeric fresh for brighter flavor, bruise fresh herbs to unlock oils, and make a concentrate by simmering double strength then dilute when serving. Mix and match small amounts of blends if you wanna experiment, but taste as you go so nothing gets overpowering.

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan or medium pot, for simmering 3–4 cup batches
2. Kettle or extra pot to bring water to a boil quickly
3. Measuring cups and measuring spoons for water, herbs and spices
4. Fine mesh strainer and/or tea infuser to catch bits when you pour
5. Microplane or small grater for fresh turmeric and citrus zest
6. Sharp kitchen knife and cutting board for slicing ginger, lemon, etc
7. Mortar and pestle or a heavy spoon to lightly crush cardamom, cloves, seeds
8. Teapot, heatproof pitcher or heatproof mugs for steeping and serving
9. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring and skimming
10. Glass jar or airtight container for refrigerating any batch you make, up to 48 hrs

FAQ

How long should I steep each blend and what water temp do I use?

Most tisanes work with just-boiled water (bring to a boil then pour). Steep times: Mint & Lemon Balm 3 to 5 min, Chamomile & Cardamom 5 to 7 min, Hibiscus & Rosehip 5 to 10 min, Cinnamon & Clove or Ginger & Turmeric simmer or steep 10 to 15 min for full flavor, Licorice & Orange Peel 5 to 10 min, Rosemary & Thyme 5 to 8 min. If it's weak, steep longer or simmer the harder ingredients.

Can I swap fresh for dried herbs or vice versa?

Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh (so dried is more concentrated). For roots and spices like ginger, cinnamon or cardamom use fresh when you can for brighter flavor, but dried works fine if you just bump steep time a little.

Should I always add black pepper with turmeric, and what sweeteners are best?

Black pepper helps your body absorb turmeric's curcumin, so include a pinch when using turmeric. Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup or a little sugar. Don't give honey to babies under 1 year old.

How long can I store brewed tea and can I make a concentrate ahead of time?

Brewed tea keeps in the fridge 3 to 4 days in a sealed jar. Concentrates (like simmered ginger-turmeric) can be cooled and refrigerated for about a week, then dilute before drinking. Reheat gently, do not boil again for long periods.

Are there any safety concerns or interactions I should know about?

Yes. Licorice root can raise blood pressure and interact with meds so avoid if you have hypertension or are pregnant unless a doc says it's OK. Chamomile can cause reactions if you're allergic to ragweed. Turmeric, ginger and hibiscus can affect blood thinning or blood pressure in high amounts, so check with your provider if you take meds or are pregnant.

My tea tastes weak or bitter, what should I do?

Weak tea: add more herb or steep longer, bruise fresh leaves to release oils. Bitter tea: you probably oversteeped delicate herbs like chamomile or mint, so shorten steep time or lower temp next time, and try adding a touch of sweetener or lemon to balance.

Herb & Spice Tea Pairings You’ll Love Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ginger (Immunity Blend):
- Galangal — sharper, earthier heat, use same amount if you want a bolder bite
- Ground dried ginger — 1/4 tsp ground = about 1 tbsp fresh, good when fresh isnt available
- Fresh turmeric root — similar texture and warmth, a bit earthier and slightly less spicy
- Lemon zest — for brightness if you want less heat and more citrusy lift
Turmeric (Immunity Blend):
- Fresh grated turmeric — swap 1 tsp ground for 1 tbsp fresh, gives fresher flavor and color
- Ground ginger — brings warm, peppery notes when you dont have turmeric
- Annatto or smoked paprika — use sparingly for color and mild earthiness, not the same health profile
Chamomile (Relaxing Blend):
- Lavender buds — floral and calming, use less than chamomile cause it can be strong
- Linden (lime blossom) — mellow, soothing, great for bedtime tea
- Passionflower (dried) — very relaxing, pair with a mild herb so it doesnt overpower
Licorice root (Soothing Blend):
- Fennel seeds — sweet, gentle on the stomach, nice digestive support
- Anise or star anise — licorice-like flavor, use sparingly cause it can be intense
- Slippery elm or marshmallow root — for throat-soothing texture without the sweet licorice taste

Pro Tips

1. Make a concentrate when you have time: simmer double strength, cool to room temp, fridge for up to 48 hours, then dilute 1:1 when serving. Reheat very gently or warm in a hot water bath, dont boil again or the delicate flavors will flatten.

2. Toast and crush your whole spices and grate fresh turmeric for way better aroma and brightness. Lightly bruise fresh herbs to release oils, and always add black pepper with turmeric so curcumin absorbs — just use a little so it doesnt get bitter.

3. Steep short, then taste. Chamomile and rosemary turn bitter or overpowering if left too long, hibiscus gets extra tart fast, while mint and lemon balm can take a longer brew for a stronger digestive lift. You can always steep more time, you cant undo an oversteep.

4. Sweeten and be careful: add honey or maple after straining to preserve flavor, and watch hibiscus for staining. And a big safety note, licorice can raise blood pressure and affect some meds or pregnancy, so use sparingly or skip it if you have BP issues or arent sure, check with your provider.

Herb & Spice Tea Pairings You’ll Love Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

kcal

Equipment: 1. Small saucepan or medium pot, for simmering 3–4 cup batches
2. Kettle or extra pot to bring water to a boil quickly
3. Measuring cups and measuring spoons for water, herbs and spices
4. Fine mesh strainer and/or tea infuser to catch bits when you pour
5. Microplane or small grater for fresh turmeric and citrus zest
6. Sharp kitchen knife and cutting board for slicing ginger, lemon, etc
7. Mortar and pestle or a heavy spoon to lightly crush cardamom, cloves, seeds
8. Teapot, heatproof pitcher or heatproof mugs for steeping and serving
9. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring and skimming
10. Glass jar or airtight container for refrigerating any batch you make, up to 48 hrs

Ingredients

Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Blend (about 4 cups): 2-inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1 tbsp raw honey optional; 4 cups water
Chamomile and Cardamom Relaxing Blend (about 3 cups): 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers; 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed; 1/2 tsp dried lemon peel or 1 tsp fresh lemon zest optional; 1 tsp honey optional; 3 cups water
Cinnamon and Clove Warming Blend (about 4 cups): 2 whole cinnamon sticks; 6 whole cloves; 1 small piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced optional; 1 tbsp maple syrup optional; 4 cups water
Mint and Lemon Balm Digestive Blend (about 3 cups): 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves packed (peppermint or spearmint); 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves packed; 1 tsp fresh lemon juice optional; 3 cups water
Hibiscus and Rosehip Vitamin C Blend (about 4 cups): 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals; 1 tbsp dried rosehips; 1 cinnamon stick optional; 1 tsp honey optional; 4 cups water
Rosemary and Thyme Focus Blend (about 3 cups): 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs; 1 tbsp fresh thyme sprigs; 1 thin slice fresh lemon optional; 3 cups water
Licorice and Orange Peel Soothing Blend (about 3 cups): 1 tbsp dried licorice root; 1 tbsp dried orange peel or 1 tsp dried orange zest; 1/2 tsp fennel seeds optional; 3 cups water

Directions

Gather your gear: a small saucepan or pot, kettle, measuring cups and spoons, a fine mesh strainer or tea infuser, a grater for fresh turmeric, a knife and cutting board, and a mortar or spoon to lightly crush spices if you like.
Ginger and Turmeric Immunity Blend (about 4 cups): add 4 cups water, 2-inch fresh ginger thinly sliced, 1 tbsp fresh grated turmeric or 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 small cinnamon stick to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil then lower heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Strain into cups and stir in 1 tbsp raw honey if you want. Note: black pepper helps turmeric absorb, so don’t skip it.
Chamomile and Cardamom Relaxing Blend (about 3 cups): heat 3 cups water to just under boiling, or bring to a boil and let it sit 30 seconds. Put 2 tbsp dried chamomile and 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods in an infuser or teapot, add 1/2 tsp dried lemon peel or 1 tsp fresh lemon zest if using, pour the hot water over, steep 5 to 7 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with 1 tsp honey if you like. Don’t oversteep or chamomile can get bitter.
Cinnamon and Clove Warming Blend (about 4 cups): in a pot combine 4 cups water, 2 whole cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves and the optional small piece fresh ginger thinly sliced. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and add 1 tbsp maple syrup if desired. Simmering brings out the deep spicy warmth.
Mint and Lemon Balm Digestive Blend (about 3 cups): bruise 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and 1/4 cup fresh lemon balm leaves to release oils, put them in a teapot or infuser, pour 3 cups just-boiled water over, steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Stir in 1 tsp fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter taste.
Hibiscus and Rosehip Vitamin C Blend (about 4 cups): add 4 cups water, 2 tbsp dried hibiscus petals, 1 tbsp dried rosehips and the optional cinnamon stick to a pot. Bring to a boil then simmer 5 to 10 minutes or remove from heat and steep 10 minutes for a fruitier result. Strain and sweeten with 1 tsp honey if you like. Hibiscus is tart and stains, so be careful.
Rosemary and Thyme Focus Blend (about 3 cups): combine 3 cups water with 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs and 1 tbsp fresh thyme sprigs, add a thin slice of fresh lemon if using. Simmer gently 5 to 10 minutes, taste and strain. Rosemary is strong so start on the shorter side and add more time only if you need it.
Licorice and Orange Peel Soothing Blend (about 3 cups): put 3 cups water, 1 tbsp dried licorice root, 1 tbsp dried orange peel or 1 tsp dried orange zest, and 1/2 tsp fennel seeds if using into a saucepan. Simmer 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy warm. Licorice is naturally sweet and can affect blood pressure, so use sparingly if that’s a concern.
Final touches: always strain into cups with a fine mesh to catch bits, taste and adjust sweetener or lemon. If you made a batch, cool to room temp then refrigerate up to 48 hours, reheat gently — don’t boil again or delicate flavors will fade.
Hacks and extras: crush cardamom and lightly toast cloves or cinnamon for more aroma, grate turmeric fresh for brighter flavor, bruise fresh herbs to unlock oils, and make a concentrate by simmering double strength then dilute when serving. Mix and match small amounts of blends if you wanna experiment, but taste as you go so nothing gets overpowering.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.