Winter Warmers

Try these warming winter drinks recipes to help keep the chill away

Indian Chai

You will need:

1 cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves
5 whole cardamom pods
1-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into chunks
1 tsp fennel seeds
3 cups water
1 decaffeinated tea bag
Rice or oat milk (to taste)
Manuka honey (to sweeten, optional)

Method

Boil together in a saucepan for 10 minutes. Add the milk and manuka honey to sweeten.

Barbara Cox, nutritionist and CEO of www.nutrichef.co.uk devised this recipe. She says: “One of my favourite ways to boost the immune system in the colder months is to replace caffeinated drinks with a warming Ayurvedic Indian Chai with immune-boosting properties. Cinnamon is anti-microbial and fennel is antibacterial, while cloves are anti-viral and good for the respiratory system. The cardmom pods aid digestion and the ginger helps to warm the body. Manuka honey can be used to sweeten the drink, and this is also anti-bacterial.”

Relaxing rosemary and lavender tea

You will need:

Boiling water
A few sprigs of rosemary
1 tsp lavender flowers

Method

Add some boiling water to a few sprigs of rosemary and a teaspoon of lavender flowers – those that you have in the garden are perfect. Allow the mix to brew for a few minutes, strain and enjoy.

Nutritional therapist and natural beauty expert Jennifer Young (www.BeautyDespiteCancer.co.uk) devised this recipe. She says: “We often use rosemary in the kitchen, especially at this time of year when roasts seem to be the only thing that warms us. Rosemary tea is less common but no less delicious. Add lavender flowers and you have a cup of tea that will make you feel as though you are curled up in front of a log fire after a good lunch!”

Mint Tea

You will need:

2 tsps fennel seeds
2 tsps cumin seeds
1 large handful of fresh mint leaves crushed in your hands to release the mint oils

Method

Add hot water and plunge all contents in a cafetiere. Leave for five minutes and serve.

Recipe devised by Mary-Lou Harris, senior nutritionist with New You Bootcamp (www.newyoubootcamp.com). This refreshing tea will help to support your digestive system and makes a great after-dinner drink.

Invigorating tea

You will need:

Green tea
Spearmint
Lemongrass
Yarrow
Boiling water

Method

Mix two parts green tea to one part each of spearmint, lemongrass and yarrow, then add boiling water. Allow the mix to brew for a few minutes, strain and enjoy.

Jennifer Young, who created this recipe, says: “Isn’t it hard to get that spring in your step when the nights are long and the weather damp? I am a firm believer in the restorative powers of a good cup of tea. Is it just me that finds endless energy in green tea? Add dried spearmint, lemongrass and yarrow (available from herbalists*) and your spring will return.”

*Please seek advice from your herbalist before making this tea if you have any medical conditions.

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