Herbs that warm you up
Herbs used to make an herbal blend for winter.
As the seasons shift and the chill of winter sets in, our bodies naturally crave warmth and comfort. Warming herbs offer an incredible way to support your body during colder months, helping to boost circulation, promote immunity, and bring a sense of cozy well-being. Whether it’s sipping on an herbal infusion or incorporating warming lifestyle habits, these small, intentional choices can make all the difference.
Let’s dive into some of the best warming herbs and practices to help you embrace the season with ease and balance.
Warming Herbs to Add to Your Day
Cinnamon: This classic warming herb is not only delicious but also enhances circulation, helping you feel toasty from the inside out. Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, making it a supportive addition for both your body and spirit during cold weather.
Ginger: A powerhouse warming herb, ginger stimulates circulation and digestion while helping to relieve inflammation. Its zesty flavor brings heat to the body, making it a go-to choice for warming up on cold days and supporting immune health.
Cardamom: With its aromatic sweetness and gentle warmth, cardamom supports healthy digestion, promotes circulation, and enhances respiratory health. It’s a perfect addition for bringing balance and comfort to your winter herbal infusions.
Licorice Root: Known for its warming and soothing properties, adding a comforting touch of sweetness to any infusion.
Dandelion Root: Known for its liver-supportive properties, dandelion root offers gentle warmth and grounding energy, especially helpful in times of transition like during Fall season.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): This adaptogen does more than help manage stress; its warming and aromatic qualities make it a perfect companion for cold days when you need an uplift.
Spearmint: While known for its refreshing taste, spearmint brings a gentle warmth to the body, supporting digestion and offering a taste that just screams holidays and loveliness.
Nettles: Packed with vitamins and minerals, nettles are a deeply nourishing herb that helps to restore energy and refill the well in times of depletion. Although I consider it more of a neutral or cooling plant, I love using it during the winter months to support vitality and resilience.
Everyday Habits That Keep You Warm
Warming herbs work best alongside the everyday things you already do. Here are a few habits that pair well with a warming herbal infusion:
Rest when you can. Winter asks for more rest. Even when life doesn't slow down, a few small pauses through the day make a difference.
Dress for warmth. Wear socks and a beanie, even indoors, and layer up before heading outside. It's easier to stay warm than to warm back up.
Sip warm infusions all day. An herbal infusion keeps you hydrated and warms you from the inside. Keep a pot of Fall or Winter going and warm a cup whenever you need one.
How to Make a Warming Herbal Infusion
Add herbs. Put 1-2 tablespoon of Fall or Winter in a large teapot or 64 oz mason jar.
Pour. Fill with boiling water. An electric kettle makes it easy to boil water.
Steep. Leave it on the counter for several hours, or all day.
Strain. Pour off what you'll drink through a strainer. Our teapots include a built-in strainer.
Warm your cup. By now your infusion is at room temperature. Heat a mug's worth on the stove until it's steaming and drink it hot.
Store. Refrigerate what's left for up to 3 days and warm it one cup at a time.
To drink it warm all day, you can re-heat your infusion after straining for a hot cup. Make sure you are not boiling the herbs or that will affect the flavor.
See exactly how I make my infusion each morning →
Herbalism as a Holistic Practice
Warming up is about more than herbs—it’s about connecting to your body and finding comfort in daily rituals. By combining warming herbs with mindful lifestyle habits, you can create a holistic approach to staying cozy, healthy, and grounded this winter.
Which warming herbs or practices do you love most?
