One of the best things we can do for our health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is to get outside. Even in the colder months, stepping into nature helps us soak in healing infrared light and reconnect with the earth. A beautiful way to do this is by foraging your own teas, something that is as budget-friendly as it is therapeutic.
Here are some teas you can gather at this time of year:
- Dandelion Roots
Grab a shovel and dig up those dandelions! You can dry and roast the roots to make a coffee-like tea. It’s rich, warming, and full of nutrients, making it a perfect alternative to your usual cup of joe. - Cedar Needles
Available all winter long, cedar needles are great for making a tea that soothes chest congestion. Simply steep them with lemon and honey for a healing winter brew. - Plantain Leaves
These ground plants are still in abundance. They’re fantastic for wound care when made into a salve, but you can also brew the leaves into a nourishing tea. - Fig Leaves
Fig leaves are still hanging on the trees, and they make a delicious, nutty tea. It’s a unique flavor that’s worth a try before the leaves disappear. - Raspberry & Blackberry Leaves
These leaves are everywhere and still green. They make an excellent tea for kidney and liver detoxification. - Horsetail
This plant is rich in natural silica and still available. Pick some to brew a tea that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. - Rose Hips
Don’t let these vibrant red gems go to waste! Rose hips are packed with vitamin C and make a lovely, tangy tea.
Tea Enhancers:
- Add Cinnamon & Clove: These spices bring a natural sweetness to your teas and add extra warmth.
- Use Your Fruit Basket: If you have aging apples, chop them up and toss them into your tea pot for added flavor.
- Roasted Rice: Slowly roast some rice and add it to your tea for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Save Lemon Skins: Keep leftover lemon peels and add them to your next tea brew.
A Must-Have: Chaga
Chaga, a mushroom that grows on birch trees, is a wonderful tea to have on hand. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a deep, earthy flavor that can be a caffeine-free substitute for black tea.
Simple Herbal Remedies Through the Ages
Making your own tea is an ancient practice that connects us to the wisdom of our ancestors. These herbal remedies have been used for centuries to heal, nourish, and provide comfort through the colder months. There’s something deeply fulfilling about going outside, foraging your own ingredients, and coming home to brew a fresh, toxin-free cup of tea.
You can even pick extra and dry your herbs in a dehydrator, oven, or over a heating vent to save for later. Despite the rain and cold, it’s essential to get outside, get some light, and soak up the healing powers of nature. You’ll feel more energized, more connected, and that cup of tea will taste even better knowing you gathered it yourself.