Top Herbs to Keep You Warm This Winter
Eight of the top herbs to help keep you warm in winter
Winter is here! These months of winter breaks and festivities are exciting for adults and children alike. On the contrary, the biting cold in this season can make you sick more often. You cannot possibly stay warm from the outside if you aren’t trying to be warm from the inside.
Putting on layers of warm clothes will only keep you warm, but it is the herbs that make your body cozy and give you a radiating glow. In various Eastern cultures, herbal teas have been popular since the days of yore. Western countries are also picking up on the benefits of having these herbs to keep yourself warm.
There is a variety of ways in which you can consume herbs. You only need to follow your cravings when preparing a dish out of them. Add these herbs as spices or sip them up as a tea. Herbs keep your body warm by improving your blood circulation. They are also healers as they help calm an upset stomach and provide a rich boost of antioxidants that make you feel rejuvenated.
If you want to stay snug during winter, make a concoction using herbs that grow in your garden or that are available in the market. Make your choice quickly by going through this list of herbs before you catch a cold.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps relieve congestion and improves the immune system. Both its twig and bark can be used since both are edible. It dries up flu and is a good cure for a runny nose. Cinnamon is good for your digestive and immune systems. It has a soothingly warm effect when you drink it in tea or coffee.
Ginger
A nice, warm ginger bath relaxes your strained muscles as no other herb can. Since it is a natural antioxidant, it aids in blood circulation, which keeps you warm and cozy during winter. It is best for senior citizens who often complain of stiff joints as ginger reduces inflammation in joints.
Cardamom
Cardamom belongs to the ginger family and is known to open a congested respiratory tract. When consumed, cardamom produces warmth in the body and causes sweating. Its antioxidant and diuretic properties keep blood pressure in control.
Garlic
This culinary spice dilates blood vessels and makes circulation more efficient. It boosts your immune system, making you more resilient against germs and bacteria. People are more likely to fall ill during winter since their body becomes weak, and ginger is the best way to shield your body against diseases.
Cayenne
Cayenne can keep you warm during winters inside out. Rich in vitamin C, this herb keeps colds away. It heats the body and increases blood flow. When sprinkled into gloves and socks, cayenne keeps your hands and feet warm. It is a must-have if you want numerous benefits from a single herb.
Turmeric
Turmeric is also used in meals in various Eastern countries. Known for its many healing properties, turmeric helps relieve swelling and pain usually caused by inflammation in joints. It slightly increases the body temperature, which is why it is a warming herb.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a winner on this list. It warms up the body like no other. However, it should not be consumed in large quantities as it is very spicy. Black pepper reduces stiffness of muscles and joints and relieves pain by increasing blood flow to these areas in the body.
Horseradish
This one is a root vegetable that is often used as a spice. It has high levels of vitamin C, which prevents the flu and common cold. Horseradish unclogs blocked air passageways, keeping you healthy and hearty during winters.
Conclusion
This list is only a brief one as there are many more herbs that can help you stay warm during winters. When choosing an herb, make sure it is grown free from chemical fertilizers. Try to buy organic herbs only.
Besides warming, herbs have a calming and soothing effect on your body, making you feel relaxed during the harsh, cold winters. Without further ado, choose the herb that sounds palatable to you or which suits your needs and indulge in a hot and wholesome beverage.
( Photo credit: Bigstockphoto.com )