Christmas teas can transport you to holidays past and is the perfect addition to your morning by the tree. 

A smell can trigger a long-forgotten memory. The smell of a log fire can remind you of camping in the woods with your family. The smell of fresh pine may remind you of Christmas morning around the tree. 

The Christmas season is full of smells and tastes that are sure to remind you of holidays past. You can relive these memories through the aroma and flavours of your favourite Christmas Teas. 

Read on to discover some of our favourite Christmas tea ingredients and share their powerful health benefits.

Your holiday flavour favourites

Many classic holiday ingredients are unmistakable. Here are some that make great additions to your Christmas tea blends and help support a healthy mind and body: 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a classic ingredient for cookies and other baked goods around the holidays. This classic kitchen staple spice is perfect for sprinkling over hot cocoa or a warm latte. It can also have some great potential benefits if consumed in moderation, including:

• Promoting lower blood pressure
• Helping lower cholesterol 
• Supporting weight management
• Helping heal from irritable bowel syndrome or other intestinal issues 

Star Anise (or anise seed)

This spice packs a robust licorice flavour and can be a good pairing for holiday recipes and tea in small amounts. Anise seed is particularly popular in Pfeffernusse and Springerle cookies during the holidays. It’s long been known as a folk remedy in many cultures around the world and known to:

• Lessen cold symptoms (including coughs)
• Support blood health (by increasing iron in your red blood cells)
• Protect against stomach ulcers
• Provide menopause relief
• Brighten skin

Candy and Peppermint

Nothing says Christmas like a peppermint candy cane! For many, peppermint (a mix variety of water mint and spearmint plants) is a great nostalgic ingredient that reminds them of the holidays, but it also has many potential health benefits too, including: 

• Providing a boost of energy
• Curbing appetite
• Sharpening your focus
• Soothing upset stomachs
• Providing headache relief
• Killing germs in your mouth
• Helping you breathe easier when you’ve got a cold
• Treating irritable bowels

Jasmine Petals

Jasmine petals provide a beautiful fragrance and taste to your holiday teas. You’re likely to find it in many candies and baked goods recipes, and it makes a fabulous addition to a Christmas tea. It also comes with a set of unique health benefits, including:

• Supporting liver health
• Providing relaxation (sedative effects)
• Acting as an aphrodisiac
• Boosting mental energy
• Providing relief from upset stomachs

Cocoa beans

Chocolate seems to make everything better, especially your favourite holiday treats and beverages. That’s likely why hot chocolate (made from natural cacao) is so popular in the winter. Chocolate made from Cocao has many potential health benefits, too, including:

• Helping reduce cell damage
• Aiding in healthy digestion
• Supporting heart health
• Boosting your mood
• Lowering inflammation

Sumac Berries

This less widely known plant is quite powerful. Sumac berries are popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods and provide a tart, tangy lemon taste. This citrusy taste makes a great addition to holiday recipes and beverages like tea. It also has many health benefits too, including:

• Boosting your fibre intake
• Supporting heart health
• Maintaining healthy skin
• Protecting cells
• Reducing inflammation
• Balancing blood sugar
• Alleviating muscle pain

Red Plum Petals

The red plum petals add a spicy, sweet, and flowery flavour to teas. Plums, in general, have many possible benefits when consumed as a tea, including: 

• Providing calming effects (for anxiety and nervousness)
• Providing constipation relief
• Managing/reducing blood pressure
• Supporting bone health

Happily, many of these ingredients can be found in Natteas own delicious Christmas tea blends! Now, we’ll show you the best way to brew your Christmas tea in order to experience the full flavours and health benefits. 

How to brew Christmas teas

Consider adding some milk or cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavour of your Christmas tea blend

Many Christmas teas use black tea as it’s base, then add additional holiday favourite flavours. Here’s how to brew a perfect cup of loose leaf black tea:

Drinking black tea from loose tea leaves tastes great, as long you follow these ideal brewing conditions: 

• Water temperature: Boiling (100oC)
• Water quality: Fresh or filtered water
• Tea leaves: 1 tsp per 236 ml of water

To brew black tea:

• Boil your water and add 2-3 grams (about 1 tsp) of loose leaf black tea. 
• Let it steep for 3-5 minutes (Steep it longer for more robust flavours)
• Strain the tea leaves from the hot water completely and serve. 
• You can use the leaves more than once, but you will lose some flavour every time. 

Shelf life of tea leaves

Over time the tea loses its aromaticity and flavour, so enjoy it within the first 12-18 months of opening. If properly stored and left unopened in a cool, dry area, some tea blends can stay fresh for up to 10 years.

Healthy Christmas tea blends

Here are some Mrs. Claus approved team blends that will impress even the most discerning tea and holiday season lovers:

Carnaby Street Favourites Tea: Christmas Blend

Flavored Black Tea: German Gingerbread

Flavored Black Tea: Santa’s Milk + Cookies

Stock up on your holiday teas now as this wonderful season can pass by quickly! Pair Natteas tea selections with a few holiday treats, or sip by the fireplace on a crisp Saturday morning. 

They also make a great alternative to milk when preparing your Christmas plate for Santa Claus. This year, leave Santa a soothing yet energetic cup of Christmas Tea and a gingerbread cookie under the tree! You will be well remembered by him for it!