The holiday season is upon us, bringing a buzz of activities that can, at times, lead to feelings of stress and busyness.
In these moments, it’s a comfort to know that we can turn to nature for a sense of warmth and coziness, offering us an escape from the holiday frenzy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the uplifting qualities of three remarkable herbs—spearmint, rosemary, and eucalyptus—followed by a simple DIY bath salt recipe.
Each offers unique health benefits that can help rejuvenate the body and senses during this bustling time of year.
I’ll also introduce you to a chai golden latte recipe, a fusion of two traditional Indian beverages rich in spicy, herbal goodness.
This delightful drink is a treat for the senses and is celebrated for its health-boosting properties.
As a naturopathic physician, my holistic approach to health and wellness includes herbal medicine. So, I’m excited to share with you ways of integrating these herbs into your daily life.
Not only will they nourish your body, but you’ll have the opportunity to pause and connect with your senses.
These are my invitations for you to slow down, unwind, and enjoy a moment of calm amidst the holiday hustle and bustle. Let’s get started!
The Comforting Warmth of a Spicy, Chai Golden Latte
Chai tea is a traditional Indian tea known for its rich blend of black tea, spices, and milk. Its roots in India have made it a popular beverage worldwide.
Common spices in chai tea include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and sometimes star anise or black peppercorns. This combination creates a warm, spicy, and comforting drink.
Golden milk, also originating from India and known as “Haldi Doodh” in Hindi, is a turmeric-based drink. Turmeric, with its notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is the key ingredient, giving the drink its characteristic golden color.
When these two drinks come together in a chai golden latte, it’s a fusion that brings the spicy, aromatic flavors of chai tea together with golden milk’s earthy, healthful qualities.
Chai Golden Latte Recipe:
This chai golden latte is a simple and delicious recipe that promises a comforting, aromatic, and healthful experience in every sip.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 chai tea bag
- 1Â teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
- 1 pinch of black pepper (for better absorption of turmeric)
- 1-inch knob of ginger, cut into slices
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sweetener of your choice (adjust to taste)
Instructions:Â
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk to a low boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chai tea bag and sliced ginger to the milk. Reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and let steep for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the tea bag and ginger slices.
- Add the ground turmeric, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices.
- Keep a gentle simmer for a few minutes while stirring to ensure the spices are well incorporated.
- Add sweetener to your liking.
Pour this spicy, herbal goodness into your favorite mug, find a cozy place by the fire, and be enveloped by its warm embrace.
Health Benefits of Chai Golden Latte
his delightful beverage not only pleases the taste buds but also offers a soothing and warming experience. Now that you know how to make this healthy beverage, let’s explore its numerous health benefits in more detail.
Turmeric: The key ingredient in golden milk, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support immune health and inflammation.
Black Tea: Rich in antioxidants, black tea can support cardiovascular health and provide a gentle energy boost.
Spices (Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Black Pepper): These spices aid in digestion, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and support healthy blood sugar levels.
Shifting our focus from comfort in a cup, let’s now explore comfort in a tub.
Spearmint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are the therapeutic ingredients in your next DIY holiday herbal recipe.
Each of these herbs, with their unique health benefits, nurtures both body and mind for a true sensory experience.
Spearmint, Rosemary, and Eucalyptus–Bath Salt Recipe
We all enjoy the comfort and stress relief that a warm bath offers. This homemade bath salt recipe offers an at-home, spa-like experience.
The comforting and invigorating properties of peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus are ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. We’ll start by learning a little about each herb, beginning with spearmint.
Health Benefits of Spearmint
Known for its sweet, invigorating scent, spearmint is an herb steeped in history. Dating back to ancient times, spearmint was revered in Greek mythology and used by the Romans for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
This minty herb is celebrated for its soothing qualities that help alleviate stress and improve mental clarity. It’s rich in antioxidants, which combat damaging free radicals in the body.
Spearmint has been recognized for its potential benefits in balancing female hormones. Some studies suggest that spearmint tea, in particular, can help lower androgen levels in women with hormonal imbalances, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thereby aiding in the reduction of symptoms like excessive hair growth.1
Daily Rituals to Include Spearmint
- Embrace the freshness of spearmint by adding it to your morning tea or using it as a garnish in salads and smoothies.
- For an uplifting experience, try spearmint essential oil in a diffuser.
- Drink spearmint tea regularly if you require hormonal support.
Health Benefits of Rosemary
Rosemary, a perennial evergreen shrub, thrives in its native Mediterranean region and has since spread across the world. Known primarily as a culinary spice, rosemary offers much more in terms of health and wellness.
Herbalists today value rosemary for its ability to clear mental fog and enhance mental clarity. It’s particularly effective against “stagnant depression,” a condition characterized by mental, emotional, and physical stagnation.
Additionally, as a potent antioxidant, rosemary supports neutralizing free radicals. It’s also known for its strong connection to the cardiovascular system and its assistance in supporting blood flow.2
Daily Rituals to Include Rosemary
- Enhance the flavor of your meals by adding rosemary to roasted vegetables, meats, or homemade bread.
- For a wellness boost, try rosemary-infused honey for your tea.
- Keep rosemary nearby when you are studying for enhanced mental clarity.
Health Benefits of Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is not just a favorite of koalas but has been used traditionally by indigenous Australians for centuries. Known for its potent natural oils, eucalyptus is easily recognizable by its aromatic scent.
Eucalyptus oil is commonly used through steam inhalation, where it supports the clearing of congested sinuses.
Eucalyptus essential oils possess antiseptic properties that are great for supporting breathing problems like colds, stuffy noses, and sinus infections.3
Daily Rituals to Include Eucalyptus
- For a spa-like experience at home, hang fresh eucalyptus branches in your shower; the steam will release its invigorating scent.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to a steam inhaler to clear nasal stuffiness.
- Eucalyptus oil can also be applied topically as a lotion or salve to soothe the senses and clear passageways.
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade bath salts that include peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus—perfect for a refreshing and soothing bath experience.
Herbal Bath Salt Recipe
This simple recipe combines the therapeutic benefits of Epsom salt, essential oils, and dried herbs. Perfect for a relaxing soak, these bath salts transform your bath time into a spa-like retreat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 15-30 drops of essential oil (peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus)
- Dried Herbs (Optional): For added fragrance and luxury add dried peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus leaves to the mixture and stir well.
Instructions: In a bowl, combine the Epsom salt with your essential oils of choice. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed throughout the salt.
Store: Transfer the bath salt mixture to an airtight jar or container until ready to use.
Use: Pour the full amount under warm water as your bath fills. Swirl the water to help dissolve the salts and release the aromatic scents.
Whether it’s savoring the spicy embrace of a chai golden latte on a snowy morning or unwinding at the end of your day in an herbal-infused bath, enjoy these simple and healthy recipes to add warmth and comfort to your holiday season.
Please share your experiences, thoughts, or any variations you try in the comments below.
You can read this blog next—Herbal Teas For Healthy Skin if you’re interested in learning more about herbal medicine.
Dr. BreAnna Guan–Women’s Health & Hormone Specialist in Boston
As a naturopathic doctor specializing in women’s health and hormones, it’s my mission to empower you with the knowledge and holistic tools necessary for making well-informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Are you curious how herbal medicine can offer a holistic solution to your health and hormone concerns? I invite you to schedule your complimentary consultation with me today.
Not in Boston? No worries. My consulting services extend globally, ensuring you can access holistic care no matter where you are.
