January is hot tea month. For good reason. Tea is healing, warming and relaxing. Winter days are short on sunlight, long on cold and sometimes difficult to navigate. But a warm cup of tea can help you travel through these days more efficiently and with more enthusiasm. This January I invite you to use herb teas as part of daily life, don’t just drink them, make them a starter for your day.
Here are a few suggestions to incorporate a ritual into your winter morning with tea.
1. The “Warm the Body First” Ritual
Before the day begins, start by warming yourself from the inside out.
- Choose a tea with naturally warming herbs: cinnamon, ginger, holy basil (tulsi), rosemary, or orange peel.
- While the kettle heats, take a moment to stretch, rub your hands together, or stand near the steam.
- Sip slowly before checking emails or stepping outside—this tea is for you, not productivity.
Why it works: Warm herbs gently wake digestion and circulation, especially on dark, cold mornings.
Tea suggestions: Holy Basil Relaxing tea, this combination of citrus herbs with holy basil will jump start mood. Cinnamon Spice tea, warming cinnamon and rosemary complement a lemon verbena and orange peel base.
2. The Five-Minute Quiet Cup
Not every ritual needs an hour.
- Brew one cup of tea and sit with it for five uninterrupted minutes.
- No phone, no news—just hands around the mug and steam rising.
- Use those minutes to notice flavor, warmth, and aroma.
Herb ideas: Chamomile, lemon balm, rose, or light mint blends for a calm start.
Tea suggestions: Afternoon Lift Herb Tea, with chamomile and lemon balm it brightens mood while warming with orange and cinnamon. Calming Spirit Herb Tea, a miny tea with aromatics galore.
3. The “Kitchen Window” Ritual
Let winter be part of the experience.
- Stand by a window while your tea steeps.
- Watch falling snow, bare branches, or morning light.
- Pair your tea with a simple bite: toast with honey, oatmeal, or a biscuit.
Herb ideas: Elderflower, fennel, anise hyssop, or gentler green teas.
Tea suggestions: Holiday Tulsi Tea with elderflower and holy basil give time for contemplation, Winter Green with rose, cardamom, ginger and lemongrass
4. The Morning Mug Reset
Use tea as a transition from sleep to waking.
- Rinse your favorite mug with hot water before brewing.
- As you pour, set an intention for the day—simple is enough: steady, warm, focused.
- Drink the first few sips standing, then settle in.
This ritual works well for people who feel rushed but still want grounding.
Tea Suggestions: Roaring Red with Rooibus, hibiscus and rosehips give energy and richness, Teatime Herb Tea with chamomile, vitamin C in rose hips and cinnamon for warmth
5. The “Hands Around the Mug” Ritual
Turn warmth into comfort.
- Use a thick ceramic mug that holds heat.
- Wrap both hands around it between sips.
- Take three deep breaths before drinking.
This is especially comforting for early mornings before leaving the house.
Tea Suggestion: Use any favorite tea.
Winter mornings don’t have to be rushed or resisted. A simple cup of herbal tea can become a daily pause—warming hands, waking senses, and offering a quiet moment before the day begins.