As the cooler months roll in, there’s nothing quite as comforting—or as essential—as a soothing, functional cup of tea. At The Herbal Connection, we’re passionate about helping our customers embrace each season naturally and thoughtfully. Winter is the perfect time to explore botanical ingredients that don’t just taste beautiful, but actively support wellness when we need it most.

If you're building your winter tea range—or simply looking to refresh your seasonal offerings—these five botanicals are the perfect ingredients to feature. From soothing the throat to supporting the immune system, they offer a warm, nurturing hug in every cup.

Let’s dive in.

1. Marshmallow Root – The Gentle Soother

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:
Winter often brings dry air and the uncomfortable scratchiness that comes with it. Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is a time-honoured herbal ally, renowned for its soothing properties, particularly for irritated throats and dry coughs. Its high mucilage content forms a gentle coating over mucous membranes, offering natural relief and comfort.

How to Use It:
Marshmallow Root is ideal for teas and infusions that focus on throat comfort and hydration. It pairs beautifully with herbs like licorice root, chamomile, or slippery elm to create a nurturing winter blend. A cold infusion (steeping it in cold water for several hours) is especially effective to maximise its mucilage benefits, but it can also be brewed gently with warm water for a classic tea.

2. Astragalus – The Immunity Builder

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, valued for its ability to bolster immune defenses and support overall vitality. As winter challenges our immune system with seasonal shifts and colder temperatures, Astragalus offers gentle, long-term support, helping the body maintain resilience.

How to Use It:
Astragalus is incredibly versatile. It can be simmered into broths for a nourishing immune boost or steeped into teas for a daily tonic. Many herbalists love adding slices of dried Astragalus root to soups and stews, letting it infuse its goodness throughout the meal. In tea blends, it partners well with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger for a functional, comforting brew.

3. Lemon Myrtle – The Bright Energiser

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:
While winter calls for cosy moments, it can sometimes bring a heavy, sluggish feeling too. Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora), a native Australian botanical, offers a vibrant, citrusy lift that cuts through the grey of winter days. Rich in citral, Lemon Myrtle boasts powerful antimicrobial properties while delivering a fresh, clean flavour that enlivens any tea blend.

How to Use It:
Lemon Myrtle shines in both hot and iced teas (for those unseasonably warm winter days!). It's delightful as a single-note infusion or blended with green tea, peppermint, or ginger for a refreshing, immune-supportive brew. A little goes a long way—its strong lemony aroma and taste are both potent and uplifting.

4. Elderberry – The Immune Defender

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:
Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) have long been cherished for their immune-boosting qualities, especially during the colder months. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids, Elderberries are a natural choice to help the body fend off seasonal bugs. They offer not only robust immune support but also a rich, berry-like flavour that adds depth to winter teas.

How to Use It:
Dried Elderberries can be simmered into syrups, brewed into warming teas, or blended with spices like cinnamon and cloves for a deeply comforting winter drink. Many herbalists craft immune-boosting blends combining Elderberry with echinacea, rosehips, and hibiscus for extra vitamin C support.

At The Herbal Connection, we proudly offer premium-grade Elderberries—perfect for building standout winter wellness blends your customers will love.

5. Cinnamon – The Comforting Warmer

Why It’s Perfect for Winter:
Nothing says "cosy" like the rich, familiar aroma of cinnamon. Beyond its comforting scent and taste, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum cassia) offers valuable health benefits—supporting healthy blood sugar levels, warming the body, and promoting digestion. Its gentle heating properties make it an ideal choice for winter, helping to circulate warmth and vitality throughout the body.

How to Use It:
Cinnamon can be incorporated as chips, sticks, or ground powder into tea blends. It pairs beautifully with other winter botanicals like ginger, clove, cardamom, and elderberry, creating aromatic, spiced brews that bring warmth to body and spirit alike.

Bringing It All Together: Curating the Perfect Winter Tea Range

When building your winter tea blends, it’s all about creating a sensory experience—something that nourishes body and soul. Think about combining:

• A soothing base (like Marshmallow Root)

• Immune support (Astragalus, Elderberry)

• Digestive or warming herbs (Cinnamon)

• A bright top note (Lemon Myrtle)

By thoughtfully layering flavours and functions, you’ll offer your customers teas that not only taste incredible but genuinely support them through the season.

At The Herbal Connection, we’re passionate about providing high-quality, certified organic botanicals that help you craft your perfect blends. Whether you're an experienced tea maker, a wellness brand, or someone starting out with your own creations, we’re here to supply you with premium ingredients and heartfelt service every step of the way.

We invite you to explore our full range of organic herbs, spices, teas, and botanicals—and discover how easy and joyful it can be to create winter blends that truly make a difference.

Warm, nourishing seasons start with a single cup.
Let’s brew something wonderful together.