Chances are, you crave warming teas in the winter, cooling teas in the summer—whether or not you realize it! So why do we reach for different teas and foods when the weather changes? Everything we eat or drink has a constituent profile, with chemicals that help boost systems all over the body. Warming constituents provide a cozy feeling, sure—but they also help biological processes adapt to chillier weather.

In Ayurveda, the “Science of Life” and the first recorded medical system in the world, certain teas and foods are recommended based on their perceived warming or cooling properties. Let’s look at some examples of warming and cooling teas, and how they work inside the body.

Warming Teas

If crisp fall temperatures have begun to hit your region, we recommend any of our chai tea blends, but especially the LMTC House Chai Spice Mix, a classic formulation of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom. Thousands of years of observation stand behind this combination of spices. For caffeine-free warming blends, try Evening Chai, Sassy Citrus & Spice, and Turmeric Twirl.

Folks reach for spiced chai in the fall and winter—and for good reason! A blend of black tea, aromatic spices, and milk combats the cold by warming our interior core. Traditionally taken with ghee and salt, chai acts as an electrolyte replacement in both hot and cold climates, low and high elevations, winter and summer. The carminative action of cardamom works to promote digestive health, reducing inflammation in our stomach lining. Then spicy ginger root stimulates blood circulation stimulation. And finally, the deeply warming nature of cinnamon and clove make chai blends an excellent choice to nurture and stimulate warmth at the body’s core.

True tea is also categorized as either warming or cooling, depending how that tea is processed. Heartier, highly oxidized teas—such as black, ripe puerh, and darker oolongs—land in the warming category. Hence, black tea often gets paired with cinnamon, ginger, and other warming botanicals.

Cooling Teas

If late summer still finds you sweating, we recommend Licorice Mint for an herbal tea, or Moroccan Mint as a caffeinated blend. Licorice, fennel, and peppermint work great—separately, or especially in combination—to relieve excess heat in the body.

You probably know this intuitively: peppermint tea, bursting with invigorating menthol, has a cooling effect. It helps soothe digestive discomfort, and chases heat from the body’s interior, out towards the skin. For another option, hibiscus tea makes a tart, cooling, antioxidant-rich drink for hot weather. Enjoy hibiscus hot or chilled, solo or in tea blends like our Sakura Cherry Green.

Less-oxidized true teas—green, white, raw puerh, and lighter oolongs—have cooling properties. This helps explain the popularity of blends like Moroccan Mint, which doubles down on cooling ingredients.

Listen to Your Body

Whether you crave the warmth of cinnamon or the refreshing zing of mint, remember that your brain interprets cues from both internal and external stimuli. Your cravings might reflect a shift in the season, or perhaps a shift in your own biological processes. Trust your instincts—and also check the weather—to see what kind of tea might be in your forecast. Whatever sounds good, Lake Missoula Tea Company has a tea or tea blend for you!

Written by Greta de la Montagne, LMTC herbalist consultant and blogger.