The herbs in this tea blend are nourishing and warming. Perfect for supporting our immune systems as we transition to the new season. This DIY fall tea blend contains the anti-inflammatory turmeric, providing health benefits and a delightful golden glow as embrace the brisk fall season. Make your own nourishing herbal infused tea and stay healthy this fall and winter.

Food and nutrition is the foundation of good health.  Herbalists always start with nourishing herbal infusions, and I drink one nearly every day. The herb combinations I use change with the seasons, and with the arrival of fall weather, I am choosing warming and immune-boosting herbs. Here are the herbs for my autumn gold tea blend and some of their benefits.

*This post contains affiliate links to herbal producers I use and trust. If you purchase by clicking on these links, I may receive a small compensation, at no additional cost to you. I participate in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thank you for supporting Seeking Joyful Simplicity.

DIY Fall Tea Blend – The Herbs

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettle packs a lot of nutrition and forms the base of this nourishing tea blend. Nettle leaves are high in minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Also high in vitamin A, vitamin K and many trace minerals, nettle is used both as food and medicine. Nettle is wonderfully nourishing and helps support healthy hair (you can read more about how nutrition and diet impacts your hair HERE.)

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Spearmint adds flavor, supports the digestive system and lungs, has antimicrobial properties, and increases circulation.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a lovely aromatic herb with many health benefits. Studies show lemon balm has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties, offering protection from colds and flu. Lemon balm helps increase alertness, relieves anxiety, and adds a delicate lemon flavor to the blend.

Rose Hips (Rosa spp.)

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose, containing the seed. They contain more vitamin C than oranges and are believed to stimulate white blood cells, an important part of the immune response.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

There is a lot of research confirming the health benefits of turmeric, including: antibacterial and antiviral properties, powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and more. Studies show turmeric to be more effective than many common prescription medications.

In addition to its amazing health benefits, turmeric adds a lovely autumn gold to our tea blend, and because it stimulates the circulation, is a warming herb.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Mild and sweet, the flavor of dried licorice root is nothing like the licorice candy. Licorice root is underappreciated for its well-documented and powerful medicinal properties, including: adaptogen, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant.

*Licorice root can cause adverse side effects and interfere with some prescription medications. It is recommended to limit the use of licorice root to small amounts for short periods to avoid side effects. (Do not use licorice root daily for more than four weeks duration).

Assembling Your Tea

Purchasing dried herbs in bulk is the most economical way to work with herbal remedies (when you can’t grow your own.) These dried herbs can be used individually, or combined for tea blends, and you can use them to make herbal tinctures, oils, honeys, and vinegars. I recommend Frontier and Starwest Botanical brands. You can order both of these brands online through Amazon.

Herbal Infused Tea Blend

This tonic tea blend is a beautiful autumn gold and offers nourishing and warming herbs to keep you warm and healthy.

“Parts” can be whatever measurement you prefer – teaspoon, tablespoon, ounces, or grams. I made 1/2 quart of dried tea mix with this recipe using Tablespoons as my measurement. I then use 1 tablespoon of tea combined with 8-ounces of water for tea making.

Ingredients:

4 parts Nettle
3 parts Spearmint  leaf
3 parts Lemon Balm
1 part Rose Hips
1 part dried Turmeric
1/2 part dried Licorice Root

Directions:

To make your tea blend, combine the dried herbs in a glass mason jar with a lid and store. To brew, add 1 tablespoon of tea blend and steep with 8 ounces of water for 10 minutes.

This would make a lovely homemade gift to share with friends and family.

If you have any questions, let me know!
~ Michelle

For more on staying healthy using food as medicine:

These 4 Simple Foods Fight Cold and Flu – Sage, Ginger, Garlic and Honey

Health Benefits of Turmeric

4 Herbal Remedies for Stress – Finding Relief from Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Painful joints can have such a devastating effect on the quality of our lives and make us feel much older than our chronological age. Living with vibrant health requires good self-care, but it can be hard to stay motivated when we are experiencing pain on a daily basis. Although there are many causes for joint pain, reducing joint pain naturally with diet and herbs can offer significant relief.

There is a surprising amount of research supporting the use of herbs, supplements, essential oils and dietary changes for reducing arthritis and joint pain.

Natural Remedies for Joint Pain

Diet and Joint Pain

Making adjustments in our diet can lead to significant relief for most types of joint pain. Focus on reducing foods that increase inflammation, and include more antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to reduce and soothe inflammation.

Eating well doesn’t have to be restrictive, or difficult. It’s all about finding a healthy balance that works for you. Pay attention to the signals your body sends.

Reduce inflammatory foods

• Simple sugars
• Processed foods high in omega-6 fatty acids (safflower oil, corn oil, canola oil)
• Saturated and trans fats (processed foods)
• Refined carbohydrates
• Alcohol
• Gluten and casein (for many people)

Increasing your intake of anti-inflammatory foods will help the body reduce the inflammatory response. Aim to include these in your daily and weekly meal plan: 

• Antioxidant rich fruits – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, goji berries
• Antioxidant rich vegetables –cabbage, kale, spinach, sweet potatoes, winter squash
• Antioxidant rich herbs and spices – clove, cinnamon, turmeric, cocoa, basil, ginger, thyme
• Homemade bone broth made using bones from grass-fed, organic beef and chicken

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors. Research in 2012 found ginger extract reduced inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis as effectively as steroids (Source). Earlier studies showed reduced osteoarthritis pain in knee and hip joints with daily supplementation for three months.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Recent research supports the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce inflammation and joint pain (source, source).

Omega-3s block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, and are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. Taking 1,000 mg of fish oil supplements once a day for 8 weeks reduced pain and improved functioning in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. And getting more omega-3s helped people with rheumatoid arthritis reduce their reliance on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Turmeric/Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric has a long history of use in the ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems, and today there are thousands of peer-reviewed research articles demonstrating the health benefits of turmeric. Curcumin is the chemical in turmeric that reduces joint pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Several studies using a turmeric supplement demonstrated long-term improvement in pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

You can read more about the Top 10 Health Benefits of Turmeric and here is a great Recipe for Anti-inflammatory Tea.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the substance responsible for the heat in hot peppers. Research has shown significant pain relief for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis with the application of capsaicin cream four times a day for two weeks. Capsaicin is available as a topical cream, gel, or patch. You can also make your own cayenne salve for pain relief. The Herbal Academy has a simple, but highly effective recipe using cayenne, ginger, and turmeric – Warming Ginger Cayenne Pain Relief Salve.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are structural components of cartilage, and help support and cushion joints. In addition, glucosamine appears to have natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.

Studies on the effectiveness of these popular supplements for treating pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis have been mixed.

Although no serious side effects have been found with taking these supplements, both glucosamine and chondroitin may interact with blood thinning drugs like warfarin (Coumadin) and should be used with caution.

Real Bone Broth

Did you know you can get both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate from homemade bone broth? Real, homemade bone broth using (organic, grass-fed) chicken and beef bones will provide you with a great source of joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, and gelatin. You can read more about the ways bone broth supports healthy joints and overall health here.

SAM-e

SAM-e acts as a pain reliever and has anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows it may stimulate cartilage growth. Studies show the use of SAM-e offers similar pain relief as NSAIDs, but without the side effects.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil comes from a flowering shrub native to North and South America. The seeds contain high levels of gamma-linolenic (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Research on the use of evening primrose oil for reducing joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis is not conclusive, but there is some evidence it can reduce morning stiffness and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

Other Natural Remedies for Joint Pain

Epsom Salt Soaks

High in magnesium and sulfates, Epsom salts are easily absorbed through the skin to provide quick relief as they lower inflammation, reduce muscle spasms and relax tense areas.

There are two effective ways to use Epsom salts –

Add two cups of Epsom salts to warm bathwater and soak for 20 minutes, or create a compress by diluting two cups of salts into a gallon of water and soaking a towel in the salt water for several minutes. Apply the towel to the sore area and re-soak after 10 minutes.

Essential Oils for Joint Pain

Essential oils are rapidly absorbed through the skin, delivering benefits quickly.

Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oils

The active components in both frankincense and myrrh have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties (source), and research shows the combination of frankincense and myrrh to be most effective in reducing inflammation and pain in joints.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils

Applying peppermint and eucalyptus oils to spots that are inflamed and swollen will help relieve heat, swelling, and discomfort (source). The cooling menthol of these oils help remove heat and discomfort as the oils are absorbed. In animal studies, these oils were able to reduce swelling and fluid retention.

Pain-relieving Remedies to Make at Home:

Click on the links for (FREE) pdf files to save or print.

Anti-inflammatory Tea

Arthritis Relief Lotion with Frankincense and Myrrh

Arthritis Massage Oil

Wishing you health and pain-free living,
~ Michelle

Please Note: the information provided here is not intended to replace professional medical advice and care. It is simply my perspective for you to consider as you make good choices for you and your family’s health. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and maintaining health. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care. The information provided has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose any disease, nor is it intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek the support and care of a physician and/or complementary care practitioner you trust, and above all, listen to and trust in yourself. Be well!