Top Herbal Tricks to Help You Keep Warm

When the weather gets cold our bodies want nothing more than to stay warm. For me, it doesn't always make sense to jack the heat up in our homes. For another, we aren't always in our homes. Sometimes we're outside - and the heat inside doesn't really do us much good.

But I've discovered that classic "warming herbs" like cinnamon, cayenne, and ginger can help us stay warm. On days when I have a cup or two of ginger tea, for example, I can tell that I don't have as much of a chill in my body. Here is what I do in the winter to help me stay warm - other than dress for the weather, that is.

Put Cayenne Pepper in Your Shoes and Gloves

This is something I do when I know I am going to spend a lot of time outdoors. Cayenne pepper helps encourage the blood to stay flowing close to the skin. When we are outside for long periods of time, sometimes our body cuts off the blood supply to our fingers and toes. Mix a little cayenne with some baby powder (about 1 tsp for each cup of baby powder) and sprinkle it in your shoes and gloves before you go out.

Drink a Warming Tea

I mentioned ginger at the beginning of this article but there are other herbs that can also help. Warming herbs such as cinnamon and cardamom can also help. You can either sprinkle these herbs in your existing cup of tea or seek out blends that incorporate some of these spices. I personally love the taste of fresh ginger tea mixed with a little honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Eat Ginger Candies

I also like to keep a supply of ginger candies on hand. If you decide to do this too, make sure it is flavored with real ginger. Otherwise, it won't have the same affect. Yes, just about anything an be created in a lab, even the flavor of a real food like ginger! Keep some in your purse or pocket and pop them in your mouth when you feel cold as you are out and about.

Cook with Warming Spices

You can also cook with these spices. Why not eat some salsa or create a dessert that involves cinnamon or ginger? Just don't overdo it - use just enough to spice your foods. When some warming herbs, like nutmeg, are consumed in large quantities they can have negative side affects. For example, nutmeg can cause diarrhea.

An extra bonus to employing these tips is that the warming herbs are also common folk remedies for warding of cold and flu. If you get cold just employ one or all of these tips!