Winter Wellness: Ginger & Ashwagandha for Warmth, Calm and Resilience

Winter is the perfect time to slow down, nurture yourself, and turn to herbs that support warmth, calm, and resilience. Two of our favorite seasonal allies are ginger (Zingiber officinale) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These herbs bring centuries of traditional use and modern wellness benefits into your daily ritual.

🔸 Ginger — Zingiber officinale

Energetics: Warming, stimulating, aromatic

Key Actions: Supports digestion, boosts circulation, soothes nausea, and has mild anti-inflammatory effects

Traditional Uses:

• Enhances circulation and body warmth
• Supports healthy digestion
• Helps relieve cold symptoms and early flu sensations
  Safety: Generally safe in culinary and moderate medicinal doses. Use caution if sensitive to heat or taking blood thinners.

 

🔸 Ashwagandha — Withania somnifera

Energetics: Grounding, nourishing, restorative

Key Actions: Adaptogenic, nervine, tonic for stress resilience

Traditional Uses:

• Supports nervous system balance and sleep
• Helps the body adapt to stress and seasonal fatigue
• Restorative winter tonic for vitality
  Safety: Avoid in pregnancy unless supervised. May cause drowsiness in some. Consult a healthcare provider if on thyroid medication.

 

At Tosh’s Urban Garden, we’re happy to craft custom herbal tea blends tailored to your wellness goals and flavor preferences. If you prefer to create your own at home, you can also follow the simple Winter Wellness recipes below. Whether you want something warming, calming, or restorative, we’re here to help you sip intentionally this season.

 

 Winter Tea Recipes

Here are three simple blends to bring warmth, calm, and balance this season:

1. Winter Warmth Ginger Spice Tea

Purpose: Cozy, aromatic, warming

Ingredients (per cup):

• 1 tsp ginger (fresh or dried)
• ½ tsp cinnamon chips
• ½ tsp orange peel
• ¼ tsp cardamom
• Honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Add herbs to hot water and steep 10–12 minutes.
2. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired.

Notes: Perfect for mornings or chilly afternoons.

 

2. Ashwagandha Calm & Restore Tea

Purpose: Evening relaxation and grounding

Ingredients (per cup):

• ½–1 tsp ashwagandha root
• 1 tsp chamomile
• ½ tsp vanilla bean or ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1. Simmer ashwagandha in water for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, add chamomile and vanilla.
3. Steep 5–7 minutes, strain, and enjoy.

Notes: Start with smaller ashwagandha doses if new to the herb. Great for winding down before bed.

 

3. Ginger–Ashwagandha Winter Resilience Blend

Purpose: Balanced daily support — warmth + grounding

Ingredients (per cup):

• ½ tsp ashwagandha root
• ½ tsp ginger
• ½ tsp lemongrass or lemon balm
• ¼ tsp rosemary (optional)

Directions:

1. Simmer ashwagandha and ginger in water for 10 minutes.
2. Remove from heat, add lemongrass/lemon balm and rosemary.
3. Steep 5 minutes, strain, and sip.

Notes: Use once daily; discontinue if overly sedating or warming.

 

Winter Wellness Tip

Pair your tea rituals with gentle mindfulness or journaling. A warm cup in hand, slow breaths, and grounding thoughts can transform even the coldest winter days into nourishing, restorative

 

10 Winter Wellness Activities:

1. Sip warm fluids throughout the day - Keep your system warm and supported with herbal teas, broths, and warm water.

2. Honor Rest + Slower Rhythms - Match nature’s pace—calm evenings, lighter schedules, gentle unwinding.

3. Choose Warming, Nourishing Foods - Soups, stews, root veggies, and warming spices help stabilize energy.

4. Seek Morning Sunlight - Even 5 minutes supports mood, energy, and circadian rhythm.

5. Moisturize Skin Regularly - Hydrate externally with salves, oils or body butter and internally with water + teas.

6. Move Gently - Stretching, yoga, and walking help circulation and winter stiffness.

7. Create Emotional Warmth - Check in with loved ones and explore small joy-making rituals.

8. Build Cozy Spaces (Hygge Style) - Soft lighting, warm blankets, gentle scents, and mindful quiet time.

9. Establish Herbal Rituals - Daily teas with ginger, ashwagandha, chamomile, or cinnamon offer grounding and warmth.

10. Prioritize Hydration - Warm beverages help maintain energy and keep the system balanced.

Herbal Content Disclaimer

The information provided in this content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Herbs such as ginger and ashwagandha may offer wellness benefits, but individual responses may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you:

• Are pregnant or nursing
• Have a medical condition
• Are taking prescription medications

Do not exceed recommended amounts. Use caution if you experience allergic reactions, digestive upset, or drowsiness.

By using this information, you acknowledge that Tosh’s Urban Garden, its employees, and affiliates are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of herbs or recipes mentioned here.