The Top 3 Medicinal Teas We Use In Our Household For Health And Wellness

The key to a healthy Immune system is treating your body to the best local medicines…

I firmly believe there is a special exchange that takes place between humans and their surrounding environment. The longer we live in a place, the more we become a part of it. We are constantly breathing in the air that surrounds us, and when we dig through the dirt or grow our own food, those tiny microscopic pieces of soil find their way into our systems, inoculating us with our local flora. All year you can venture outdoors in Northern Michigan and find potent medicines around you.

When it comes to booking our family’s health naturally, we turn to the power of medicinal teas. These teas, made from herbs, barks, and plants, have been used for centuries to support the body’s wellness and healing. In our household, we rely on three of our favorites - pine needle tea, cherry bark tea, and chaga tea - for their incredible health benefits. Whether it’s immunity support, relaxation, or boosting energy, these herbal teas help keep us feeling balanced and nourished.

 

Pine Needle Tea: A Vitamin C Powerhouse

Pine needle tea is one of the most refreshing and healing teas we use regularly in our household. Made from the needles of pine trees, this herbal tea is packed with vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. Pine needle tea is also rich in antioxidants that help to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support overall vitality.

Beyond its immune-boosting benefits, pine needle tea has been used traditionally for respiratory health. The high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in pine needles can help soothe sore throats, ease coughs, and clear congestion. We love sipping it during the colder months when immune support is most needed or anytime we want a gentle, refreshing drink with natural healing properties.

How to Make Pine Needle Tea:

1. Take fresh pine needles (make sure they’re from a non-toxic pine tree).

2. Rinse them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.

3. Boil water and add the pine needles to the pot.

4. Let it steep for about 10-15 minutes, and then strain before drinking.

5. Sweeten with honey if desired.

2. Cherry Bark: A Soothing Remedy for Coughs and Sleep

Another go-to in our herbal tea collection is cherry bark tea. Made from the bark of the cherry tree, this herbal remedy has been traditionally used to calm coughs, ease bronchial irritation, and promote relaxation. Cherry bark contains compounds that work as natural expectorants, helping to clear mucus from the chest and soothe the respiratory system.

We especially love cherry bark tea when we or our kids have a cold or cough, as it helps with coughing fits and supports the body’s natural ability to heal. It’s also known to have mild sedative properties, making it an excellent choice for winding down before bed. If you’re looking for a tea that not only helps with respiratory health but also promotes a restful night’s sleep, cherry bark tea is a wonderful choice.

How to Make Cherry Bark Tea:

1. Take a small handful of dried cherry bark (you can find this in most herbal shops).

2. Boil water and pour it over the cherry bark.

3. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes.

4. Strain the tea and sip slowly, especially before bedtime, for the best relaxing effects.

3. Chaga Tea: The Immunity-Boosting Superfood

Chaga tea is another medicinal tea we swear by for its health-promoting properties. Chaga, a medicinal mushroom found growing on birch trees, is known for its potent immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. Rich in antioxidants, chaga helps to fight oxidative stress, improve energy levels, and enhance overall wellness. We add chaga tea to our routine to support immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health, and we love drinking Hot Chaga tea, which is a blend of chaga and cocoa to make a delicious, nourishing drink.

What makes chaga unique is its ability to balance the body. It’s an adaptogen, which means it helps the body respond better to stress and environmental changes. Chaga tea is especially popular during the colder months, when the immune system needs extra support. It’s a comforting, grounding tea that gives us a gentle energy boost without the jitters or crashes.

How to Make Chaga Tea:

1. Use dried chaga chunks or Chaga Tea powder (look for sustainably sourced products).

2. Simmer the chaga in water on low heat for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to extract the beneficial compounds.

3. Strain and enjoy! You can add a dash of cinnamon or honey for extra flavor.

Why We Love These Medicinal Teas

These three herbal teas—pine needle, cherry bark, and chaga—are the cornerstones of our wellness routine. Each one offers unique benefits for our family’s health, from boosting immunity and fighting inflammation to easing coughs and promoting restful sleep. We trust these plants and mushrooms for their potent medicinal qualities, and we love that they’re all natural, sustainable, and easy to incorporate into our daily lives.

By incorporating these medicinal teas into our household, we’re able to support our health in a more holistic way. Whether we’re looking for a soothing, relaxing drink or a potent immune boost, these teas have us covered.

Ready to Try These Medicinal Teas?

If you’re looking to bring these powerful teas into your own home, start with high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. Whether you’re brewing pine needle tea for its vitamin C benefits or sipping cherry bark tea to relax at night, these medicinal teas are a natural, effective way to nourish your body from the inside out.