During the winter months, the pleasant aroma of tea rising from homes all across Turkey is not only a source of warmth against the cold but also part of a cultural ritual.
In Anatolia, many herbal teas considered “a remedy for every ailment” have been consumed for centuries both for their healing properties and as companions to conversation.
In this article, we will explore 10 of Turkey’s traditional and healing herbal teas together, looking into their origins, benefits, and preparation methods. Some come from a grandmother’s garden, some from highland pastures, and others from herbal shops. But each one is born from a warm tradition. 🍵
🌼 1. Linden Tea
Linden tea is a traditional herbal tea prepared using the dried flowers, leaves, and sometimes the bark of the linden tree (Tilia). Especially consumed during the cold winter days in Turkey, this tea has been enjoyed for centuries both for its pleasant flavor and its positive effects on health. Containing natural essential oils, flavonoids, and antioxidants, linden tea helps strengthen the immune system, soothe sore throats, and ease the respiratory tract.
Additionally, due to its calming effect, linden tea is also preferred for alleviating stress, tension, and insomnia. Known for its digestive-regulating properties, this herbal tea can also promote sweating and help cleanse the body of toxins. Linden tea is usually consumed with honey and lemon, which enhances both its effect and flavor. As a natural source of healing, linden holds an important place in traditional Turkish cuisine and folk medicine.
- Benefit: Effective against colds, has a calming effect
- Cultural Note: Given to children during winter in Anatolia, sweetened with honey and lemon
- Preparation: Linden flowers and leaves are steeped in hot water for 10 minutes
🌿 2. Sage Tea (Ayvalık Style)
Sage tea (Ayvalık style) is an aromatic and healing herbal tea traditionally consumed in the Aegean Region, especially around Ayvalık. Made from Salvia species, this tea is prepared by collecting and drying sage leaves grown in the clean air and natural conditions of the region. In the Ayvalık style, large-leaved, strongly scented, and slightly fuzzy types of sage are generally preferred. This tea is known for its strong aroma and slightly bitter taste; it is especially consumed hot during the winter months.
In Ayvalık, sage tea is seen not only as a delicious beverage but also as a traditional source of healing. It naturally supports the body in cases of sore throat, digestive problems, inflammation, and colds. The people of Ayvalık usually prepare this tea by steeping it in boiled water for a few minutes, sometimes adding lemon or a small amount of honey. Abundantly found in local herbal shops and markets, this natural product is preferred by both locals and visitors seeking health and flavor.
- Benefit: Antibacterial, soothes the stomach
- Etymology: “Salvia” means “healing” in Latin
- Cultural Link: Consumed in the mornings along the Aegean coast. A common saying is “If you’ve caught a chill, drink sage tea.”
- Preparation: Dried sage leaves are added to hot water and steeped for 5–7 minutes
🍋 3. Ginger-Lemon Tea
Ginger-lemon tea is a popular herbal tea known for both its refreshing and healing properties. It is prepared by steeping slices of fresh ginger root in boiling water and adding lemon slices or lemon juice. This combination offers a balanced taste by blending the slightly bitter and spicy flavor of ginger with the sour and refreshing aroma of lemon. On cold winter days, it is consumed hot to increase body warmth; in summer, it can be served cold as a refreshing drink.
Highly beneficial for health, ginger-lemon tea helps strengthen the immune system, soothe sore throats, and regulate the digestive system. It is especially preferred for relieving nausea, indigestion, and flu symptoms. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help reduce inflammation in the body and support metabolism. Adding honey both softens the taste and enhances its effects. As a natural health booster, this tea offers a tasty and easily prepared beverage option for daily life.
- Benefit: Strengthens immunity, soothes the throat
- Cultural Note: Frequently consumed in cities during winter; often included in traditional herbal blends
- Preparation: Fresh ginger slices are added to boiling water and enriched with lemon and honey
🍇 4. Rosehip Tea
Rosehip tea is a natural herbal tea made from the fruit of the wild rose (Rosa canina) plant, known for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Prepared with dried rosehip fruits, this tea appeals to the palate with its reddish color, tangy flavor profile, and fruity aroma, while also offering various health benefits. In traditional Turkish cuisine, it is especially consumed during the winter months to strengthen the immune system and protect against colds.
Rosehip tea is also known for its digestive support, diuretic effect, and energizing nature. The tea is typically prepared by boiling the fruits for a few minutes and then allowing them to steep. It can be sweetened with lemon or honey to soften the taste. Being natural and additive-free makes rosehip tea ideal for daily consumption and a preferred beverage in traditional herbal remedies.
- Benefit: Rich in vitamin C, flu preventive
- Mythological Connection: Referred to as “nature’s gift” in Anatolia
- Preparation: Dried rosehip fruits are boiled for 15 minutes to steep
🌿 5. Thyme Tea
Thyme tea is a traditional herbal tea that has been consumed for centuries in Anatolia, both for its flavor and health benefits. Prepared with the dried leaves of the thyme plant, this tea is known for its distinct sharp aroma and slightly bitter taste. Made by briefly steeping in boiling water, thyme tea soothes the throat and offers a very relaxing drinking experience. Although usually consumed plain, it can be enriched in flavor with the addition of honey and lemon.
Highly beneficial for health, thyme tea helps strengthen the immune system thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is often preferred as a natural remedy for respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, and bronchitis, and is also known for regulating the digestive system. Additionally, it is commonly used to ease muscle pain and relieve stress. With its natural and potent content, thyme tea is one of the most frequently preferred herbal teas for both health and enjoyment in daily life.
- Benefit: Antiseptic properties, relieves cough
- Cultural Note: Gathered from the mountains in Anatolia, steeped fresh or dried
- Preparation: A pinch of thyme is added to boiling water and left to steep for 10 minutes
🌿 6. Mint-Lemon Tea
Mint-lemon tea is a traditional herbal tea frequently used in Turkish cuisine, especially during colds, digestive issues, and times of stress. It is prepared by steeping fresh or dried mint leaves and sliced lemon in boiling water. Mint enhances the tea’s refreshing effect, while lemon adds a sour aroma and provides a boost of vitamin C. Since it can be consumed both hot and cold, it is preferred throughout the year.
Mint-lemon tea is known for its soothing and gas-relieving effects on the digestive system; it offers natural support for complaints such as nausea, indigestion, or stomach pain. It can also soothe sore throats, relieve coughs, and help strengthen the immune system. With its calming and relaxing effects, it stands out as a comforting drink during mental fatigue. By adding honey, it can be made even more beneficial and flavorful.
- Benefit: Soothes the stomach, effective against colds
- Cultural Expression: A classic Turkish mom remedy: “Make some mint-lemon tea and drink it—it’ll pass right away.”
- Preparation: Fresh mint leaves are boiled with lemon slices; honey can be added if desired
🌺 7. Marshmallow Flower Tea
Marshmallow flower tea is a natural beverage with soothing and calming properties, used for many years especially in traditional herbal remedies. Prepared with the dried flowers or leaves of the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis), this tea is known for its mildly sweet aroma and smooth taste. It is typically made by steeping marshmallow flowers in hot water for a few minutes and consumed warm. Its color can range from light pinkish tones to deep red, depending on the concentration of the plant used.
Marshmallow tea is particularly preferred as a natural soother for sore throats, dry coughs, hoarseness, and mouth irritations. The mucilage contained in the plant forms a protective layer over the throat, reducing irritation. It is also known for supporting the digestive system and can have calming effects in cases of heartburn and irritable bowel issues. Due to its immune-supporting and anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used during cold seasons as a supportive remedy. Consumed for both healing and enjoyment, marshmallow tea is a natural and elegant herbal tea option.
- Benefit: Relieves cough, soothes the throat
- Cultural Note: One of the most recommended herbs in village herbal shops
- Preparation: Dried marshmallow flowers are steeped in hot water for 10 minutes
🌿 8. Fennel Tea
Fennel tea is a herbal tea known especially for its positive effects on the digestive system and has been consumed for centuries for both healing and enjoyment. Made using the seeds of the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare), this tea has a sweet and aromatic flavor similar to anise. It is typically prepared by crushing a few teaspoons of fennel seeds and steeping them in boiling water. Thanks to its mild taste and natural sweetness, it can be consumed on its own or blended with other herbs.
Fennel tea helps relieve digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. It is particularly favored by mothers for its soothing effect on colic in babies. Additionally, due to its cough-relieving and expectorant properties, it can be used as a supportive remedy during colds. The natural essential oils and antioxidants it contains offer immune-boosting and calming effects. Known for its relaxing nature, fennel tea can promote relaxation and support a more restful sleep when consumed before bedtime.
- Benefit: Regulates the digestive system, relieves gas
- Cultural Information: One of the most recommended natural remedies for colic in babies
- Preparation: Fennel seeds are crushed and steeped in hot water for 5–6 minutes
🍁 9. Cinnamon-Clove Blend
The cinnamon-clove blend is a traditional beverage or tea mixture that stands out especially in the winter months for both its flavor and healing properties. Prepared by boiling cinnamon sticks and clove buds together, this aromatic drink leaves a lasting impression on the palate with its intense spice aroma and mildly sweet bitterness. It is often enriched with additional ingredients such as honey, lemon, or orange slices to enhance both its taste and benefits.
From a health perspective, the blend is known for its antiseptic, antioxidant, and immune-supporting effects. It is particularly recognized for its soothing and protective properties against winter illnesses like colds, sore throats, and coughs. Cinnamon is known for helping regulate blood sugar and boosting metabolism, while clove is a powerful spice with anti-inflammatory properties that also supports oral health. As a natural and effective source of healing, the cinnamon-clove blend is a traditional drink frequently preferred for both wellness and flavor.
- Benefit: Regulates body temperature, reduces sweet cravings
- Cultural Connection: Widely consumed as a winter drink during the Ottoman period
- Preparation: Cinnamon sticks and cloves are steeped in boiled water for 10 minutes
🌿 10. Quince Leaf Tea
Quince leaf tea is a healing herbal tea prepared with the dried leaves of the quince tree and has been used in traditional medicine for many years. With its mildly bitter and herbal aroma, this tea is especially preferred during the winter months. Quince leaves are steeped in boiling water for 5–10 minutes; its color ranges from light brown to golden yellow. Although usually consumed plain, honey or lemon can be added to enhance the flavor.
This tea stands out for its soothing effects, particularly in respiratory ailments such as throat irritation, cough, and bronchitis. It also aids digestion, relieves stomach cramps, and is known for regulating the intestines. Thanks to its antioxidant content, it supports the immune system. With its natural composition and gentle effect, quince leaf tea holds a respected place among traditional herbal teas, used for both protective and healing purposes.
- Benefit: Relieves cough, soothes the nervous system
- Anatolian Tradition: Quince leaves are dried in autumn and stored for winter tea
- Preparation: Dried quince leaves are steeped in boiling water for 10 minutes
🎯 Conclusion:
The traditional tea culture in Turkey is not just a pursuit of flavor; it is a journey of connecting with nature, reaching into the past, and healing oneself. These 10 healing teas not only warm you on cold days but also carry centuries-old folk wisdom.
In this slow-paced season brought on by the cold, relax both your body and soul with a cup of traditional tea. 🌬🍵