From Jacqueline's Kitchen: Warming Winter Infusion

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, our bodies start craving warmth—real warmth, not just the “another sweater” kind. At CasaVive, we love simple rituals that help us feel grounded, nourished, and supported through the season. And this one comes straight from Jacqueline’s kitchen: a cozy, anti-inflammatory winter infusion made with cinnamon, ginger, and clove.

It’s a hug in a mug. It’s your stove doing aromatherapy. It’s winter, but better. We loved this at our latest Lunch and Learn, it was a perfect addition with some almond flour based muffins, apples and pears.

The Recipe (It Doesn’t Get Easier)

You’ll need:

• 1 cinnamon stick

• A few slices of fresh ginger

• 2–3 whole cloves

• Water

Add everything to a pot or kettle, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–15 minutes. Strain, sip, and enjoy. That’s it.

Want to play? You’re encouraged! Add star anise for sweetness, orange peel for brightness, or mint for a cleansing lift.

This is a base infusion—make it yours.

Why These Spices Work: The Anti-Inflammatory Boost

Each ingredient in this infusion carries its own little superpower. Together? They’re a gentle, warming support system for the colder months. You know we love utilizing spices and herbs, read more about it here.

Cinnamon: The Anti-Inflammatory Sweetheart

Cinnamon contains compounds known for reducing inflammation and supporting circulation. It’s especially helpful when the body feels stiff, cold, or sluggish—aka “Winter.” Holistically, cinnamon is considered warming and stabilizing. It can help regulate blood sugar, support digestion, and promote a sense of grounding when life feels scattered.

Ginger: The Spicy Powerhouse

Ginger is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatories in the kitchen. Its polyphenols help calm systemic inflammation, ease joint discomfort, and soothe the digestive tract. From an Ayurvedic perspective, ginger is the ultimate winter spice. It stokes “agni,” your digestive fire, helping you feel warmer, more energized, and less bogged down by heavy seasonal foods.

Clove: The Tiny But Mighty Healer

Cloves contain eugenol, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. They support immunity, soothe the gut, and may even help ease mild pain or tension. Energetically, clove is warming and stimulating. It encourages movement of circulation, digestion, and that stagnant winter energy that makes us want to hide under a blanket forever.

Together, these three spices support digestion, reduce inflammation, warm the system, and bring the body back into balance. This little infusion is a holistic winter helper disguised as a simple homemade tea.

Ayurvedic & Holistic Nutrition Perspective: Why We Crave Warmth in Winter

In Ayurveda, winter is a Kapha-dominant season—cold, heavy, moist, and slow. Warm, aromatic spices help balance that by gently heating the body and encouraging movement.

From a holistic nutrition lens, warming herbs and spices improve circulation, support detoxification, aid digestion, and help the immune system stay resilient during cold and flu season.

It’s not just cozy—it’s therapeutic.

Customize Your Cup

This infusion is endlessly adaptable. Try:

• Star anise: naturally sweet, calming, and supportive for digestion.

• Orange peel: brightens the flavour and adds vitamin C power.

• Mint: cooling to taste, but energetically balancing—perfect if cinnamon and ginger feel too warming.

You can also add honey or lemon at the end, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.

Final Thoughts From Jacqueline’s Kitchen

Winter asks us to slow down, nourish ourselves, and find warmth wherever we can. This infusion is a beautiful way to do all three. Comment below and let us know if you added any other herbs or spices to your infusion!

Brew a pot, inhale deeply, sip slowly, and let your body say: "Oh yes. This is exactly what I needed."