Vin chaud(left) / Jujube-ginger tea(right)

When the French feel a chill coming on, they make Vin chaud, a warm wine simmered with cinnamon, cloves, apples, and oranges — a traditional winter drink that serves as Europe’s natural cold remedy.

And in Korea? Koreans have traditional herbal tea.
For generations, Koreans have brewed ginger tea, jujube tea, and Ssanghwa-cha to ward off the winter cold. The rising steam from a teacup filled with the scent of medicinal herbs is more than just a drink — it is a natural prescription for restoring the body’s balance.

The Secret of Warming Herbs: “A Heater within the Body”

The Rural Development Administration of Korea recently introduced a winter wellness guide based on the Donguibogam, an ancient medical text that lists “warm-natured herbs” (온성약초, onseong yakcho).

♦What Are Warm-Natured Herbs?

These are herbs known to reduce cold energy in the body, warm the core, and promote blood circulation.
Representative examples include ginseng, ginger, cinnamon, angelica (Danggui), and astragalus (Hwanggi).

♦Modern Science Confirms Ancient Wisdom

Contemporary research supports these traditional effects.

• ✔Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, compounds that dilate peripheral blood vessels, raise skin temperature, and stimulate thermogenesis. Clinical studies have shown that ginger can help relieve cold hands and feet.
• ✔Cinnamon’s active compound, cinnamaldehyde, helps relax blood vessels, improving circulation and stabilizing blood pressure.
• ✔Angelica root (Danggui) is rich in ferulic acid, which reduces platelet aggregation and promotes smoother blood flow — a benefit for cardiovascular health.
• ✔Astragalus contains saponins that enhance immune activity and relieve fatigue, making it a popular tonic for stamina and immune recovery.

As the wisdom of the Donguibogam meets modern medical research, Korean herbal teas are emerging as scientifically supported remedies for winter health.

For a Cold, Try a Warm Cup of Herbal Tea before a Pill

At the first sign of a cold or chill, teas made with ginger and cinnamon work best.

• ✔Ginger tea warms the body and soothes throat irritation, easing nasal congestion and scratchy coughs.
• ✔Cinnamon tea improves circulation and helps those who often have cold hands and feet.
• ✔Jujube-ginger tea is rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen immunity and reduce fatigue.

The charm of herbal tea lies in its gentle yet lasting effect.
While medicine suppresses symptoms quickly, tea helps the body gradually regain warmth and balance.
For middle-aged and elderly people who already take several prescription drugs for chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, herbal tea offers a safe and natural alternative to additional cold medicine.

Sujeonggwa

Sweet Sujeonggwa: An Unexpected Winter Tonic

The traditional Korean dessert drink Sujeonggwa also helps prevent colds.
Made mainly with cinnamon and ginger, it promotes circulation and maintains body temperature.
For a healthier version, replace sugar with honey or rice syrup for a more natural sweetness.
A cup of Sujeonggwa after a meal aids digestion, warms the stomach, and eases internal coldness.

The Healing Warmth of a Cup

This winter, instead of reaching for cold medicine, try brewing a cup of herbal tea with a slice of ginger, a stick of cinnamon, and a few jujubes.
Its gentle heat will linger longer than any pill — warming both body and heart.