When you think of mulling spices, your mind likely drifts to chilly nights, warm drinks, and that comforting, spiced aroma that fills the air during the holiday season.
Or, you’ve never heard of them, and your mind likely drifts to, “What are mulling spices?”
Mulling spices—typically a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice—are often used to enhance the flavors of beverages like cider and wine.
But these spices do more than just make your drink taste like a cozy embrace; they are gluttonous with surprising health benefits, too.
Let’s explore why mulling spices deserve a spot in your pantry beyond just seasonal sipping.
1. Boosting Immunity
Cinnamon, a key ingredient in mulling spices, is loaded with antioxidants, which help your body fight off infections and reduce inflammation.
Antioxidants are your body’s defense against free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to illness (they should make a video game where antioxidants duke it out with free radicals).
During colder months when colds and the flu are on the rise, sipping on a drink infused with mulling spices can give your immune system a gentle boost, helping you stay healthier through the season.
2. Aiding Digestion
Cloves, another staple in the mulling spice mix, are known for their digestive benefits.
They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to relieve indigestion, bloating, and gas (sorry if you’re eating while reading this). Sipping on a warm beverage with mulling spices after a hearty meal can help soothe your stomach and support digestion. Cloves also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce digestive discomfort.
3. Improving Circulation
Cinnamon and nutmeg, both found in mulling spices, are known to help improve circulation.
Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your organs and tissues, helping them function more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial during the colder months when you’re bundled up and your circulation may be a little sluggish.
Enjoying a warm cup of spiced cider can be a delicious way to get your blood moving.
4. Fighting Inflammation
It feels like we’re picking on inflammation here. Sorry, not sorry.
Allspice and cloves, both common in mulling spice blends, contain anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to a variety of health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and even some cancers.
5. Relaxation and Mood Enhancement
The warm, inviting aroma of mulling spices can have a soothing effect on the mind.
Don’t take my word for it. Take science’s! The scent of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg has been linked to stress relief and mood enhancement. Next time you’re feeling a little frazzled, sipping on a hot mulled drink might be just what you need to unwind and lift your spirits.
🍵 SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🍵
We wouldn’t tease you with a blog post about mulling spices if we didn’t have an awesome product starring these ingredients. I mean, that would just be cruel. Behold, our Fall Fiesta Gift Basket, built in a seasonal basket accented with fall leaves and featuring: mulling spices; Crunchmaster crackers; pumpkin butter; Anna’s ginger cookies; Sally’s Nuts; sweet potato chips; Vosges Walnut marshies, and more.
Enjoy!
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn
