Which Tea Increases Internal Body Temperature? Discover Warming Blends

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), certain oxidized teas and warming spices are used to boost the body's internal yang energy and dispel cold. Knowing which tea increases internal body temperature can help you select the most effective brew for feeling cozy and warm, especially during colder seasons.

Quick Summary

Explore various teas and spices scientifically shown to boost thermogenesis and circulation, helping to naturally raise your body's core temperature and keep you warm during cold weather.

Key Points

Ginger's Thermogenic Effect: Fresh or dried ginger tea contains gingerols that stimulate thermogenesis and blood flow, increasing your internal body temperature.
Black and Oolong's Oxidization: Heavily oxidized teas like black and dark oolong are considered 'heating' according to traditional practices, promoting warmth from within.
Chai's Spiced Blend: Masala chai combines black tea with a powerhouse of warming spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom), creating a highly effective warming beverage.
Cinnamon for Circulation: Cinnamon tea is known to improve circulation, which can help bring warmth to cold extremities like hands and feet.
Cayenne's Heat Signal: Adding a small amount of cayenne pepper triggers heat-sensing nerve receptors via capsaicin, stimulating a warming sensation throughout the body.
Adding Milk and Honey: According to some traditions, adding milk and honey to your tea can amplify its natural warming properties.

The Science Behind Internal Warming

The warming effect of certain teas and spices isn't just a folk remedy; it's rooted in physiological processes like thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the body's natural process of generating heat, and it can be stimulated by consuming certain compounds. Spicy compounds like gingerol, found in ginger, and capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper, interact with nerve receptors that perceive heat. This triggers a bodily response that increases metabolism and blood flow, which in turn raises internal body temperature. While consuming a very hot cup of any beverage will temporarily warm you up, teas with these bioactive compounds produce a more lasting, internal effect.

From a traditional perspective, practices like TCM and Ayurveda categorize foods and drinks by their energetic properties. Teas are often classified as 'heating' or 'cooling' based on their level of oxidation and inherent properties. For instance, darker, more oxidized teas like black tea are considered warming, while lightly processed teas like green tea are seen as cooling. Incorporating warming spices helps to amplify this effect, regardless of the tea base.

Top Teas and Spices for Boosting Internal Warmth

Ginger Tea

Ginger is one of the most widely recognized warming spices. Its primary active compounds, gingerols, are potent thermogenic agents that stimulate metabolism and increase blood circulation. Brewed as a tea, ginger provides a spicy, invigorating warmth that starts from the inside out. It is also known for its digestive benefits, which can help the body process food more efficiently, contributing to the internal heat generation process. Fresh ginger is often more pungent, but dried ginger also provides a potent warming effect.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is another popular warming spice, prized for its ability to improve blood circulation. For individuals who frequently experience cold hands and feet, a cup of cinnamon tea can be particularly beneficial. Cinnamon’s essential oils are stimulating and invigorating, and studies have shown its thermogenic effects. It pairs beautifully with black tea or can be brewed on its own for a comforting, spicy infusion.

Black and Oolong Teas

As mentioned by TCM principles, black and darker oolong teas are considered 'heating' due to their extensive oxidation during processing. Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a robust flavor and a deep amber color, while darker oolongs are partially oxidized. These teas possess warming properties that promote circulation and energize the body, making them a classic choice for combating cold. A strong cup of black tea, such as an Irish Breakfast blend, is a time-tested way to kickstart warmth.

Masala Chai

Chai is a spiced tea blend with its roots in Indian tradition. It typically combines black tea with a medley of warming spices, including ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black peppercorns. This combination creates a powerful and aromatic brew that is intensely warming. Often prepared with milk and honey, a cup of masala chai offers deep, penetrating warmth that is both comforting and revitalizing.

Cayenne Pepper

For those who prefer a more intense, fiery warmth, adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper to hot water or an herbal tea can be highly effective. The capsaicin in cayenne stimulates heat receptors, creating a perception of warmth and potentially boosting metabolism. This is a potent addition, and a little goes a long way. Pairing it with lemon and honey is a popular method to balance the intense heat.

Comparison of Warming Teas and Spices


Ingredient	Caffeine Content	Primary Warming Mechanism	Notes
Ginger	None	Thermogenesis, increased circulation	Spicy and invigorating; good for digestion.
Cinnamon	None	Increased circulation	Sweet and aromatic; effective for cold extremities.
Black Tea	High	Oxidization process, caffeine	Classic warming base for chai or on its own.
Dark Oolong	Medium	Oxidization process	Roasty and mineral taste; strong heating qualities.
Chai Spice Blend	Variable	Combination of warming spices	Full-bodied, flavorful blend; traditionally made with black tea.
Cayenne Pepper	None	Capsaicin stimulates heat receptors	Very potent; use sparingly in herbal teas.
Green Tea + Spices	Medium	Added spices (green tea is naturally cooling)	Balances the cooling nature of green tea.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal Warming Brew

While the simple act of holding a hot mug of tea provides immediate, superficial warmth, selecting a blend with specific warming properties can generate a more lasting internal heat. For potent thermogenesis, ginger is a top choice, while cinnamon is excellent for improving circulation to cold hands and feet. For a more complex, invigorating experience, masala chai is the clear winner, combining multiple warming spices into one delicious brew. It's also worth noting that the warming effects are generally temporary and depend on individual physiology. Regardless of your preference, understanding which tea increases internal body temperature empowers you to choose the perfect cup to warm you from the inside out.

For a deeper dive into the science of thermogenesis, you can explore studies on the active compounds in spices like ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure green tea is generally considered to have a 'cooling' effect according to traditional Chinese medicine. However, its warming potential can be dramatically increased by adding spices like ginger or cinnamon during brewing.

The effects can be felt relatively quickly, often within minutes of consuming the hot beverage. The speed and intensity depend on the individual's metabolism and the specific blend of spices and tea used.

Yes, many herbal infusions are excellent for generating warmth without caffeine. Options include pure ginger tea, cinnamon tea, or rooibos tea blended with warming spices like cardamom and cloves.

Cinnamon tea is particularly beneficial for cold extremities because it is known to improve blood circulation. A cup of ginger tea can also help by increasing overall blood flow.

According to Ayurvedic principles, adding ingredients like milk and honey can enhance the warming qualities of tea. Milk contains casein, which helps disperse compounds like capsaicin, while honey can sweeten and provide energy.

Both fresh and powdered ginger are effective for warming. Fresh ginger often provides a more vibrant, pungent flavor, while dried ginger contains higher levels of shogaols, which contribute to its potent, concentrated heat.

Not necessarily. While many spicy compounds create a sensation of heat, intense spiciness, such as from very hot chilis, can trigger sweating, which is the body's mechanism for cooling itself. Stick to warming spices like ginger and cinnamon for a more consistent warming effect.