Taos Tea: Altitude Air Stealing Lip Youth?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 31, 2026

The biting wind whips through the streets of Denver, stealing moisture with every gust. You feel it first on your cheeks, then the tightening around your eyes, and finally, the dreaded crack of your lips. It’s a familiar story for those of us over 50 living in the Mile High City. But what if I told you there’s a simple, natural remedy rooted in the traditions of the Southwest that can combat this high-altitude dryness?

Taos Tea, a blend of herbs traditionally used by Native American communities in New Mexico, offers a surprisingly effective solution. And you can brew it right in your Denver kitchen.

Here’s how to harness the power of Taos Tea to soothe and protect your lips, plus a bonus DIY lip balm recipe.

The Magic of Taos Tea: More Than Just a Drink

Taos Tea isn’t just a tasty beverage; it’s a potent blend of herbs known for their moisturizing and healing properties. The key ingredients typically include:

Osha Root: A powerful antiviral and anti-inflammatory, Osha root helps heal cracked skin and protect against infection. Finding true Osha can be tricky due to overharvesting, so be sure to source it responsibly. Look for reputable herbalists who practice sustainable harvesting.
Yerba Mansa: This herb is a natural astringent and antiseptic, helping to cleanse and tighten the skin. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated lips.
Lomatium: Similar to Osha, Lomatium boasts antiviral and antibacterial properties. It’s a great addition to the tea for added protection against the harsh Denver elements.
Licorice Root: Adds a touch of sweetness and is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. Use sparingly, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Sourcing Your Ingredients in Denver

While these herbs might sound exotic, you can find them locally with a little effort.

Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary & Supply (Boulder): While technically in Boulder, Rebecca’s is worth the trip. They prioritize ethically sourced herbs and offer a wide selection, including Osha root (when available) and Yerba Mansa. Call ahead to check availability.
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy (Multiple Locations): Pharmaca carries a variety of herbal supplements, including licorice root. They also often have knowledgeable staff who can point you in the right direction.
Online Retailers (Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-op): If you can’t find everything locally, reputable online retailers like Mountain Rose Herbs and Frontier Co-op offer high-quality, sustainably sourced herbs.

The Taos Tea Recipe for Lip Relief

This recipe is designed to create a concentrated tea that you can both drink and use as a base for your lip balm.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon dried Osha root (if available, otherwise substitute with Echinacea)
2 tablespoons dried Yerba Mansa
1 tablespoon dried Lomatium
1/2 tablespoon dried licorice root (optional)
4 cups filtered water

Instructions:

Combine the herbs: In a medium saucepan, combine all the dried herbs.
Add water: Pour the filtered water over the herbs.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half. This concentrates the beneficial properties of the herbs.
Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the tea cool slightly. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or container. Discard the used herbs.
Enjoy and Store: You can drink the tea warm or cold. Store the remaining tea in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Dosage: Drink 1/2 to 1 cup of Taos Tea daily.

DIY Taos Tea Lip Balm: The Ultimate Lip Savior

Now, let’s transform this potent tea into a nourishing lip balm.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Taos Tea infusion (from the recipe above)
2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
2 tablespoons shea butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
5 drops vitamin E oil (optional, for added antioxidant benefits)
Lip balm tubes or small containers

Instructions:

Infuse the Oil (Optional but Recommended): For an extra potent balm, infuse the coconut oil with the herbs. Gently heat the coconut oil with a tablespoon of the used tea herbs (from the brewing process) in a double boiler for 1-2 hours. Strain out the herbs.
Melt the Ingredients: In a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a simmering pot of water, combine the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil (infused or plain). Heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
Add the Tea Infusion: Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two. Slowly add the Taos Tea infusion, stirring constantly to combine. Be careful, as the mixture may seize up slightly.
Add Vitamin E Oil (Optional): Stir in the vitamin E oil, if using.
Pour into Containers: Carefully pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers.
Cool and Harden: Let the lip balm cool and harden completely at room temperature. This may take several hours.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overheating the Mixture: Overheating can damage the beneficial properties of the ingredients. Use a double boiler or low heat to melt the beeswax and shea butter gently.
Adding the Tea Infusion Too Quickly: Adding the tea infusion too quickly can cause the mixture to seize up and become grainy. Add it slowly and stir constantly.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the effectiveness of your lip balm. Choose high-quality, organic ingredients whenever possible.
Skipping the Infusion: While optional, infusing the coconut oil with the herbs significantly boosts the lip balm’s potency.

Why This Works for Denver Residents Over 50

As we age, our skin naturally becomes drier and more susceptible to damage from the sun and wind. The high altitude and intense sun exposure in Denver exacerbate this issue. Taos Tea lip balm provides a multi-pronged approach to combatting dryness:

Moisturization: Shea butter and coconut oil are excellent emollients, providing deep hydration.
Healing: Osha root, Yerba Mansa, and Lomatium help heal cracked skin and protect against infection.
Protection: The antioxidants in vitamin E oil help protect against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.

Beyond Lip Balm: Other Uses for Taos Tea

Don’t limit yourself to just lip balm! You can also use Taos Tea infusion:

As a facial toner: Dilute the tea with water (1:1 ratio) and use it as a refreshing facial toner.
In a soothing bath: Add a cup of Taos Tea infusion to your bathwater for a relaxing and skin-soothing experience.
As a compress for minor skin irritations: Soak a clean cloth in the tea and apply it to minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.

Living in Denver offers incredible beauty and outdoor adventures, but it also demands extra care for our skin. By embracing the wisdom of traditional remedies like Taos Tea, we can protect our lips and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle to the fullest. So, brew a batch, whip up some lip balm, and say goodbye to dry, chapped lips!