NYT Strands is the New York Times’ daily word-search-style puzzle that challenges players to uncover theme-based words hidden in a letter grid. For 18 December 2025, the puzzle revolves around the theme “Natural remedies,” featuring familiar, everyday items often linked to health and wellness, along with a spangram that neatly ties all the words together.

18 December 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “Natural remedies”

Today’s theme leaned into wellness and traditional health boosters. The puzzle felt approachable, with recognizable words drawn from common home remedies. The spangram was fairly long but intuitive, making it easier to see how each answer fit under one unifying idea.

18 December 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think about ingredients commonly found in home kitchens.
  • Look for items often mentioned in traditional or folk medicine.
  • Several words are associated with immunity and soothing relief.
  • Expect familiar flavors used in teas, tonics, or remedies.
  • The spangram ties all these health-related items together under one wellness concept.

18 December 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Garlic (often linked to immunity and heart health)
  • Honey (a natural sweetener used for coughs and sore throats)
  • Lemon (commonly associated with vitamin C and detox drinks)
  • Turmeric (a spice known for anti-inflammatory properties)
  • Elderberry (frequently used in syrups for immune support)

Spangram

Immune Boosters
The spangram sums up the entire theme by highlighting how each word represents a natural ingredient traditionally believed to support and strengthen the immune system.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:

  • You’re given a theme.
  • The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
  • Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
  • Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

The 18 December 2025 NYT Strands puzzle was on the easier side, thanks to its familiar theme and accessible vocabulary. It was a satisfying, cozy solve with a clever wellness twist. How many words did you spot before the spangram clicked?