NYT's 'Strands' Puzzle Spotlights Immune-Boosting Remedies Today

The New York Times has released today's games puzzle with a focus on natural health. Players can find the game on the NYT website or through the NYT crazy games app. The theme for December 18, 2025, centres on remedies that support the immune system.

This edition of strands features five theme words: ELDERBERRY, TURMERIC, GARLIC, HONEY, and LEMON. The special spangram—IMMUNEBOOSTERS—ties the puzzle together. Finding it early often simplifies solving the rest of the board.

Unlike timed word games, strands has no clock or penalty for mistakes. Players can submit unrelated words to earn hints. The goal is to use every letter on the board exactly once, with words running in any direction.

The puzzle's design allows flexibility in solving. Once all letters are correctly placed, the game is complete. No author was credited for linking the theme to immune-boosting remedies in available sources.

Today's strands offers a relaxed challenge with a health-focused twist. The puzzle remains accessible on both the NYT site and its dedicated app. Players can take their time to uncover the theme words and spangram without pressure.