As we move through spring and into the warmer months of the year, we are going to have access to...
The world is stressful, yes. You aren’t imagining it. But it isn’t the first time humankind has lived under quite a bit of duress. In fact, our ancestors had different kinds of stress and not as many resources as we do now. So, where did they turn when Doctor Google (and a plethora of pharmaceuticals) wasn’t available? To plants. Nature. Herbs. Connection. Wise elders and healers who knew the right preparations.
It’s about more than just a cup of tea
A warm cup of tea feels so nice to hold and sip. It can, generally, make anyone feel loved when someone prepares a concoction just for them. And whereas the love is in the making of the tea, it is also present in the ingredients, connection to our wise women ancestors and nature’s support of our bodies, minds and souls. (I feel as if this paragraph should be read in a British accent, no?)
Tea has become a passion of mine. At first, I was amazed that something so easy could help to quell my anxiety. Give me a better night’s sleep. Help soothe my teething baby. But, as I became more well-versed in herbs, I learned that there are many other functions as well. In fact, all of the supports we need can be found growing right here in the soil of our beautiful planet. And, in that spirit, I started making tea blends that could support me in multiple ways.
Here are some of my favorite tea blends I have concocted (because I like to pretend I am a forest witch who gathers herbs and puts them to good use).
***Keep in mind, I am not a trained herbalist, just an herbal enthusiast. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing or have an underlying medical condition because herbs DO work…and some may not be suitable for you.
Mood, Stress, Spirit Tea
1 parts Tulsi (Holy Basil)
1 parts lemon balm
1/3 part rose petals
This is a delicious and uplifting yet calming tea that is great to start the day, end the day or drink anywhere in between. Tulsi is a gentle and stimulating adaptogenic herb, soothing the spirit and supporting blood sugar balance, mood and respiratory health. Lemon balm is calming to the nervous system, but also brings a sense of happiness and contentment. Rose is gentle and balancing. Use 1 Tbsp per cup of boiling water, steep for 3-10 minutes.
Sunday Scaries
1 part lemon balm
1 part milky oats
1/4 part dried lavender flowers
1/4 part dried rosemary
1/4 part dried rosehips
Lemon balm is calming AND mood boosting. Milky oats are considered a nervine, which means they calm the nervous system. Rosemary contains many immune boosting properties and is a great herb to have around for both cooking and tea making. Rosehips contain a whole bunch of vitamin C and antioxidants, adding a boost of nutrition to your cup of tea. Use 1 Tbsp per cup of boiling water, steep for 3-10 minutes.
Yogi Chai Tea
2 cinnamon sticks
16 cardamom pods
12 whole cloves
24 black peppercorns
2 slices fresh ginger
1-2 bags black tea (I use decaf)
This is a recipe I heard about years ago (from who knows where by now) that I love to make on a chilly day! All of these spices offer a host of benefits, some of them including blood sugar regulation, digestive support, immune support, gut health and more. This recipe is a bit more involved and takes some time, but the smell in your kitchen will be completely worth it. Leftover tea can be refrigerated and used within 5 days or so.
To make, combine the spices (not the tea) and about 6 cups of cold, filtered water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and turn to low, allowing it to bubble gently for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, add in the tea bags and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain tea through a mesh strainer into a carafe or tea cups. Serve with honey or sugar and milk if desired.
***If you are just starting out with your tea blending and herbal exploration, here are some great resources for wisdom and planet friendly products: Learning Herbs, Evolutionary Herbalism and Mountain Rose Herbs (this is where I have been purchasing bulk teas for years).
Tea is the ultimate way to connect with a friend or loved one. A warm cup of tea between you brings out the good conversation easily. Enjoy any one of these blends this season to support your health and who body balance!
