Tea is a universal language. Offer someone who comes to your home a cup of tea, and they will feel welcomed. Treat yourself to a warm cup of your favourite blend and instantly feel it nourish your soul. Have a chilled herbal infusion on a hot day and find yourself refreshed— and these are only some of its powers.
Illustration by Rachael Lloyd
All tea, even the standard black and green teas, are made from herbs. The tea we are most accustomed to is made from the leaf tips of Camellia sinensis, more commonly known as the tea flower. Numerous other herbs can be used to brew up an infusion and can promote different states depending on the therapeutic effects of the plants. Just as black and green teas are known to be energising due to their caffeine content, chamomile is widely used for its relaxing and mild sedative properties. It is also an anti-inflammatory so is often used to treat headaches and colds.
Teas and infusions are also one of the most basic ways to use herbs for spell-crafting. Gathering, blending, and drinking these herbal preparations not only creates a relationship between the user and the plant, but also elegantly transfers the magic that these wonderous little beauties contain. Whether it be to create peace of mind, stimulate focus, or even to cast a love spell, herbs have the power to act as conduit of these intentions.
The possibilities for herbal tea blends are limitless. Once you acquaint yourself with your personal intentions, needs, and preferences, you can customise the blends to suit the moment. Until then, these three recipes can be a guide for casting your intention and promoting the desired effects.
Eye of the Storm: a blend of Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower
A tea for creating a moment of calm. When a storm is brewing around you, create a sense of peace by brewing this tea and taking a moment to yourself to enjoy it. Chamomile is known for its ability to soothe and relax the nervous system and create tranquillity. Lemon Balm is a mild sedative used to combat stress. Passionflower creates a sense of restfulness and can help promote a good night’s sleep. It is also anti-anxiety and a mild antidepressant.
How to prepare
Add 1 teaspoon of each herb dried or fresh to a cup of freshly boiled water and let steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain and drink either hot or cold.
Love Spell: a blend of Rose Petals, Hibiscus, and Cardamom
A tea for warming the heart and opening it to the possibility of love. Rose petals are a heart tonic, meaning they support healthy heart function. They are calming and balancing to the mind and nervous system, removing any distractions from love’s eager advances and are considered an aphrodisiac. Hibiscus helps to moderate blood pressure and provides a vibrant red hue and bright flavour. Cardamom adds a kick of spice, is warming to the body and stimulates blood flow. It is also considered an aphrodisiac.
How to prepare
Combine 2 teaspoons dried rose petals, ½ teaspoon dried hibiscus and roughly 4 cardamom seed pods, gently crushed. Steep for 3-5 minutes in freshly boiled water before removing the herbs.
Cunning: a blend of Mugwort, Rosemary, and Citrus
A tea for enhancing psychic powers. Mugwort creates lucid mental states, as well as vivid dreams, Rosemary enhances memory and general cognitive function, and Citrus has a stimulating effect on the mind.
How to prepare
Mugwort can be quite strong, and also bitter, so using half a teaspoon initially is recommended until you have a sense of your own relationship to this plant. Use 1 teaspoon of rosemary and a squeeze of fresh citrus : orange, lemon, or lime will all work, according to personal preference. Steep for 3-5 minutes in freshly boiled water before removing the herbs.
Maggie Eliana is our in-house herbalist and author of fromrootstopetals.com. Follow her on Instagram @fromrootstopetals