Would you like a cup of tea?
That is probably the one question you will encounter at least once a day living in England. No matter the weather, the time of day, the occasion. It is a conversation starter, an ice breaker, a break. It is a custom that became very dear to me and which I took with me, when I moved from England a couple of years ago.
But there is more to tea than simply drinking and enjoying a good cup of it.
Offering and accepting tea is showing respect to the other person, by offering and/or accepting hospitality.
Tea is a ceremonial tool to spent time with each other, with a book, or with one self.
Having some tea is a window of time, a window to detach from the demands of the day, to stop, to observe, to be. To let your soul rest or to actively pay attention to it, inviting your soul to come out and play.
But there is more to tea than is visible to the eye. The ingredients used can do much more than transferring their flavours onto water, tickling your nostrils and senses with their smell. They can give your immune system a boost, they can calm your nerves, they can be the missing ingredient to better sleep, they can help you heal yourself, they can act as another barrier against outside forces – be it mental ones or the ones of bacterial origin.
Tea can give you the push you need – think green of black tea for example, both of which will increase your ability to concentrate and stimulate your metabolism.
Green tea is said to strengthen the immune system, reduce blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels.
Black tea is said to have many health promoting benefits, with antibacterial and pain-relieving effects.
Herbal tea can help you to detox – think fennel, nettle, peppermint, dandelion, sage and many others. Or how about lavender to calm down.
You see, there is more magic to tea than just adding some flavour.
For me, tea is a ritual for me-time. Unless I haven’t completely lost track, am occupied or with my head up in the clouds – I try and make myself some tea in the evening. A little bit like a final piece to my day – no matter the time. It is my little ritual for myself, to appreciate me, to be thankful, to take stock, to be grateful for the day that has passed and to be grateful for the day yet to come. A few minutes sitting on the couch, legs pulled tight, snuggled under a blanked. Or, as right now with 32 degrees in the evening during summer months – to lay in the grass, sitting on my outside deck chairs, on the swing or wherever I fancy.
For me, tea is a ritual for caretaking. Particular when I fell unwell, have a runny nose, blocked sinuses, and feel like my head might explode. In those instances, I boil myself a pot of water, throw in camomile, sage and thyme. Sit down, hold my head into the steam, cover myself with a big towel – and breath. Steam therapy is known to support clearing up mucus, the opening up of nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Et Voila – I got myself my very own little face-sauna 🙂
If you want to try it for yourself, I can recommend the following three to four ingredients:
Camomile – soothes the irritated skin and is said to have anti-inflammatory effects. It is probably one of the longest known and medically researched herbs to treat a long list of ailments, such as an upset stomach, anxiety, insomnia, rashes, wounds etc.
Thyme – is known to help loosen mucus and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is those properties that make it an excellent ingredient for skin-clearing and purifying cleanse baths.
Sage -is another one of those long-used herbs for lung health, sore throats and coughs
Rosmary – which is said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may be particularly help with sinus congestion and inflammation.
You do not have to be feeling unwell to use the above. You can also use them to create a beautiful steam bath before applying moisturiser, cleaning mask, etc. The steam opens your pores, lets you skin breath and prepares it to absorb soothing masks to its fullest. Tea, as a base for your own ritual of self-care helping you to unwind and relax.
Take care! We would love to hear your own tea stories!
Corina
– With love –
Please note: As with all things in life, some things will have ripple effects and the amounts make the difference. So please don’t overdose herbal teas either. Especially if you are on medication, suffer a medical condition or are prone to allergic reactions it’s recommended to seek medical advisory before starting any self medication.
sown & uprooted 