Embracing Change: The Importance of Seasons, and How Herbal Tea Can Help
As the seasons change, so do our lives.
Just as nature shifts from one phase to another, we, too, undergo transformations in our daily routines, moods, and outlooks. While these transitions can sometimes feel unsettling, they are an essential part of the human experience.
Today, we explore the significance of embracing change, the importance of transitional seasons and how a soothing herbal tea can support us through these transitions.
The Beauty of Seasonal Transitions
The changing of seasons is a reminder that life is a perpetual cycle of growth, transformation, and renewal. Spring bursts forth with new life, summer brings warmth and energy, autumn offers a harvest of abundance, and winter encourages introspection and rest. Each season has its unique charm and life lessons to offer. Just as trees shed their leaves in the fall to prepare for winter, we, too, can benefit from letting go of what no longer serves us.
Below, you'll discover my 'Seasonal Transition Tea' recipe, designed to ease you into the colder, calmer embrace of fall. Alongside the recipe, I've included brief insights on each herb used in this tea, offering you a deeper understanding of how these plants can gracefully support you during this season's transition.
Seasonal Transition Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds
- 1 slice of fresh ginger
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon of honey or dropper of Rose Glycerite (optional)
- Boiling water
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Tea Pot or Mug:
- Use a teapot or a heatproof mug to make your tea. Make sure it's clean and dry.
2. Add Herbs and Spices:
- Place the dried chamomile flowers and dried lavender buds in the teapot or mug.
3. Add Ginger and Cinnamon:
- Add the fresh ginger slice and the cinnamon stick to the teapot or mug. These ingredients will provide a warming and comforting flavour.
4. Pour Boiling Water:
- Carefully pour boiling water into the teapot or mug, covering the herbs and spices completely.
5. Steep the Tea:
- Allow the tea to steep for about 5-7 minutes. This will give the flavours a chance to meld together and infuse into the water.
6. Sweeten (Optional):
- If you like your tea sweet, you can add a teaspoon of honey or adjust to taste. Honey can provide a touch of natural sweetness and soothe your throat. Alternatively, you can also add Rose Glycerite which is my favourite to open and lift up my heart to love and light.
7. Strain and Serve:
- Use a tea strainer or simply remove the ginger, cinnamon, and any loose herbs from the tea. Compost them.
8. Enjoy:
- Sip your seasonal transition tea slowly, taking in the comforting aroma and soothing flavours. It's perfect for relaxation and reflection during this time of change. It's a delightful way to embrace the transition of seasons and find a moment of tranquility in your day.
Meet Your Plant Allies
Chamomile: A Gentle Guide Through Change
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), with its delicate, daisy-like flowers, is a symbol of tranquility and calm. This herb teaches us to embrace change with grace and ease. When we sip on chamomile tea, we are reminded to release tension, worries, and resistance, allowing us to flow with life's transitions. Chamomile soothes the nervous system, helping us find inner peace during times of upheaval.
Lavender: Embracing Serenity
Lavender (Lavandula spp.), known for its soothing fragrance, promotes relaxation and balance. Much like the transition from summer to autumn, lavender encourages us to let go of excess heat and energy and cleanse the liver. Its gentle aroma helps us find peace within, allowing us to gracefully release the past and welcome what's to come.
Ginger: The Fire of Transformation
Ginger (Zingiber officinale), a warming rhizome, symbolizes the energy needed to adapt to change. Like the shift from winter to spring, ginger awakens our senses and encourages movement. It provides the courage to face new beginnings head-on and embrace the unknown. Ginger reminds us that transformation often involves a spark of fiery determination.
Cinnamon: The Comfort of Familiarity
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), with its comforting aroma, is reminiscent of the holiday season. It reminds us that even in change, there are constants to hold onto—family, friends, and traditions. Cinnamon infuses our tea with a touch of sweetness and warmth, offering solace and stability during transitions.
Rose: A Gift for the Heart
Rose (Rosa spp.) is often associated with the energy of love, balance, and heart-centered emotions. Its gentle, uplifting nature can help ease emotional transitions and provide a sense of comfort. Traditionally for its potential to support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. It may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Feel free to add a few drops of Rose Glycerite to your tea for an extra layer of soothing support as you navigate this seasonal shift.
Just as the seasons change without our control, so does life. By embracing these shifts, we learn to navigate them with grace, resilience, and a sense of adventure. The herbal tea we've discussed—combining the calming qualities of chamomile and lavender with the warmth of ginger, cinnamon, and rose—serves as a reminder that nature has provided us with tools to ease our transitions.
As you sip on this delightful brew, may you find solace in the wisdom of the seasons and the herbs that accompany them. Embrace change, for it is the essence of growth, and allow the comforting ritual of tea to guide you through life's beautiful, ever-changing journey.
With Love & Gratitude,
Ninetta M. Savino, B.A., Dip. Phyto.
Medical Herbalist & Founder of Ash + Thorn Herbals
Uses of these plants have not been regulated by the FDA. Regardless of their long term traditional uses it is important to independently research a plant you are considering using for medicinal and nutritional purposes as each individual is different. Please ensure that if you are gathering plants from the wild that you correctly identify the plant before using.
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