Slow Mornings With Herbal Tea

When you feel sad, or upset, make tea. You will feel way better.

A good cup of tea will calm you down on even the worst days. Listen to yourself and process your emotions and validations as you sip your tea.

What you need:

One glass of drinking water

One flower or three florets of your favorite edible flower

Method:

Wash the flower and drop it in a glass of water. Watch it float for about 1-3 minutes. Then sip the water until you have drunk all the water.

Take out the flower from the glass and tell the flower how you feel.

10 common edible flowers

1. Lavender

2. Pansy

3. Hibiscus

4. Violets

5. Chamomile

6. Rose 

7. Cilantro Flowers 

8. Nasturtium

9. Jasmine 

10. Mint Flowers 

Note: Not all flowers are edible. When using edible flowers, it is essential to ensure they are free from pesticides and safe for consumption.

1. Lavender

Lavender is most famous for its soothing, sweet fragrance. The scent is popular in aromatherapy to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Lavender has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for helping to calm anxiety, relieve pain, and as a sleep aid. 

Lavender tea, brewed from the buds of the lavender plant, offers several benefits that make it a popular herbal drink.

Due to its relaxing effects, lavender tea is often recommended before bedtime to improve sleep quality. It may help those suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances.

Lavender tea can soothe stomach discomfort, relieve bloating, and promote overall digestive health. It may also help alleviate nausea symptoms.

Lavender’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and may provide relief from pain, making it beneficial for those with conditions like arthritis.

Lavender contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Some people find that drinking lavender tea helps relieve headaches, including those caused by stress or tension.

Overall, lavender tea is a gentle, soothing beverage that can offer physical and mental health benefits, making it a great addition to a relaxing routine.

2. Pansy

Pansies contain antioxidants that can help improve skin conditions and soothe irritation. They are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which are useful in treating conditions like arthritis.

3. Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea is commonly consumed to help lower high blood pressure. There is a common drink in Nigeria called zobo.It was one of my fav drinks growing up. 

Hibiscus is high in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

My Zobo recipe

Zobo drink, also known as Hibiscus tea, is a popular beverage in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria. It’s made from dried hibiscus flowers and is known for its deep red color, tart flavor, and health benefits. 

Ingredients

– 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (Zobo leaves)

– 8 cups water

– 1-2 cups sugar (adjust to taste)

– 1-2 tablespoons grated ginger

– 1-2 cloves garlic (optional, for a spicy kick)

– A few pineapple slices (for sweetness and flavor)

– Juice of one lime or lemon

– Optional flavorings: cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, orange peels, or mint leaves

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the dried hibiscus flowers under cold running water to remove any dirt and impurities.

2. In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers, grated ginger, and any other spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg that you’re using. If you’re adding garlic, include it here too.

3. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to infuse nicely.

4. After about 15 minutes of simmering, add the pineapple slices to the pot. This adds a natural sweetness and enhances the flavor.

5. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher or bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.

6. Stir in the sugar and lime or lemon juice. Adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your taste. If the drink is too concentrated, you can add some water to dilute it.

7. Refrigerate the Zobo drink until it’s thoroughly chilled. This beverage is best served cold.

8. Serve the Zobo drink over ice cubes. Garnish with mint leaves or slices of citrus fruits if desired.

Tips

Instead of sugar, you can try honey and fruit juices. For a twist, mix in some orange juice, pineapple juice, or apple juice to play with different flavors.

Storage

Zobo drinks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure it’s in a sealed container to maintain freshness.

My first experience with herbal tea was when I was working at a spa. We often served guests calming tea before their massage. 

Drinking Tea on Slow Mornings

Drinking tea during a slow morning can be a wonderfully healthful ritual that offers both mental and physical benefits. 

A slow morning naturally allows for moments of reflection and calm, and tea complements this perfectly. The act of brewing tea can be meditative, and sipping it slowly helps to ease the mind into the day. 

While tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it provides enough to help awaken your senses gently. This can improve focus and alertness without the spike and crash often associated with stronger caffeinated drinks. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea enhances brain function, improving mood and cognitive abilities, making it a perfect beverage for a slow start where you ease into your daily tasks.

A slow morning that includes tea drinking can encourage other healthful habits. With more time, you might choose to pair your cup of tea with a nutritious breakfast, perhaps engage in some light exercise like stretching or yoga, or even spend a few moments in meditation or reading, all of which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Drinking Tea Promotes Hydration and Reduces Inflammation

Starting your day with tea is a great way to hydrate your body after the overnight fast. Hydration is crucial for maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Drinking tea contributes to your daily fluid intake and can help maintain optimal bodily function.

Many teas, such as green tea or herbal options like turmeric tea, possess anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to many health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers.

What is your favorite tea?