As summer fades gracefully into autumn, the environment around us undergoes an undeniable shift. Vibrant greenery morphs into explosions of fiery earth tones. Hot, humid days and nights become cooler and crisp. Dry brittle scents unique to fall fill the air. This season invites us into mindfulness, slowing our pace and quietly wrapping our senses in these fleeting gifts.
Stability and routine are intensely grounding during times of transition. A daily practice of tea drinking brings calm, supports inner balance and asks us to pay closer attention to internal and external landscapes.
Honor your backyard herbal harvest by creating a custom tea blend, enhanced by a few warming spices. Take time to reflect while the tea is steeping. Embrace the scent, taste and warmth of your brew, sip by sip. If you can maintain presence while you savor, by the time the mug is emptied you’ll also be transformed.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 16 ounces filtered water
- 2 tablespoons dried mint leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
- Raw honey
Preparation
1. Add cloves, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon and star anise to 16 ounces filtered water.
2. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Turn off heat and add dried mint, sage and chamomile. Let steep for 10 minutes more.
4. Strain and sweeten to taste with local raw honey, if desired. Savor slowly throughout the day.
*To dry fresh garden herbs: Bake clean, dry herbs on a baking sheet (in a single layer), in a 170-degree oven for 2 hours. If not completely dry, continue to check every 15 minutes. If using a dehydrator, dry times may vary. Consult user manual. When finished, crumble dried herbs into an airtight jar.
Please experiment with your bounty! Each herb carries its own list of benefits and flavor profile. Other herbs that would work well: lemon balm, thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, rose hips and lavender.
