Joyful Tea Blend

The art of creating a good therapeutic tea blend is something a little mysterious. It certainly involves knowledge of herbal actions and flavors but there's more to it than that. I've observed that some people just really have an intuitive knack for it. For me... not so much. I keep playing at it though and now and then I come up with a keeper!

It is so true that "necessity is the mother of invention". A simple wish often inspires a creative spark!

I wish I may, I wish I might... create a tea blend that would bring some calm and enjoyment into my stressful work days. That was what I needed. This is what I came up with... 

Joyful Tea Blend

Combine the following herbs in equal parts. Steep 1-2 teaspoons for 15 minutes, up to 4 times daily. I don't usually sweeten my teas but you can add a bit of stevia or honey if you prefer. 

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) ---  Spicy and warm. An ally for the brain (enhances cognition), mood elevating, and seasonal affective disorder.

Linden (Tilia platyphyllos, T. cordata) --- Sweet and moist. Anti-depressant, lowers blood pressure,  soothes tension and stress. Thought to relieve impatience and anger. 

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) ---  Sweet and moist. Anxiety, upset stomach, irritability, and nervous headache.

This blend is truly a joy anytime of the year but it's especially nice in the wintertime due to its energetics - spicy, warm, sweet, and moist. Just the ticket for cold/dry constitutions. You may have noticed that each herb is wonderfully aromatic as well. This alone is very uplifting! 

In my experience, the beneficial activity of these plant allies bring some relief to a stressful work environment. And never underestimate the additional reward that comes with slowing down long enough to do something with intention. Enjoy!

Safety considerations: Do not consume if allergic to any of the flowering herbs or leaves in this blend. Lemon balm has a mild thyroxin-inhibiting activity so those with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and other hypothyroid conditions should avoid large quantities of it (small amounts as part of a larger formula should not be an issue). 

References:

Adaptogens - Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Materica Medica - Nervines. By David Winston, RH (AHG) with Steven Maimes. Lemon balm p. 252-253.

Adaptogens - Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Materica Medica - Nervines. By David Winston, RH (AHG) with Steven Maimes. Linden p. 253-254

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley | Steven Horne. Linden - p. 262

The Wild Medicine Solution - Healing with Aromatic, Bitter, and Tonic Plants by Guido Mase. Linden. p. 100

Adaptogens - Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief. Materica Medica - Nervines. By David Winston, RH (AHG) with Steven Maimes. Chamomile p. 247-249