3 Tea Rituals for Peace, Tranquility, and Relaxation

Between grieving, state-mandated testing, my wedding on the horizon, and the constant droning of more bad news trickling down the pipeline, I have been stressed, and that's putting it lightly. I know I am not alone in this boat, and one of the best ways I relieve stress is through purposeful rituals, especially those that involve tea! There is nothing quite like a warm, steaming mug to help me recenter and let go of the tension of the day.

In today's post, I share three such recipes and their rituals to help bring peace, tranquility, stress relief, and grounding to your life. As with everything, feel free to modify these recipes and rituals to suit your needs. I have offered some Warnings, Modifications, and Alternatives where possible. This should not be expensive or difficult, as that just adds more stress. Modify, modify, modify, and make these rituals your own so you can build a sustainable practice.

Evening Exhale: A Tea Ritual for Letting Go of the Day

Creating routines and rituals around bedtime can help put you into a state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. There are a whole host of herbs that can be used to induce relaxation and promote sleep, but I have found none as great as chamomile and valerian root. Both are naturally relaxing, helping to lower blood pressure, remove tension, and quiet the mind. Valerian root contains compounds that may interact with the brain's GABA signaling pathway, the neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system, by stimulating the production of GABA and blocking the enzyme that breaks it down. Valerian root may also interact with serotonin and adenosine receptors, the hormones responsible for regulating mood and sleep and making you feel tired, thus leading to a more restful sleep overall. This tea is paired with a quick candle ritual and breathing exercise that will help you feel relaxed and ready for bed in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 part chamomile
  
• 1 part valerian root
• Candle
• Match/lighter

Instructions:

1. Light the candle and dim the lights.
2. As your tea steeps, stir it counter-clockwise and say, "The day is done. I release all burdens so I may rest in peace."
3. Sip the tea slowly, feeling its warmth travel through you, your muscles relaxing and the tension leaving your body. Visualize your stress and the burdens of the day leaving you with each exhale.
4. When finished, go promptly to bed.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• A "sleepy time" blend is easily substituted in this recipe, or you can find chamomile and valerian root are easily found in grocery stores as tea if you do not have loose herbs already on hand.
• Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Chamomile can be replaced with lemon balm.
• You can include breathing exercises in this ritual to further relax you.
• If you cannot use fire, a tea light works just as well.
  
  

Heart of the Forest: A Tea Ritual for Grounding & Tranquility

Nature is one of a witch's greatest teachers. Not only does she teach us to let go and that change is inevitable, she also teaches us the value of slowing down, of pausing. The Earth itself is also a great grounding force, allowing us to connect with it and let go of all that ails us. This grounding ritual is paired with a nettle and green tea, which produces a beautiful green hue to go along with the green that is our Earth. Green tea, while slightly caffeinated, helps relieve stress primarily due to the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine helps to reduce stress-related hormones and neuron excitement in the brain, leading to a sense of calm and relaxation. Stinging nettles help lower your blood pressure and reduce general inflammation. Because stinging nettle is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, it helps the body cope with stress and return to a balanced state long-term. Combined, they bring tranquility to the mind and body.

Ingredients:

• 1 part green tea
• 1/2 part stinging nettle

Instructions:

1. Go outside with your steaming mug of tea and firmly plant both feet on the ground, or sit comfortably. 
2. Holding your steeping mug in your hand, gently press it to your chest, feeling your heart beat and the gentle warmth of your tea spread across your chest.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, and then exhale through your nose for four seconds. This is known as box breathing, which has been found to increase your awareness and reduce stress.
4. As you continue box breathing, feel the stress leave your face, then your jaw, then your shoulders, slowly releasing the tension as you move down your body. Push that stress out through your feet (or other low-touching point) and into the Earth.
5. Visualize roots sprouting from your body and connecting you with the Earth. Feel the Earth's energy enter your body, evening your heartbeat, and uplifting your mood, and say, "Like the trees, I am steady. Like the earth, I am rooted."
6. Sip your tea, drinking in this awareness. Between sips, gaze at something green, soaking in the grounding tranquility of nature.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Altering your breathing can cause a reduction in blood pressure, which can cause you to pass out. It can also trigger seizures in some people and PTSD in others. If you are worried about passing out, begin this exercise by lying down. I also suggest practicing with a friend to ensure your safety.
• Green tea contains about 30mg of caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you can remove it completely. White tea contains slightly less caffeine and can be used as a replacement.
• Those with chronic anxiety may experience increased anxiety with caffeine use.
• If you cannot perform this ritual outside, working near a window will work just as well, or you can use a grounding crystal such as hematite, black tourmaline, obsidian, shungite, or smoky quartz.
• Herbal alternatives include pine needles, peppermint, or lemon balm.

Release and Receive: A Tea Ritual for Rest and Renewal

This quick tea ritual combines the renewing properties of rooibos tea, the self-love properties of roses, and the calming properties of oatstraw to produce a potent mixture that removes blockages and leaves you open to renewal. This tea is paired with a fire ritual in which you write down what is weighing you down and burn it to release it. Fire is a great way to get rid of blockages and burdens, but if you cannot use fire, there are some alternative suggestions in the Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives section.

Ingredients:

• 1 part rooibos tea
• 1/2 part rose petals
• 1/2 part oatstraw
• Candle
• Lighter/match
• Paper
• Writing utensil
• Fire-safe dish

Instructions:

1. While your tea is brewing, light the candle. On the piece of paper, write down one or more things you are ready to release or let go of.
2. Fold the paper in half away from you and place it under your mug.
3. Stir your tea counterclockwise while saying, "I release what weighs me down. I make space for rest and ease."
4. As you begin sipping your tea, imagine the weight being released from your body as your muscles relax. Visualize yourself lighter and open to receiving peace.
5. When you are finished, burn the paper in a fire-safe dish.

Warnings/Modifications/Alternatives:

• Be mindful when working with fire. He is sometimes fickle and can easily get away from you if you aren't paying attention. Use a fire-safe dish and always have water, a fire extinguisher, or sand nearby in case of emergency.
• If you cannot use fire, you can drown your burdens in water and flush them down the toilet.
• Herbal alternatives include lavender, chamomile, or passionflower.

***

Self-care is an act of self-love and is the first step in mutual aid. We cannot take care of others before we have filled our own cup. Take the time you need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate in these unprecedented times (yeah, I want to live in "precedented" times too...I am so exhausted.). You are worth the time it takes, and you are not lazy for resting. Don't let capitalism fool you.

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