The Benefits of Tea For The Mind, Body and Soul

Although our society is largely accustomed to chemicals, genetically modified foods and western medicine, there has been a noticeable shift toward the more natural path. People are craving to reconnect with real, whole products and foods. One popular trend that is resurfacing is tea because of its multitude of benefits for mind, body and soul.

For centuries, we have found ways to connect with plants and nature. The beginning of our relationship was based on survival, but as we’ve evolved, it has become so much more. People find gentleness and compassion within plants in a way that not only sustains life, but also adds to our experience of the universe around us. When we begin to listen to our plant counterparts, there is an undeniable flow and reciprocation of life force, essence and wisdom.

Tea – whether it is a delicate green, an herbal chai, or an ever-so-healing adaptogen tonic – has been utilized for thousands of years. The popularity of this familiar beverage has not only created a classic following, but for the millennial tea drinker, a path towards further connection with plants and the surrounding world.

There are many things I love about working with tea and herbs, but the most fulfilling reward comes from seeing people use natural means to heal themselves. If you live in a bustling metropolis (such as Los Angeles, like I do), tea is one of the easiest ways to reconnect to yourself and nature.

There are many things you should keep in mind when buying tea, but it really comes down to one single idea: quality, organic product. To ensure you are getting the best, always buy loose leaf tea. Each plant has been on a special journey to reach your cup. Buying loose leaf tea allows you to see the plant, smell it, appreciate its color, and use proper attention and intention to allow for a beautifully brewed cup of tea.

Tea recipe

To get you started on your own tea journey, here’s a recipe for Fruits to the Roots’ twist on a classic favorite:

PLAYFUL GREY

What you need:
1 oz. of carefully selected Organic Earl Grey Tea
1 tsp. of each of the following:
• Rose petals – toning and soothing
• Lavender flowers – relaxes anxieties and stress
• Orange peel – aids digestion
• Rosemary –improves concentration
• Ashwagandha root – adaptogen herb: aids overall wellbeing by creating balance

Now, find a beautiful space to mindfully blend your tea. Thank each ingredient for its gifts and delicious qualities and then begin to add them to your Earl Grey tea.

Once you carefully mixed in all of your ingredients, voila! Now it’s time to brew the perfect cup.

What you need:
1 muslin tea bag, or one stainless steel tea infuser
Your favorite mug
8-10 ounces of water, set to boil
1 tsp. of PLAYFUL GREY

Begin by setting the water to boil. Be careful not to over boil it, this can change the taste drastically. Once the water comes to a boil, remove from the heat while you prepare your tealeaves. Let your intention set the tone for what your day brings as you gracefully place one teaspoon into your tea infuser. As you pour the hot water over your tea, allow gratitude in. While the tea is brewing, sit with it and breathe in the vapor as it rises and moves through the air, letting it guide your senses. After 3 to 5 minutes, remove your tea infuser and reserve for re-brewing (yes, you can brew your tea again!).

May it bring added playfulness and intention to your day!

Some of my other favorite tonics to try:

Healthy Tea Tonics

‘Be Well and Drink Tea’
With gratitude, by Lauren, Creator of Fruits to the Roots

Fruits to the Roots is a Los Angeles-based botanical beauty and wellbeing company focused on bringing you herbal products for internal and external wellness. Lauren’s background covers years of herbal work and study. She is the creator of Fruits to the Roots and co-creator of the recently launched herbal elixir company, Pure-Potions.com.