So since I last wrote previously about the various loose leaf teas that I have and love to drink, I came down with a cold in November 2022. I haven't had a cold in a few years (the last one was at least in the late 2010s) so it kind of knocked me sideways and I had to remember what it felt like to be unwell again.
But this was also an opportunity for me to learn about teas and tisanes that I could use to help me along the healing path, so I felt I had to grasp it with both hands. Only one of these brews have I actually tried but I am looking forward to trying the others. This will be similar to the first Witch's Brews post where I give the associations for each ingredient.
The first tea is an Immune Boosting Infusion. I bought this in June 2020, although I have since discovered that this is no longer available with the company I bought from. It's still a lovely tea but it would have been nice to know I could get more of it. Anyway, it contains Long Needle Rooibos, Calendula petals, Chamomile flowers, Echinacea, Peppermint and Spearmint. Rooibos is associated with strength, longevity and determination. Calendula is associated with the Sun, the element of Fire, and protection. Chamomile is associated with the Sun, the element of Water, and purification. Echinacea is associated with Mars, the element of Earth, healing, and inner and outer strength. Peppermint is associated with Mercury, the element of Air, healing and purification. Spearmint is associated with protection and healing.
The next tisane is one of the collection of 20 herbal teas/tisanes that a friend gave to me. It only has two herbal ingredients which are Lemongrass and Ginger. Lemongrass is associated with Mercury, the element of Air, and cleansing. Ginger is associated with Mars, the element of Fire, protection and healing.
The third tisane is one of the brews that Witch Casket has done and was in the Casket produced for the Element of Air. It contains Lemongrass and Peppermint, both of which I've already covered.
The final tisane is also one of the brews that Witch Casket has done and this one relates to the Element of Fire. It contains Ginger, which I've already covered, and Ginseng. Ginseng is associated with the Sun, the element of Fire, long life, vitality, healing and protection.
So with all these brews and their magickal associations, I wanted to go into the slightly more mundane reasons for why I've chosen these four as the brews I'm going to use when I'm not feeling well.
As a child, during the winter, I would take Echinacea capsules to help combat any colds or other winter bugs that float around. I never really knew why I would have to take them but now I know that Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years to fight colds as a very natural remedy.
Ginger is very similar to Echinacea in that it also has a long history of being used as a natural remedy for colds. I like to have it in biscuit form (when I remember to buy them) as I'm not a huge fan of Ginger on its own. Ginger Nut biscuits just work with a cup of tea and fighting colds.
Calendula on its own doesn't have the same effect with colds so it tends to be used alongside other herbs that can fight colds. This explains why it's in the tea and not in the tisanes, and this actually makes a lot of sense to me.
Chamomile is similar to Ginger and Echinacea because, again, it's been used for centuries to reduce cold symptoms in herbal medicines. Mint of any form - including Spearmint and Peppermint - naturally contains menthol which is an ingredient in a lot of decongestant products because its aroma naturally helps when fighting a cold. Another herb that is within these brews is Lemongrass which has been used for thousands of years for its healing properties.
Something that disappointed me a little was the knowledge that Ginseng should only be taken alongside current medications if a medical professional has determined that it would not have a detrimental effect. So while I would like to drink the Fire Element tisane, I will have to shelve it until I can speak to my doctor and find out whether it is safe for me to drink.
Thanks to trying the Lemongrass & Ginger sample, I was inspired to acquire this blend but I like to have tins that are easily organised and I couldn't get that exact blend. However, the blend I do have is really nice and it's been my drink of choice while I deal with this cold. This blend contains Lemongrass, Ginger pieces, Liquorice root, Peppermint, Lemon peel, and Black Peppercorns. Lemongrass, Ginger and Peppermint have already been covered so here are the others: Liquorice root is associated with Venus, the element of Water, love, romance, advantage, passion, power, and persuasion. Lemons are associated with the Sun and the Moon, the elements of Air and Water, friendship, inspiration, creativity, love, motivation, optimism, protection, and purification. Black Peppercorns are associated with Mars, the element of Fire, protection, releasing negative energy, inner strength and confidence.
I'm really enjoying exploring this part of my Craft and I look forward to sharing the next part of my herbal journey. I hope this inspires you to look into herbalism and how you can use it in your own practices.
Peace and love to all!!!
Love the the thought of elemental tea blends