What’s the Tea? Vol. 1
Hello, friends!
Today is LAUNCH DAY for the new Kristini’s Teas shop website! Transitioning off of my Etsy shop has been a long time coming, and I’m thrilled to present you with a more comprehensive experience here.
Every Tuesday, I’m going to send out my newsletter “What’s the Tea?” where I’ll tell you what herbal blend(s) I’m making for myself at the moment and why; educating you all about one of my tea blends; and highlighting a favorite herbalist and/or herbal product.
Here’s what’s going on this week:
Tea Blend I’m Drinking:
Holy Basil (Rama) | Rose | Ginger
Aside from being an incredibly aromatic blend, I chose these three herbs because both my physical and emotional insides have been in need of some extra love.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we just experienced the autumnal equinox, a moment of great harvest and abundance before the earth takes a rest in winter. Fall’s energy really does embody “excitement.” The body can feel “excited” when experiencing joy and the anticipation of something positive happening. That “excited” feeling can also indicate the presence of nervousness and stress.
While I’m beyond thrilled to see the leaves show their vibrant hues, to eat all the cider donuts, and to enjoy the deliciously crisp mornings…fall also brings that special kind of stress where you feel like you need to do all the things before the weather gets too cold.
Holy basil (also known as “tulsi”) is an adaptogen, meaning that it helps your body adapt to your lived experience, your environment. That’s why, for some, holy basil can act as a stimulant that invigorates, while for others it acts as a nervine that calms. There are several types of holy basil (more on that in an upcoming blog post!), and the one I’m using currently is called “rama.” Rama holy basil has notes of cinnamon in its aroma and taste.
Rose petals appeal to the emotional body—they’re known to carry the energetics of love, and I personally think they taste like love. Rose is a pivotal ingredient in both my Self Love Blend (scroll down for more info!) and Heart Chakra Blend for this reason.
Ginger’s warmth and spiciness keeps things moving and grooving in the digestive tract while also fighting inflammation. This root is one of my besties, for sure.
Does this blend appeal to you? Order it as a custom blend!
Herbalist Spotlight:
Santalena Groves, Heart Grown Wild
I first met Santalena virtually at the beginning of the pandemic, when she was offering emotional support sessions. Then I got to meet her in person when she came to Herbstalk in 2021. I consider her one of my “fairy godwitches” (I have three!).
Santalena’s energy is calming, authoritative, warm, and genuine. She’s based in Vermont, and her herbal products have healed my skin immensely.
Herbal Tea Blend Spotlight: Self Love Blend
Herbal Tea Blend Spotlight:
Self Love Blend
Ingredients: rose, calendula, chamomile, lavender, milky oat tops
One of my best-selling blends, this colorful tea feels like you’re being enveloped by a warm hug with every sip. Each ingredient is calming in its own way. As I said earlier, rose soothes the emotions. Calendula and milky oat tops are fantastic anti-inflammatories for the physical body. Chamomile and lavender are perhaps the most famous of nervines, widely known for their anxiety-reducing properties.
Sending you all a big, big hug. Thank you for being here.
Warmly,
Kristina