Invigoration herbal tea is the fourth tea in the ‘As Above, So Below‘ herbal bath tea collection. I created it to bring vitality and a breath of fresh air to the Anahata chakra; the heart chakra.
Anahata Chakra
The Anahata chakra is the bridge between the three lower, physical chakras, and the three upper, spiritual chakras. This chakra brings balance and harmony to our emotions and creativity. It connects us with nature, and helps our relationships to others grow and flourish. It helps us maintain one foot in reality and one foot in the ether; as above, so below.
Each ingredient in Invigoration tea contains a little medicine and a little magic. I’m not here to talk about the more farfetched claims surrounding any of these herbs; studies have been done about each of them that talk about preventing cancer or other major diseases, but we’re not going to go there. Please do not use herbal tea in place of actual advice or prescriptions from your doctor, and remember to check if any medication you are taking could react with the ingredients in the tea.
Almond
Almonds are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain protein, calcium, vitamin E, and zinc. Steeping almonds increases their bioavailability and makes the magnesium in them easier to absorb. Almond tea is good for inflammation reduction.
The magic of almonds invokes healing energy, fruitfulness, wisdom. Some people use it to help overcome addictions and dependencies. Almonds boost prosperity and are positively connected with money.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used as a spice and a traditional medicine for several centuries. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have shown cinnamon may act as an insulin memetic, though the studies were highly controlled, and insulin dependent people are less predictable. Cinnamaldehyde found in cinnamon may be helpful to fight infections.
Magic-wise, cinnamon can boost healing, power, and strength. It is used for protection and luck, success and prosperity. And pie. Pie is magic.
Fennel
Fennel and its seeds contain minerals such as manganese which activates enzymes , helps regulate blood sugar, and supports metabolism; potassium and magnesium for your muscle and nerve functions, and calcium for your bones. It also has polyphenol antioxidants which are potent anti-inflammatory agents, and limonene which helps combat free radicals.
Its magical properties include strength, vitality (physical and sexual), healing, and purification. It is sometimes used in protection spells, and is said to prevent curses.
Parsley
Parsley is a good source of vitamin K; more than 70% of the recommended daily intake in one tablespoon, which is great for bone growth and mineral density. It contains antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein, which prevent age-associated degeneration in your retinas. Parsley is a natural diuretic, helping reduce blood pressure and bloating. Some people chew it after a meal as a breath freshener.
Parsley’s metaphysical uses include calming, attracting prosperity, and restoring a sense of wellness. It can protect, increase strength, and impart vitality, especially after an illness or surgical procedure.
What's in the Box
When you purchase Invigoration herbal tea at my massage therapy studio, you’ll get a cute paper pillow box with a sigil on the label. Each box contains one small tea bag with 1 teaspoon of loose tea, and one large tea bag with 2 teaspoons of loose tea. I created the sigil to infuse the contents of the box with vitalizing energy directed at the person who uses the tea. The tea bags, tea, box, and labels are all compostable.
How to Use
Invigoration herbal tea is a sweet, vegetative tea with liquorice notes. Because this is ‘As Above, So Below’ tea, if you want to add something to your cup to sweeten your tea, consider also adding some to your bath; honey would be a great addition for your skin. I usually add epsom salt or sea salt to the tub, and a little pinch of sea salt to the tea. If you are feeling extra witchy, drop a stone like aventurine or malachite in your bath for a little more heart chakra magic (I don’t recommend adding stones to your tea; some crystals are water soluble and not good for drinking).
Because it is soup outside and not weather, try taking a cool bath with this tea instead. Simply find two glass jars with lids, fill both with water, and drop a tea bag in each jar. Seal the jars and let them steep at room temperature overnight (perhaps on your windowsill under the moon? It will be full soon) or for at least 18 hours. You might want to put them in the fridge once they’re steeped for a little extra cryotherapy magic. Then, pour a lukewarm or cool bath, dump the bath tea jar in the tub, and either drink the other tea straight from the jar, or pour into a fancy cup or mug to drink from.
Hydrotherapy wisdom teaches us that soaking in a salt bath for longer than 20 minutes will reduce the medicinal aspect of your soak. I’ve measured the tea bag for your cup to make a smallish cup of tea, because drinking too much hot beverage in a hot bath can be dangerous for your thermoregulation. Remember the hydrotherapy gods? They’re still watching. Please bathe responsibly.