Inhale the Aroma! To get the most aroma-therapeutic benefit from your tea, keep it covered while it steeps, and while it’s still hot and steamy, sip it out of an open, wide-mouth mug or cup.
It isn’t just the taste of tea that makes it soothing, nor the chemical compounds in the drink—the aromas wafting from your cup also reduce stress. The scents you inhale as you sip have their own relaxing and energizing properties, and they embody aromatherapy in its simplest state. Looking to invigorate your mind, soothe frayed nerves, or lull yourself to sleep? It may be as simple as bringing hot water to a boil. Turn the page for three blends you can make at home that call upon the healing power of scent.
Serene-a-Tea
This tea calls on several of our most calming scents with a blend of floral and soothing spice. Quality orange blossoms (all called neroli) are divine but difficult to find. You can omit them if needed.
- 1 teaspoon jasmine green tea
- 1 teaspoons orange blossoms, optional
- 1/4 vanilla bean, snipped into pieces
- pinch of fresh-grated nutmeg
Let steep in 16 ounces of near-boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes before straining
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Tea
This infusion includes aromas that both stimulate and calm the mind so that you can move through your day as swiftly and serenely as a Zen master. Studies show that we feel more energized and perform tasks (from work to workouts) better while inhaling peppermint and rosemary, while the aromatic holy basil has a more balancing effect on energy level.
- 1 teaspoon holy basil (AKA tulsi)
- 1 teaspoon chocolate mint (or peppermint)
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon Moroccan mint green tea
Let the herbs and tea steep in 16 ounces of near boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes before straining. This blend is also nice with a bit of honey, but a hot tea will provide more aroma.
Happy Lemon Tea
Citrus scents — even if they come from plants that are totally unrelated to citrus fruits– have an uplifting effect on your mood. Vanilla rounds out the flavor and aroma with its own calming, creamy properties. You can also add a little bit of Earl Grey and steep this for just 3 to 5 minutes.
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm (or 1/4 cup chopped fresh, if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon verbena
- 1 teaspoons dried lemongrass
- 1/2 wedge of lemon
- 1/4 vanilla bean, snipped into pieces
Squeeze the lemon into your cup, the put the whole wedge into the bottom. Add the herbs to your cup an let everything steep in 16 ounces of near-boiling water for 10 minutes before straining.
