The energies of February are transitioning from cold, dry, and etheric to cool, damp, and grounding, and you may be feeling a bit out of sorts- more dreamy and creative, or even a little anxious or have a low mood that is otherwise unexplainable. Ginger tea can help to balance you at this time, and combining it with mindfulness may just be the medicine you need.
Connecting with Ginger lemon and honey tea:
Ginger is a warming root and healing herbal medicine. Energetically it is grounding, warming and slightly invigorating. Ginger is a wonderful ally for the cold season as it has the power to warm you up from the inside Because of its medicinal properties. It can also help with digestion and digestive upsets such as nausea and other gastric issues. Ginger can be found at most grocery stores. If possible, buy organic. To prepare your tea you need about half an inch to an inch of fresh Ginger root.
Any kind of herb that is a root, seed, or fruit needs to be prepared as a decoction- on your stove top, add cold water and the Ginger root to a pot and slowly bring to a near simmer. Don't let it boil. Leave for 5-7 minutes, or even longer for a stronger taste. Once ready, strain into a cup and add your lemon and honey!
Lemon is an alkalizing addition to this tea. Energetically it adds liveliness. It assists an immune function by bringing vitamin C and has detoxifying properties. Squeeze about half a teaspoon to a teaspoon of lemon juice into your mug before or after you put the boiling water in.
Honey has a host of health benefits as well. It is naturally antimicrobial, and helps to coat the throat by moistening during bouts of cold and flu or when the throat feels otherwise dry. It is also a sweetener which helps to make this tea taste a bit more palatable. Buy unpasteurized local honey. If possible, support beekeepers and honey distributors that have sustainable and bee loving practices. Do a little bit of research online before buying your honey. Generally, health food stores or the natural food section of your local grocery store will have a good brand. It may seem a bit more expensive than pasteurized honey but with its health benefits it is well worth it. Sweeten your tea to taste. Add as little or as much honey as you like.
What do you need:
Your favorite mug
Half to 1" of fresh Ginger, organic if possible
Half to one tsp of fresh lemon juice
Honey to Taste
Boiling water for the tea
Connect with your Tea
Sip mindfully: Prepare your tea
Find a comfortable seat. Once your tea has cooled down enough to sip, hold your mug in both hands.
Close your eyes and feel the warm mug in your hands. Take a deep breath through your nose For four (4) to six (6) counts. Hold. Release out of your mouth for four (4) to six (6) counts. Express gratitude for this moment and tune in to how your body feels right now.
Bring the mug closer to your face so you can smell the tea. What do you smell? Does it remind you of anything?
Take a small sip. Hold the tea in your mouth. What tastes and sensations are there? Do any memories come to mind?
Sit with your tea sipping slowly and mindfully. Don't let any distractions in. If negative thoughts arise let them pass you by. Your mind can only think one thought at a time so choose to let your thoughts pass by like clouds in the sky or or choose to daydream about things you are grateful for in the present moment. Keep Sipping.
Think about Things you look forward to. Things you desire to bring into your life. Activities that bring you to life. If journaling is in your practice now is an excellent time to journal about these aspects after spending a few times letting your mind wander and in wondrous ways and anything else you experienced during this tea journey.
Let me know how this practice was for you, or if you have questions please feel free to reach out by contacting me here: www.kaitlynbeugh.com/connect
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