The Tea Blend That Channels Summer Solstice Energy Into Your Cup (Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Included) —
So much change is upon us! Friday ushered in a major seasonal transition point with the Solstice, bringing in the eager, youthful, effervescent vibes of summer—like cozy beach house, water-tubing, reading by the poolside, margarita and sunglasses, sand-between-the-toes, convertible-with-its-top-down, "Teenage Dream" (Katy Perry) kind of early summer vibes. Add to that Sunday's arrival of Cancer season to the cosmic party, and we may begin noticing or experiencing the uniquely playful, eager, yet sensitive, family-oriented, and deeply nurturing energy that distinguishes this time of the year.
The days are now at their longest, and the sun has reached its highest ascent. The heat index is beginning its seasonal climb, and I note an increasing sense of buoyancy, expectancy, and feeling. It's everywhere, being expressed by the plants, insects, animals, and landscape. I find the garden at this time of the year to be absolutely magnetic. The plants are well-developed but not yet fully grown; many still just budding or newly flowering, which lends to this crescendoing feeling of eagerness and expectant possibility at being at the cusp of even greater beauty yet to come.
This is the time when the plants are "youthful," vibrantly green, and perfectly mounded and shaped. The wind and heat have not yet made their marks (blowing over and breaking delicate stems, or bleaching and burning leaves). The humidity of the season provides a local "greenhouse" effect on the flora, creating the perfect nurturing conditions for the slow growth these young plants need to reach their lush fullness, maturity, and abundance in several weeks.
As I was watering yesterday, I looked over and witnessed a small bumble bee's ecstasy as they rolled around in a pink, blown rose, its adorable bumble-butt coated with rose pollen. I was joyful with them, sharing for a moment their sense of pure ebullience; and I was so grateful and happy to be able to grow a safe floral haven for this little creature, and others, that will feed, house, and nurture them (as they, in turn, will happily nurture the garden space that heals and nourishes me).
In part, these kinds of micro and macro entanglements with our environment are how we also come to feel these seasonal shifts within our physical and emotional landscape. You may notice, for example, that your nervous system feels buzzier, restless, and more wiry—like someone turned up the amplitude and you're struggling to turn the dial back down; or maybe you find yourself mentally checking out of your day job, daydreaming nonstop about a trip to the Keys, or playing in the turquoise waters of a far-off place like Mallorca. But the difference is that there is this kind of sudden, heightened sense of urgency to get away, to play, to restore ourselves, and just vibe with the sand, wind, and waves—which makes sense. As above, so below: we are fully integrated creatures of both the cosmos and earth, shifting and morphing in exact cadence with the shifts and transitions of the earth and celestial sky, whether we admit or recognize this.
Cancer is a cardinal sign, or one of four zodiac signs that begins a seasonal transition that ushers in a new energy. In the case of Cancer (also known as the Crab), the season's unique energy brings a heightened sense of ebullience, love, and nurture, inspiring us to create safe spaces in our life for happy vibing, restoration, and quality time doing things like barbecuing with neighbors in the backyard, or sipping iced tea by the pool with our besties.
As a water sign, along with Scorpio and Pisces, Cancer leads with emotion, and, along with its fellow water signs, serves as an empathic anchor in our collective human experience. Cancers are known for their feeling hearts and intuition, their sensitivity and unwavering loyalty to those they care about, and their desire for a home life that is harmonious, close, and loving.
In conversation with these unique intersections of sky, earth, and season, I crafted a very special tea infused with the vibes of Cancer season and its relationship to the summer solstice, as well as medicine that helps us thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally at this time of the year.
Our Cancer zodiac tea features Greek Mountain tea, sweet yellow clover, lemon myrtle, chamomile, and blue butterfly pea flower—an ebullient blend that studies the way pure sunshine and bright blue summer skies meet a wild mountain meadow, or a soft and languid sea. Its magic lies in its perfect balance of vulnerability and strength—taking to heart the Crab's deep wisdom, which is that there is a kind of strength that can only be developed when we dare to feel, follow our heart's intuitions, and embrace a healthy interior softness.
While our world feels increasingly inflamed and violent right now, it becomes ever more vital that we center ourselves in nature's healing wisdom, amplify our care for one another, and forge spaces of loving refuge and peace for our friends, family, neighbors, and world.
Continue reading to learn more about the powerful medicine of our Cancer blend:
Greek Mountain Tea or Sideritis, has been consumed since ancient times, and is one of the most precious and revered healing herbs in Greek history. It was used to "draw out" or remove disease, and is often used today to draw out respiratory infection, clear cold viruses, strengthen immune response, and boost heart health. Sideritis is beautifully stately, and one of the most powerful caffeine-free sources of antioxidant polyphenols found outside of green tea. It aids digestion, helps improve respiratory health, alleviates stress and anxiety, and promotes a broad sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Australian Lemon Myrtle has been used for tens of thousands of years by the Indigenous people of Australia, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-viral herb used to eliminate germs, reduce inflammation, and reduce swelling in both the sinuses and bronchial passageways. Lemon myrtle is calming and relaxing to the nervous system, and its high content of citral has been shown in medical studies to help reduce insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance. Its high Vitamin C and antioxidant content make it an excellent protective herb against free radicals and oxidative stress. In general, lemon myrtle supports a healthy and balanced immune system as well as overall rejuvenation and wellness.
Sweet Yellow Clover is a pinnacle bee medicine that brings joy and relaxation to the heart, as well as healing to the lungs, and balance to both the digestive tract and venous system. Yellow clover is traditionally used to treat inflammation of the veins and is a proven vasodilator that helps eliminate swelling and reduce bruising. Useful for healing hematomas. Sweet clover may help resolve nervous tics and muscle spasms, and helps cool and cleanse the blood. Yellow Clover is naturally rich in coumarins*.
Blue Butterfly Pea Flower is known for its ability to bring on states of euphoria. Its naturally uplifting energy helps alleviate sadness, depression, and anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It is mentally calming, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. In addition, Blue Butterfly Pea flower promotes respiratory health by helping lower histamine response; it helps promote cognitive health, improved focus and memory, is strengthening to the eyes, and boosts cardiovascular function.
German Chamomile is perhaps one of the most familiar and beloved of all medicinal herbs. It is used to treat irritability and pain, and provide relaxation and relief from tension. Chamomile soothes a wide spectrum of digestive discomforts, and helps with general tendencies toward petulance and whining. Chamomile is a wonderful treatment for intermittent fever, liver and gallbladder congestion, menstrual pain and discomfort, muscle and ligament tension, and skin irritations. A deeply soothing herb that promotes relaxation and good spirits.
*While the dosage of yellow clover in Cancer is very small, consult a physician if you are currently taking blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
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