Oh, October, how I love thee. It is my favorite month, and this year I am leaning all the way into my evening tea ritual as the days get shorter. October is when I pull out the rest of the garden, dry the remaining herbs, freeze whatever I can, and then take one long, slow breath before settling in for the dark time of the year.
I got downright excited when I noticed it was getting dark earlier. The flannel pajamas and flannel sheets came out and, dang, I was ready. This is my cozy routine from now until February. I bask in the cozy darkness with a cup of tea and a little something sweet, and yes, I have even started mixing Christmas movies into my Halloween schedule. No regrets.
My Go-To Cup for Settling In
A steamy cup of tea has been my evening go-to for quite some time. Chamomile, elderberry, Earl Grey. And yes, when I make that last one I say, “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” because I am a Star Trek TNG fan through and through.
Sipping a cup, slowing down for the evening, enjoying the quiet, and watching a good movie or cuddling with Benji is all I need to round out my day. Usually Benji wins. Or maybe I do.
I do not always dry my own herbs for tea. Most of the time I pick up yummy ones from the store or get loose leaf from my favorite vendors. (If you want to see how I dry and store the ones from my garden, check out my Fall Herbal Pantry Reset post.) And when I want something soothing, I pour hot water over fresh lemon, ginger root, and honey for a warm, ahh moment that feels like a little reset for my sinuses.
A Few of My Favorite Teas
I am a big fan of Fraser Tea, which is right here in Michigan. These are the ones I reach for most often:
- Chamomile Dream
- Minty Green green tea
- Cream Earl Grey
- Turmeric Ginger green tea
That is a lot of different teas, Joan. It is, but I get them all in the Fraser Tea Samplers, so I can try a little of everything without committing to a whole bag.
When Reflux Shows Up
As many of you know, I battle with acid reflux sometimes. (I wrote all about it here.) On those nights my go-to is either Traditional Medicinals or Yogi tea, and both are easy to find at your local supermarket.
When the Ritual Needs a Little More Ritual
Sometimes my tea ritual needs a little more, shall we say, ritual. That is when I reach for loose leaf, either lemon balm or lavender I have dried from my garden, or a blend from Buchuvida, made in Grand Rapids, OH. I boil the water, get my tea infuser teapot ready, and just breathe. I look forward to this all day.
Start Your Own Tea Ritual
So get a tea ritual going. Grab a soft blanket, pick a good movie, find yourself a clingy dog, and you are all set. What is in your cup this season? Tell me in the comments, I would love to know.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before beginning any new herbal regimen.
