Sleep Candle Spell

Take a white household candle silently.
Walk counterclockwise around your bedroom three times.
As you do this, project simple protective phrases into the walls, floors, and windows such as:
"keep me safe" etc.
Next, walk clockwise three times in silence, meditating on positive, restful phrases.
Finally, blow out the candle, whisper the word "sleep" and turn in for the night.
Note that this spell does not need to be repeated to continue working.
Instead, simply light the candle for a few minutes each night, then whisper "sleep" again
before getting into bed. When the candle is completely spent, repeat the original spell
with a new white candle.

Spell To Lose Your Troubles

Take a handful of earth and gaze into it. 

Put all your troubles and thoughts of distress into it. 
State exactly what it is that's troubling you. 
When finished, throw the dirt behind you and walk away without turning around to look at it.

A Candle Spell to Bring Back Lost Love

Candle magic is an old and powerful form of sympathetic magic. It is also one of the simplest types of magic to use for casting spells. 

Candle magic can be simple or complicated, just as relationships can be. While you are free to customize this spell to make it as beautiful and complex as you please, that is not necessary to win back the affections of the one you love.

Natural beeswax or soy candles are preferred over petroleum-based candles, but you're not destined to a long, lonely life if you can't find that type. Any kind of candle will work - just make sure that it's never been burned.

Choose a red candle for passionate love, a pink candle for romantic love or a white candle for all goals. Once you have selected your candle, charge it with your specific intent: to open the person's heart to you, to make you and your situation more attractive in the person's eyes, to make the circumstances so that the environment is right for the person to love you again, to open their eyes to the truth of a situation ... be very clear as to the result you want.

Once you have charged your candle you are ready to cast the spell and clear the way to reunite with your special someone.

You will need:
In addition to your charged candle, you will need seven thorns from a red rose bush. If you do not have rose thorns, use straight pins.

Instructions:
(1) Prepare yourself for the spell by clearing your area and your mind. Relax and hold the candle while visualizing the desired outcome - your love running back into your arms, for example - as you send your energy from your hands into the candle.
(2) Carve the name of your love onto the candle using the tip of your athame, a knife, a nail or a pin, visualizing your love returning to you as you do so. Push the rose thorns or pins into the letters of your love's name.
(3) Anoint the candle using virgin olive oil, continuing your visualization, and then place the candle in its holder.
(4) Light the candle and continue to visualize the outcome as you think about the results you desire. Really see your love coming back to you, and concentrate only on that. Focus all your energy on the result as you watch the candle burn for a period of time.
(5) Repeat this chant three times: Powers of the universe / Bring ________ (first name) back to me / This is my will / So mote it be!
(6) Allow your candle to burn out or extinguish it safely.

Another spell you can recite as your candle burns down is: Bring back the love that I know, / With his/her return, our love shall grow. / Universe bring him/her back to stay, / Let our love grow stronger day by day.

If you cast a candle spell to bring back lost love, you're making your wishes known to the universe. Always remember that your spell must never interfere with the free will of the person, no matter how much you miss him or her. 

Empaths

Empaths are poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers and artists who possess a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual. They are loving, loyal and humorous.

They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, sister, brother, child, friend, doctor, nurse, caregiver, teacher, psychic, clairvoyant, healer and more.

That is not to say that all those in any given category are empaths. The list is extensive and really unimportant. What is important to notice is that empaths are everywhere - in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths may be highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection. They may speak openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

Yet, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that's not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath overwhelmed and struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings. Perhaps even fighting their gift.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs.

In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony, drama and stress creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

This will help when you're feeling ill or down!

Use this when you are sick or just not feeling well.

You will need:
A white candle
Sea salt
A healing oil of your choice, such as carnation, violet, sandalwood or narcissus

Instructions:
Light the candle, and by the candle’s light run a tub of very warm water.

Cast some salt into it. Add a few drops of healing oil of your choice and then step into the bath. Relax.

Feel the warm salted water sinking into your pores, through your skin, sterilizing and healing the sick portions of your body.

Visualize the sickness leaving your body and entering the water. When you feel that the sickness has entered the water, pull the plug and let the water drain out.

Stay in the bath while it is draining and chant:
"The sickness flows out of me,
Into the water, into the sea."

Wait until the tub is completely drained before you stand up.
Then take a shower to remove the last traces of the sickness–laden water.

Repeat as needed to speed your body's recovery.

Today is Earth Day!

Have you ever wondered how Earth Day started? This observance arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues. In 1970, San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration.

McConnell chose the spring equinox, 21 March 1970, and Nelson chose 22nd April. Millions of people participated. Today, Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated with events on both dates. The most common practice of celebration is to plant new trees for Earth Day.

Here are some ideas for how you can celebrate Earth Day today and every day:

☆ Plant wildflowers
☆ Plant trees and shrubs that are native to your area
☆ Plant herbs and flowers that attract butterflies
☆ Plant an organic vegetable garden
☆ Conserve water (shower with a friend!)
☆ Initiate a dialog with your friend and coworkers about sustainability
☆ Pick up trash
☆ Attend a rally and show your support for keeping our water and air clean
☆ Take your children to a zoo, an aquarium or a park and impress upon them our responsibilities to animals and the Earth
☆ Take public transportation or ride your bike to conserve energy
☆ Sign-up for a neighborhood clean-up project or create your own
☆ Go online and look for Earth Day activities in your community and then go participate in one
☆ Buy your fruits, vegetables and honey at a farmer's market rather than at a large chain store

What other ideas do you have?
Keep me posted! 

Meditation!

Meditation is the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations, or on a word known as a mantra. In other words, meditation means turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. In magic it is important to learn to meditate, as this how me open our sub conscious and that is where the magic is.

Meditation reduces your stress levels and keeps your mind sharp and focused.

A simple meditation exercise.

Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and practice the following exercise for several minutes each day:

Assume a comfortable posture lying on your back or sitting.

If you're sitting, keep the spine straight and let your shoulders drop.

Close your eyes if it feels comfortable.

Focus your attention on your belly, feeling it rise or expand gently as you inhale and fall or recede as you exhale.

Concentrate on your breathing, 'being with' each breath.
Every time you notice your mind has wandered off the breath, notice what it was that took you away and then gently bring your attention back to your belly and the feeling of the breath coming in and out.

If your mind wanders away from the breath, then your job is simply to bring it back to the breath every time, no matter what it has become preoccupied with.

Practice this exercise for 15 minutes at a convenient time every day, whether you feel like it or not, for one week - and see how it feels to incorporate a disciplined meditation practice into your life.
Be aware of how it feels to spend time each day just being with your breath, being 'in the moment' without having to do anything.

Lavender Syrup

Ingredients – makes 2 x 190 ml jars

1.5 cups water

1.5 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lavender blossoms

A few drops of purple food coloring (optional but will stay clear without it)

Method:

• Place all the ingredients into a pan over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.
• 
  
• Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
• 
  
• Remove from heat and allow to steep 30 minutes.
• 
  
• Return to the heat and bring back to the boil.
• 
  
• Pour into sterilized jars and seal with lids.
• 
  
• A perfect addition to ice cream, fruit tarts, lemonade, teas or cocktails.

A few other uses for lavender:

10. Scent

Crush fresh lavender between your fingers or rub lavender oil on your temples for a soothing dose of aromatherapy stress relief. Lavender relieves anxiety and tension naturally.

9. Tea

Did you know that steeping a small handful of lavender flowers in boiling water creates a healthful herbal tea? This is just as effective as chamomile for promoting sleep and helping to soothe frazzled nerves.

8. Perfume

Lavender oil makes a nice, chemical-free alternative to perfumes and colognes. Dab a little at the back of your neck or wrists to smell clean and light.

7. Bath

Adding either oil or fresh buds to a hot bath will promote relaxation and ease tired muscles.

6. Sleep accessories

Tie up fresh flowers in a satchel, small pillow case, or reusable eye pillow. Lavender helps you to sleep better.

5. Skin relief

Is your skin burned, chafed or irritated? Add some lavender oil to your moisturizer or a spray water bottle and apply or mist your skin generously.

4. Sweet, fresh-scented laundry

Tie up a bundle of lavender blossoms in a cloth and add them to the dryer cycle when you do laundry. It beats those chemical sheets!

3. Cuts and scrapes

Lavender has natural antiseptic properties. Use lavender oil as a protective salve instead of rubbing alcohol (this is a nice alternative for children).

2. Dandruff

Between vinegar and lavender, who needs those harsh chemical shampoos? Steep lavender as you would to make tea; allow to cool and use as a rinse daily until dandruff is cleared up.

1. Lots of things

Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), and upset stomach.

Animal Totems, how to find yours!

What are animal totems?
Animal totems are spirit guides but in the form of an animal. We all have an animal guide that has been with us since our birth like spirit guides and angels. Our animal guide teaches us, guides us and protects us throughout our lifetime. We will have one or two main animal totems and there may be many others that will come and go in our lives depending on the lessons we are learning at a given time.

Below is the different types of animal totems:

Lifelong animal totem
This animal totem will have been with you since your birth, we all have one main lifelong animal totem but some can have more than one. Lifelong animal totems will stay with us for our entire lifetime never leaving our side for a second and will be with us whenever we need its strengths and powers. Our lifelong animal totem will protect us, guide us and offer us wisdom whenever we need it and if there is ever a time you feel you need your animal totems help just ask them and they will help you as much as they can.

Journey animal totem
A journey animal totem will appear at a certain time in your life when you need its power, guidance or wisdom and will remain with you for a period of time be it days, weeks, months or years coming and going over that period of time. Journey animal totems often appear when you are going through important lessons, spiritual experiences or situations in your life.

Message animal totemA message animal totem will appear suddenly in your life completely out of the blue and will go just as suddenly as it came when you no longer need its help where as a journey animal totem will stay with you for a set period of time before it leaves, even if it comes and goes over that period of time.
A message animal totem will show up when you need its help urgently in a situation or you need to learn a certain lesson and this animal totem will be able to assist and help you with this importing you wisdom and spiritual assistance. Message animals will also turn up suddenly to give you a warning about something or an important spiritual message.
Their message will stand out and be unique and may be communicated with you subtly through telepathy and in forms in intuition and hunches and through feelings and emotions.
Message animal totem usually don't stay for long periods of time and their presence is often a very short one till they have got their message across and once they have done this they will then leave.

Shadow animal totem
These animal totems appear to test us and they have the power to put tests and lessons before us to learn from. Their tests may not always be easy and will often be difficult and challenging but the wisdom and knowledge you can gain from these tests is invaluable.
Shadow animal totems will try to help us work through fears and phobias, painful memories and emotions and they may find ways in getting us to face up to these issues so we can work through and overcome them once and for all.

Medicine animal totemThese animal totems are healers and will appear when we need any healing in any shape or form be it physically, mentally or spiritually. These animal totems also work with people who are healers helping them with their healing work and they can also help teach those who are learning how to heal people or animals giving them wisdom and guidance in their studies.

Our animal totems will often relate to ourselves in characteristics and you may find yourself being drawn to a particular animal and being quite fond or attracted to the animal. Being drawn to a certain animal is one of the signs that the animal may be your animal totem but our animal totem may find other ways of showing us that they are our animal totem and one way they can do this is through our dreams, if you keep dreaming of a certain animal that you have no personal connection with during your waking hours than this animal may be your animal totem. Another way is through synchronicity, if a certain animal keeps appearing in your daily life such as in books, on the computer or TV, or if people start talking about that animal whenever you are around or you start seeing that animal all of a sudden in person than these can also be signs that it is your animal totem trying to find a way of showing you who they are, of course they can show you in many other ways other than the above too. If you want to know who your animal totem is you can ask them to give you signs or if they can visit you in a dream.

We can learn a lot from our animal totems and improve our own qualities by getting in touch with specific qualities that is found in our animal totems and work on these areas to improve our behaviour and to use the strengths of our animal totems qualities to help us in difficult situations in our lives. The weaknesses of our animal totems qualities is also another area that we can work on to improve our own weaknesses.

If you are drawn to a particular animal look below to see if your animal/insect is in the list and find out what their meaning and characteristics are. You should find that you and the animal totem has very similar characteristics, however if you don't and yet still find yourself drawn to the animal totem it may be because the animal totem is encouraging you to develop or work on the characteristics that is associated with it.

Animal totems and their meanings/characteristics
Crocodile/Alligator

Fearless, quick, maternal and protective of young, adaptability, strength, keepers of ancient wisdom, patience. connection to mother earth, aggressive, revengeful, deceitful. Crocodile/alligator totems advise those to make sure your needs are being met and that your primal urges are kept under control.

Bat

Perceptive, good hearing, able to pick up the unheard and read between the lines, Clairaudient, good listener, long life, rebirth, misunderstood, secrecy, death and rebirth, ability to observe the unseen, sociable, bat encourages those to release fears and to let go off old ways and make new starts.

Bear

Power, watcher, courage, strength, willpower, leadership, natural healer abilities, lunar magic, connection to the moon, fiercely protective of those who they love, wisdom, fearlessness, devotion, strong family values, over-confident, fiery anger, can lack caution.

Beaver

Emotional, intuitive, subconscious, dreams, teamwork, happy working with others, loyal, good companion, do not neglect dental care, put dreams/ideas in to reality, good builders, strong-willed and persistent, patient, beaver totems warn those against being highly strung, inflexible and possessive.

Bee

Fertility, sexuality, alertness and awareness, productive, hard-worker, defensive, need to decide on what sacrifices are to be made to better life, organised and efficient, may over-work, clean, likes things nice and tidy, bee can be compulsive and obsessive so needs to keep this under control, bee is productive and wise.

Beetle

Defensive, fearful, keeps emotions hidden behind a protective shell but easily hurt, can be aggressive when protecting themselves, protective and loyal over their children, friends and family, mothering and nuturing, Beetle teaches those to make transformations in their lives and to start new beginnings and to not be so distrustful of others and over-sensitive.

Bull/Cow

Fertility, strength, assertive, strong, courage, fearless, passionate, stamina, pride, noble, patient, Bull/cow totem warns those against being rigid and rushing in to things without proper care and to not be stubborn and bull-headed.

Butterfly

Joy, the symbol of the soul, celebration, messengers, transition and change, balance, grace, ability to accept change, Butterfly's come when change and transformation is needed in life, creativity, butterfly people are often optimistic and positive and has a cheery attitude.

Cat

Guardians of the spirit and good fortune, mystery, independent, sensuality, protective, wisdom, aloofness, self-assured, may see spirits and can connect to the spirit world, searcher for hidden information, psychic power, creativity, natural healers, intuitive and teaches us to tap in to this, perceptive, secretive, supernatural abilities, watchful and observant, encourages those to come up with new ideas, to be watchful and to use psychic abilities.

Cheetah

Flexible, speed, responds quickly to dangers and opportunities, healing abilties due to empathy with other people's feelings, solitary and selective with who they trust, insight and focus, abiltity to act quick and make things move forward, patience, self-esteem, cheetah teaches those that rest and relaxation is important.

Coyote

Trickster, cunning, adapts to situations easily and likes to have close knit family, very instinctive, intelligent, playful, enthusiastic, coyote encourages those to laugh and not get upset over mistakes made and not be too serious in life or foolish, coyote people are quite fun and likes to play tricks and pranks on people but they also hide their own sadness with humour, coyote teaches the balance of wisdom and foolishness.

Crow/Ravens

The keeper of spiritual law, keen insight, mischievous, good teacher, intelligence, creative, knowledgeable, skill, swiftness, sociable, trickery, clever, cunning, cocky, warning of danger. omen of change, magick, psychic protection, healing abilities. Crow/raven people need to work on their pyschic abilities and must be cautious of those they are unsure off.

Crab

Protection, good luck, shy, sensitive, defensive, can feel isolated and withdrawn from others, deep emotions, finds it hard trust others, homely and nuturing, connection to the moon, crab encourages those to come out of their shells and to shine, can be overly cautious and crabby.

Deer / Stag

When you have the deer as spirit animal, you are highly sensitive and have a strong intuition. By affinity with this animal, you have the power to deal with challenges with grace. You master the art of being both determined and gentle in your approach. The deer totem wisdom imparts those with a special connection with this animal with the ability to be vigilant, move quickly, and trust their instincts to get out the trickiest situations. The meanings associated with the deer combine both soft, gentle qualities with strength and determination. Gentleness Ability to move through life and obstacles with grace Being in touch with inner child, innocence Being sensitive and intuitive Vigilance, ability to change directions quickly Magical ability to regenerate, being in touch with life’s mysteries

Dog

Faithful, loyal, protective of those they love, good teachers, good at listening, intelligent, guarding, devotion, trust, dog teaches their charges to be aware of subtle changes, not to be afraid to go forward and to not be overly cautious, companionship and sociable, assisting and helpful, sensory perception, obedient.

Dolphin

Kindness, wisdom, happiness, playful, deep emotions, harmony, good communication skills, sensitive to others emotions, empathetic, trustful, connection to nature, awareness, intelligence, healing abilities, generous, intuitive, curiosity, needs to learn to balance work and play and to use natural skills in helping others.

Dragon

Carefree, strong imagination, enjoys freedom, truth, flighty, able to understand dreams, may have vivid dreams, awareness, an active mind, dragon's encourages those to connect with nature and to enjoy the outdoors, dragons urge those to see the real truth in situations and to see past illusions, dragons can signify change and transformation in a person's life if they find themselves drawn to dragons, or dragonfly is encouraging them to make changes in their lives.

Dove

Spirit messenger, peace, love, harmony, strong family bonds-very family orientated, gentle and likes to keep the peace, soothing, would be ideal in careers where they can help others, healing abilities, needs to make sure they do not have their kind nature taken advantage off, communication abilities with spirit, sensitive to emotions.

Eagle

Sacrifice, divine spirit, intelligence, good eye for seeing between the lines and for what things really are, observant and watchful, risk-taker, courage, likes adventure, visionaries and likes personal freedom, very focussed and skilful, eagle encourages you to go to new levels and push for your goals/dreams and to explore, ability to see hidden spiritual truths, connection to the spirit world, intelligent, eagle encourages those to put things in to action.

Falcon

Signifies new beginnings, falcon people likes adventure and they are passionate, leadership skills, likes to initiate and lead, very focussed, likes freedom and has high aspirations, determined, quick, falcon encourages those to take chances and to strike at opportunities, patient with others but needs to learn to be tolerant too.

Fox

Quick-witted, like's solitude, adaptable, cunning, sly, encourages those to be independent and self-reliant. encourages those to use their intuition and to be mindful of others, clever and observant, wildness, swift and quick, wisdom, intelligence, ability to observe the unseen, encourages those to not isolate themselves too much from society, also encourages those not to brag, very good hearing and sight.

Horse

The goddess of the land, stamina, likes freedom and travel, strength, grace and dignity, loyal to friends, may have OBEs, horse encourages those to speak the truth and to follow dreams and to not be controlling and manipulative, horse also encourages those to be adventurous and use their power and strength to overcome obstacles, horse people are able to see the good and bad in people, they are sensitive to others emotions and are cooperative.

Ladybird/ladybug
Love, good fortune, gives protection, cheerful and creative, ladybug people may have good luck, encourages those to go at a slow pace and not rush in to things, has strong family ties and keen instincts, ladybird teaches those to improve their communication and social skills.

Lion

Strength, courage, protector, Strong family ties, high energy levels, authoritive, dominant, dignity, leadership skills, gentle and patient, the lion reminds those to not over do things in their lives and to avoid confrontations, if feeling threatened though don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, very protective of those they love.

Mouse

Quiet, shy, wise, good attention to details, sociable, adaptable, determined, cautious, modest, can be fearful and distrustful, mouse teaches those to speak up about their feelings and opinions, to face up to their fears and to be alert in their surroundings.

Owl

Bird of magic, psychic gifts and darkness, clairvoyance ability, insight, messenger of secrets and omens, freedom, silent wisdom, healing powers, truth, connection to the moon and night, observant and watchful, knowledge, good night vision, the owl encourages those to get in touch with their psychic abilities and to use their intuition, owl people have the ability to see and know the truth, intelligent, mysterious, perceptive, quiet, great listeners and wise counsels.

Rabbit/Hare
Curiosity, territorial over their homes, fertility, rabbit/hare people are very cautious and can be quite fearful and tend to be worriers, they are quick thinkers and act fast in situations, rabbit teaches those to face their fears and to not run away from their problems but to face up to them, rabbit/hare also teaches those to be self-confident, rabbit/hare can appear when a new life is about to begin either that be a birth of a baby or a situation.

Snake

Impulsive, wisdom, initiative, snakes represent rebirth and transformation, they can also represents a spiritual awakening, healing powers, wisdom, intelligence, psychic energy, the snake encourages change and transformation in a person's life, awareness, intuitive, protection, fertility, patient, snakes come along when change is needed and new life cycles are to begin.

Spider

Protective, territorial, enjoys own company, always busy and likes to be on the go, keen homemakers, avoids confrontations but will fight to protect themself fiercely, fragile and easily hurt, sensitive but which is hidden with a protective layer, creative, clever, cunning and sly, intelligent, patient, spiders teaches those to use their creative side, to be more perceptive and to not use cunning ways to get what they want from people and to not be manipulative.

Tiger
Strength, high energy levels, power, very sensual and outgoing, can work in teams but prefers to be solitary, willpower, passionate, devoted to those they love and what they feel passionate about, ambitious, adventurous, tiger people may prefer the night time rather than the day time, enjoys freedom, maybe flamboyant, bold and daring, tiger people can have intense high/low mood swings and needs to learn to balance this out.

Wolf

Loyal, intuitive, connection with the spirit world, perseverance, teacher of spirit, intelligent, sociable, strong family ties, can work good in a team, very protective of family and of self, psychic energy, cunning, quick, observant, wise and has a lot of wisdom, the wolf encourages those to honour the need for solitary times, generous, compassionate, friendly, good communication skills, faithful to those they love, wolf reminds those to listen to their intuition and gut instincts and to avoid confrontations and to achieve balance in their lives.

Have you ever tried Herbal tea?

Herbal teas are renowned for their benefits, you are taking the herb and infusing it so you get all the healthy benefits from that herb straight into your system, like a little health shot. 

What is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea looks like tea and is brewed in the same way as tea, but it not actually a tea at all. This is because they do not come from the Camellia Sinensis bush, the plant from which all teas are made. Herbal teas are actually infusions, and are properly called tisanes. Tisanes are made from mixtures of dried leaves, seeds, grasses, nuts, barks, fruits, flowers, or other botanical elements that give them their taste and provide the benefits of herbal teas.

Unlike other forms of tea, herbal teas contain no caffeine. They also taste great and are easy to drink. Your herbal tea may consist of one main herbal ingredient or it may be a blend of herbal ingredients, designed to bring about a specific purpose, such as relaxation, rejuvenation, relief from a specific condition, and other things.

Noted Benefits of Herbal Teas

Firstly, it is important to note that there is a huge array of herbal teas available on the market – each one designed to have a specific therapeutic or medicinal benefit. However, there are some general benefits that can be obtained from herbal teas, and these include:

• achieving a more calm and relaxed state of mind
• supporting heart health
• aiding with stomach and digestive problems
• providing cleansing properties for the body
• promoting energy and wellness
• nourishing the nervous system
• strengthening the immune system
• providing antioxidants to the body
• boosting energy levels and invigorating the body
• relieving stress
• helping to avoid colds
• stimulating the internal organs
• promoting a good night’s sleep
• it is caffeine free and tastes great

Some Common Herbal Tea Ingredients

There are many different herbs that can be found in an herbal tea, each with a different use. Some common ones include:

Allspice – helps to soothe the common cold and relieves upset stomachs.

Anise seed – aids digestion and freshens the breath. It can also soothe a cough and improve bronchitis.

Chamomile – is renowned for its calming properties and is also said to be anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. Calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory. Great for nervousness, PMS, cramps, flatulence, and colds.

Chrysanthemum – is sweet-tasting and is able to reduce body heat resulting from fever. It also helps protect against liver damage and neutralizes toxins. A Chinese herbal tea remedy. Lowers blood pressure, relieves headaches, helpful for cold & flu, helpful for skin issues, may help tinnitus, helps dizziness, and has been believed to help mental alertness and vision.

Cinnamon – is calming and helps to support healthy circulation and digestion.

Dandelion: Liver decongestant, cleansing, diuretic. Great for bile secretion, indigestion, constipation, and helpful for skin conditions.

Echinacea: Immune system support, anti-inflammatory, tissue healing, blood and lymphatic cleanser. Helpful for eczema, psoriasis, hives, allergies, fever, cold & flu, weak immune system, slow-healing wounds, allergies, and infections.

Fennel: Expectorant, enhances breast milk production, gentle liver and bile stimulant. Great for indigestion, nausea, cough & cold, suppressed or insufficient lactation.

Ginseng – stimulates vitality and helps the body stay healthy.

Ginger root – is excellent for improving circulation, and is one of the best herbs for improving digestion, nausea, lung congestion, and arthritis.

Green Tea: Anti-ageing, Antioxidant, mild stimulant, astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory. Great for cancer prevention, treatment of gum disease, inflammation, and mild cases of diarrhea.

Hawthorne – strengthens the heart and increases blood flow.

Hibiscus: Antioxidant, diuretic, immune boosting. Great for lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, colds, and weight loss.

Jasmine: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune support. Great for blood circulation, mental concentration, cancer prevention, enables regular bowel movements and cleanses the urinary tract.

Kava: Sedative, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, clarifies thought process and improves memory. Great for depression, anxiety, cramps and muscle aches, PMS, asthma, and topically great as an anti-fungal.

Lavender: Relaxant and antispasmodic. Great for asthma, bronchitis, spasms and constriction of urinary tract and bladder, muscle cramps, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, upset stomach and flatulence. Topically great for infections, irritable skin conditions, and healing for wounds.

Lemongrass – is frequently used due to its calming properties. Antioxidant, anti-fungal, antimicrobial. Great for reducing blood pressure, improving circulation, reducing flatulence, improving skin, boosting immune system, calming to nervous system, detoxifying to organs, reducing cellulite, and help tone muscle and tissue.

Lemon Verbena: Lemon Verbena - like citrus liqueurs such as Poire William and Calvados - are traditionally used in France as a digestive aid. This is because the citrus content helps to break down fats in the digestive tract.

Licorice: Soothing, expectorant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, liver protective, adrenal gland tonic. Great for soothing coughs and clearing phlegm, bronchitis, liver inflammation, ulcers & colitis, and adrenal insufficiency.

Mullein: Soothing expectorant, soothing diuretic, soothing to lymph and mucus membranes. Great for allergies, inflammation, dry cough, mouth sores, respiratory issues, and lymphatic irritation.

Nettle: Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, urinary tonic and diuretic, astringent to mucus membranes. Great for seasonal allergies, chronic inflammations, arthritis, excessive mucus discharge, burning or difficulty urinating, and skin disorders.

Parsley – is a diuretic and helps with kidney function.

Pau d'arco - has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, yeasts (including Candida albicans), viruses (including herpes simplex types I and II, influenza virus, poliovirus and retroviruses) and parasites.

Peppermint – is good for stress relief. It also helps with stomachs and digestive issues and helps to freshen the breath. Stomach antispasmodic, breath freshener. Great for bad breath, indigestion, heartburn, upset stomach, muscles aches, flatulence, nausea/vomiting, congestion and cough, stress, asthma, and skin disorders. The taste and aroma can be energizing and stress reducing.

Red Clover - use as a medicine for menopausal symptoms, cancer, mastitis, joint disorders, asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis and eczema. It is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Rose hips – are a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. They are a liver, kidney, and blood tonic, and are a good remedy for fatigue, colds, and cough.

Rooibos: Antioxidant, antispasmodic, soothing. Great for irritability, mild depression, hypertension, headaches, heartburn, nausea, stomach cramps, healthy skin, healthy nervous system.

Sarsaparilla – promotes energy and healthy skin.

Slippery elm – helps to relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems.

St John's Wort: St John's Wort is an extract of a small yellow flower commonly found in Britain and Europe. It is a mild anti-depressant and shown to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recent medical research shows that St John's Wort helps with depression by raising chemical levels in the brain.

Making Herbal Tea

When you are making your herbal tea, use fresh, cold water. Do not use aluminium cookware as it can affect the taste. Use glass, cast iron, or stainless steel where possible. A tea strainer is very helpful as it lets you create your own blends of teas or herbs, and stops the leaves and flowers from escaping into the drink.

Once the water has boiled, add one heaped teaspoon of herbs for every cup of water. Cover and let the herbs steep for ten minutes. Do not over-steep the herbs as the flavour may become too strong and taste more medicinal rather than pleasant. If you want to enhance the flavour of your tea, honey or lemon can be great choices.

(All info has been researched. If this information is yours, let me know. No copyright intended)