We’ve all been there with brain fog. The “omg I can’t even remember my co-worker’s name who literally has sat next to me for 2 years,” or the “Shit, I forgot to buy tomato paste when that is literally the only thing I need.” It gets the best of us for whatever reason, such as when you’re burnt out, you’re in your feelings and hormonal, you stayed up late consecutively for the last few nights, or maybe you went to a festival or had a rager at your house. My mind is still buffering no matter how many times I hard reboot with sleep. One of my favorite ways to get what I need is through tea blends. I am obsessed with learning about what plants can do for us and how they thrive in their ecosystem. People have been extracting medicine from plants for centuries! You can infuse, extract, decoct, or even make a tincture or syrup. The possibilities are endless in customizing your blend to what you might be seeking some aid in.
While I am not an herbology expert, rather somewhere between an enthusiast and amateur, I’ve done tons of research on what herbs can be brain boosting and support an overall calm. I designed this tea to be drunk before bedtime, with the idea that you’d wake up well-rested and more connected to your mind. Our days can be chaotic, and I think once we chill out and rest properly, our bodies and brain can do its thing of healing. I find that the time I usually drink tea is in the evening after dinner. I don’t always get the best sleep, So I can use all the help I can get. Maybe it’s a placebo, who knows, but I feel good drinking and have shared some of it with friends who all have had positive notes to share about it. Witch hats and cauldrons are highly recommended tools.
So without further ado:
Makes a little more than ~1 cup of dried herbs.
6 Tablespoons: Tulsi Tea
(It is considered a powerful adaptogen that helps alleviate mental and environmental stress and promotes general wellbeing. It is considered safe to drink everyday. I use this as my base and built around it since I know this herb is safe for everyday use.)4 Tablespoons: Skullcap
(It is used for treating anxiety and nervous tension. American skullcap has shown to be an antioxidant and may protect some neurological disorders, such as Alzheimers, parkinsons, or depression. It is also a great sleep aid.)4 Tablespoons: Brahmi
(aka gotu kola. It enhances mental sharpness and strengthens intellect. Supportive to the nervous system.)2 Tablespoons: Lavender
(Helps treat anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Induces calm not only for the mind, but the head and stomach, too!)2 Tablespoons: Chamomile
(Helps with sleep quality and relaxation. It also reduces inflammation and contains anti-microbial properties.)
Mix well and store in a cool, dark, dry place.
I personally put in about 2-3 heaping teaspoons in a strainer and let it sit in water until it gets a nice light yellowish, brownish color. I don’t let it sit for too long otherwise it gets bitter. Avoid putting water just off the boil so that it doesn’t kill the nutrients in the herbs. Play with this! Depending on how hot the water is, you might only need about 45 seconds.
I typically don’t expect overnight results. Sometimes it takes a couple days before you notice the effects. The effects can be subtle and in some bodies it can be felt a bit more drastically. Give it some time whenever you start any new regimen or introduce herbs into your routine. Everybody is different and reacts differently to various medicines.
Feel free to make your own adjustments! As always however, if you are taking certain medications or are expecting, please consult your physician beforehand to ensure that the tea is safe for you to drink. Feel free to swap out or use this as a base to add whatever other herbs you like!